3Arts supports artists working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Founded in 1912, with a history centered on women artists, 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that supports artists working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts in the Chicago metropolitan area, including women artists, artists of color, and Deaf and disabled artists. By providing unrestricted awards, project funding, residencies, professional development, and promotion, 3Arts helps artists take risks, experiment, and build momentum in their careers over time.

Since 2013, 3Arts has partnered with Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) to offer residencies for past 3Arts artists to travel to restorative and stimulating artist communities outside of Chicago to focus on their craft, connect with peers, and contribute to creative environments of exchange and collaboration.

These residencies specifically support artists who have received a past award from 3Arts and/or a past 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency.

By providing cash awards, project funding, residency fellowships, professional development and promotion, 3Arts helps artists take risks, experiment and build momentum in their careers.

2025 3Arts Artist Residencies are at Surf Point, Montalvo Arts Center, and Camargo Fellowship.

Eligible artists are invited to apply for a one-month residency at one of three selected residency host sites from Artist Communities Alliance's network. The residencies include a stipend and airfare.

Eligible artists will receive an email with more information about applying and an application link. Read more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Questions about this program? Contact grants [at] artistcommunities.org.

Report an Incident 

If you have experienced instances of harm at an artist residency program, including, but not limited to racism, differential treatment, transphobia, ableism, sexism, harassment, bullying, and histories of systemic abuse, we encourage you to report these incidents by contacting Flannery Patton at fpatton [at] artistcommunities.org.

As trusted intermediary and resource for and among artists, residency staff, leadership and board members, we are committed to creating inclusive, just, joyful, and accessible environments where artists and staff can thrive.