Artists and curators from anywhere in the world, including the United States, can apply to the International Program residencies at ISCP. There are three ways to apply: 1) Partner application 2) Open call for applications 3) Direct application.

The length of International Program residencies is typically between three and twelve months, (the duration depends on the sponsor).  All residencies are funded by  sponsors (governments, corporations, foundations, institutions, organizations, galleries and private patrons).

Partner application: ISCP collaborates with over forty partnering sponsors. These are governments, institutions, foundations and organizations that fund many of ISCP’s residency opportunities. Partnering sponsors publicly call for applications for ISCP residencies. A list of ISCP sponsors to date can be found here.

Open call for applications: ISCP collaborates with grant-giving organizations such as artist foundations and uses donor-supported funds to offer fully-funded residency opportunities. Over the course of the year, ISCP holds various open calls that are announced on this section of the website. The finalist is selected by a jury organized by ISCP that is composed of curators and arts professionals. ISCP urges you to apply to an open call if you feel that you meet the specific parameters described. Please scroll below to see ISCP’s current open calls.

Direct application (no deadline to apply): ISCP offers a direct application method for applicants who would like to secure sponsorship on their own. Direct applicants’ sponsors are outside organizations or individuals who provide funds to cover the cost of the program fee, including the private studio, and they might also provide a stipend for travel, accommodations, and living expenses. Residencies cannot be self-funded or crowdfunded.

The direct application is a two-step process. Applicants must first apply to ISCP by following the directions below, and if selected by ISCP’s review panel, applicants then apply to a potential sponsor (an outside organization or individual who provides funding to cover the program fee). Once the applicant receives confirmation of their funding, ISCP will work with them to schedule their residency. There is no application deadline or application fee, and the applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

The program fee for 2026 is $2,590.11 to $2,862.77 per month. The exact monthly fee depends on the size and type of studio. Applicants must also consider the cost of travel, accommodations, and living expenses.

To apply directly to ISCP, please complete and email the below downloadable application form along with your supporting materials to application@iscp-nyc.org, and please read the following information carefully.

• DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

In addition to this application form, please include the following supporting materials in your email: Curriculum vitae (five pages max); work samples (include ten images or video links with a caption: title, date, medium, and dimensions/duration for each work, and a brief description of each work); two to three scanned copies of reviews, if applicable (ten pages max.); two to three scanned copies of catalogs, if applicable (pages that feature your work only); one reference letter (send to ISCP directly with applicant’s name in subject line to application@iscp-nyc.org); one second reference contact information (different referee than referee from reference letter, only need to include name, title, institution, email, telephone and address). Supporting materials should be sent as a single PDF. 

When applying, please also review the following:

• Frequently asked questions about the application process.
• As noted above, ISCP does not locate sponsors for direct applicants. Once accepted, artists and curators are responsible for securing funding. A list of ISCP sponsors to date can be found here.
• When planning your residency, please bear in mind that residencies are scheduled approximately one to two years in advance. Availability for the upcoming year is limited. The timing of your residency cannot be confirmed until you receive confirmation of funding.
• You are not eligible for a residency at ISCP if you are enrolled in school at the time of your residency.
• Artists and curators in residence must be highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Due to the volume of applications received, ISCP is unable to provide feedback for unsuccessful applications.
• If you have previously completed a residency at ISCP, you are welcome to apply and return to ISCP. You are required to submit the direct application if it has been five years since your ISCP residency. You do not need to include a recommendation letter. Please note on your application that you are an ISCP alum.

After an applicant submits a direct application to ISCP, the panel reviews the application within two months, and if the applicant is selected, they receive an acceptance letter. All others receive notification they have not been accepted. 

Accepted applicants have two years from the date of acceptance letter to secure a sponsor (an outside organization or individual who provides funding to cover program fees). Once applicant secures sponsorship, they must send ISCP confirmation of their funding. ISCP staff and applicant then schedule the residency (typically for a date one to two years later) and both parties sign an agreement letter. 

If you do not have a U.S. passport or Green Card, you should immediately apply for a U.S. visa after confirming the timing of your residency and signing the agreement. The U.S. State Department’s consular website can be checked to confirm visa eligibility and requirements: http://travel.state.gov/. ISCP recommends making contact immediately with the nearest United States Consulate or Embassy in the resident’s home country. ISCP residents generally enter the United States on a B1/B2 visa, which is issued for business/tourist purposes. Upon request, ISCP will provide a letter in support of the visa application to incoming residents.

The Ground Floor Program is a one to two-year program that offers subsidized studios and professional development for New York City-based artists. Launched in 2015, the Ground Floor Program takes place on the first floor of the building in tandem with ISCP’s acclaimed International Program. The Ground Floor residents are integral to ISCP’s dynamic community of artists and curators from all over the world. Artists based in New York City can apply to the Ground Floor Program through an open call for applications. This open call occurs every one to two years. Please see below to see our current open calls.