Apply for a 2027 Folkist Space Residency

Application Guidelines

This year we’re running our funded residency program a little differently to accommodate some building improvement work at both the Kirkland Art Center and Folkist Space.

It’s also giving us the opportunity to try something new: a different kind of selection process that aligns with our folk art ethos that all artists deserve the space and time to prioritize creative work!

How this year’s Mini-RESIDENCY PROGRAM WORKS

• Instead of our usual juried process, EVERY artist who meets the minimum residency qualifications will be entered into a drawing for a mini-residency of four nights and five days at The Garret at Folkist Space.

• From that pool, we’ll draw three artists for our 2027 residencies! These artists will then be invited to schedule their residency for open dates in February, March, April or May of 2027.

• Travel support stipends of $150 per artist will be funded through our partnership with The Kirkland Art Center.

• Artists will work at The Garret at Folkist Space, a large live/work retreat space near the art center. No additional studio space is provided this year, so if your work requires specialized equipment like a pottery studio, please take note!

This year’s ReSIDENCY QUALIFICATIONS

Our short application and $5 fee support a light screening process by our volunteer team to make sure each artist meets the requirements for this year’s program. This year we’re accepting applications from any artist:

• Who lives within a reasonable driving distance of Clinton, NY. (Because of the short length of our mini-residencies, this year we will prioritize artists within a day’s drive of our location)

• Whose practice is a good fit for working in the Garret at Folkist Space or outdoors (there will not be KAC studios available this season)

• Whose work fits our broad definition of folk art (creative work with roots in— or branches into— the lives of everyday working people)

• Who demonstrates an active, current creative practice

• Whose creative OR bill-paying work contributes to the betterment of their community. Folk arts have evolved in a social and relational context, so we prioritize artists whose lives incorporate some form of social practice, volunteer work, or service-oriented profession.
  

That’s it!

When you’re ready, add the application below to your cart and complete the application form that launches during checkout. We recommend writing your answers in a separate document and pasting them into the application form to avoid losing your work.

A NOTE ON WORK SAMPLES

Our application will ask for a link to something that you think represents you well, which can be anything from your personal website to a published piece, a video of a performance, or a social media post featuring your art. Do not submit password protected links, these will disqualify your application. While we are not doing juried portfolio reviews this year, this link is used to verify that you do have a current and active art practice.

A NOTE ON RESPONSE TIMES

Because this residency is run by volunteer artists with day jobs, our bandwidth to reply to inquiries is limited. Email turnaround time can often take at least three days. Many questions can be answered by reviewing the Folkist Space and KAC websites. Any remaining application questions can be directed to Nora at info@folkist.space.

***All applications must be submitted and received by midnight on October 20th, 2026 to be considered.

TO START YOUR APPLICATION, CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW AND ADD THE APPLICATION TO YOUR CART.