National Residencies
Contemporary Craft’s National Residency program supports artists working in small metals, jewelry, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, and small-scale woodworking. We offer two types of National Residencies (for artists living outside of a 100 mile radius of Pittsburgh, PA). A Short-Term Residency for a period of one month, and a Long-Term Residency for a period of six months. All National Artists-in-Residence will receive free furnished housing in a four bedroom home just a quick three-minute drive from Contemporary Craft, a semi-private work space at Contemporary Craft, and access to our fully equipped Studio spaces.
The National Residency is an independent, studio-focused residency. Time frames are staggered so that residents arrive individually.
Applications for 2025-2026 are closed
Deadline: February 20, 2025, 11:59pm
Notification: Mid-March, 2025
Short-Term Residency
Each Short-Term Residency will last for a period of one month during the months of August 2025, November 2025, February 2026, and May 2026.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be a non-Pittsburgh resident.
- Applicants must work in a medium that can be supported by the Studios at Contemporary Craft. Artists working in small metals, jewelry, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, and small-scale woodworking are encouraged to apply.
- Residents are responsible for travel to and from Pittsburgh.
- Residents must have their own car for transportation during the residency.
- Residents must bring all personal tools, equipment, and materials they need to complete their work (outside of tools available in the community Studio spaces).
- Short Term Residents will be required to select at least one option from the following menu to engage with the Contemporary Craft community during their residency:
- Teach a half-day or full-day workshop (residents will receive additional compensation for teaching above their residency stipend)
- Give and Artist Talk about their work and residency
- Sell work through the Store
- Engage with youth through Contemporary Craft’s community engagement programs
- Give an artist demo at a CC event
- Residents will be required to work one evening shift (5:30pm-9:30pm) per week to support workshops in the Studios.
- Residents will be required to donate a piece of their work to CC’s annual gala auction in the spring.
- Residents must complete a successful background check prior to the start of the residency.
Benefits
- Residents receive free furnished housing in a 4 bedroom home just a quick 3-minute drive from Contemporary Craft. Residents will have a private bedroom, shared bathroom, full kitchen, living space, laundry, and parking.
- Residents will receive a $1,200 stipend, half of which will be given upon arrival and half upon completion of the term.
- Residents have access to Contemporary Craft from 9am-9pm daily.
- Residents receive a semi-private work space as well as access to all of Contemporary Craft’s community studio spaces.
Long-Term Residency
Each Long-Term Residency will last for a period of six months from July-December 2025, or January-June 2026.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be a non-Pittsburgh resident.
- Applicants must work in a medium that can be supported by the Studios at Contemporary Craft. Artists working in small metals, jewelry, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, and small-scale woodworking are encouraged to apply.
- Residents are responsible for travel to and from Pittsburgh.
- Residents must have their own car for transportation during the residency.
- Residents must bring all personal tools, equipment, and materials they need to complete their work (outside of tools available in the community Studio spaces).
- Long Term Residents will be required to select at least two options from the following menu to engage with the Contemporary Craft community during their residency:
- Teach a half-day or full-day workshop (residents will receive additional compensation for teaching above their residency stipend)
- Give and Artist Talk about their work and residency
- Sell work through the Store
- Engage with youth through Contemporary Craft’s community engagement programs
- Give an artist demo at a CC event
- Residents will be required to work one evening shift (5:30pm-9:30pm) per week to support workshops in the Studios.
- Residents will be required to donate a piece of their work to CC’s annual gala auction in the spring.
- Residents must complete a successful background check prior to the start of the residency.
Benefits
- Residents receive free furnished housing in a 4 bedroom home just a quick 3-minute drive from Contemporary Craft. Residents will have a private bedroom, shared bathroom, full kitchen, living space, laundry, and parking.
- Residents will receive a $1,200 monthly stipend which will be paid at the end of each month of the residency.
- Residents have access to Contemporary Craft from 9am-9pm daily.
- Residents receive a semi-private work space as well as access to all of Contemporary Craft’s community studio spaces.
To Apply
Artists may apply for either or both of the National Residencies. Please have the following documents prepared:
- Resume (optional)
- Artist Statement
- Letter of Interest outlining the body of work you hope to complete during your residency
- Three professional references
- Five photos of your work
Our mission is to engage the public in creative experiences through Contemporary Craft. We strive to create an inclusive environment and encourage artists of all backgrounds to apply.
