3Arts supports artists working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts in the Chicago metropolitan area. 3Arts partners with Artist Communities Alliance to provide one month residency to 3Arts awardees.

Only 3Arts Awardees are eligible to apply for this program. If you are unsure of your eligibility, read below, or please reach out to your Awardee contact at 3Arts. 

3Arts Residency Program Guidelines

 

The 3Arts Residency Program is available by invitation only to past recipients of 3Arts awards, grants, and/or residencies. Eligible artists will be notified by 3Arts with application information. 

We recommend that you begin the application process in advance of the deadline so we may assist you if you have difficulties. We cannot guarantee a timely response to inquiries sent after 3 pm CT on Friday, April 17, 2026. For technical questions using the web application Submittable, please click on their HELP tab. 

For other questions about this program, please contact ACA at grants [at] artistcommunities.org.

Eligible Artists

  • Must be a recipient of any of the following: 3Arts Award (2008-2025), 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency (2014-2025), and/or a 3Arts Make a Wave Award (2017-2025).
  • Must wait two years to re-apply if you participated in this program previously.
  • Must be able to commit to a residency of one month in late 2026 or 2027.

Terms

If accepted, artists will receive:

  • A one-month residency in 2026 at one of the participating residencies
  • A travel stipend
  • A cash stipend to offset other costs of the residency

If needed, 3Arts will cover travel and housing for a personal assistant/caregiver. Stipends will be disbursed by ACA.

How to Apply

Eligible artists have been emailed the direct link to the application. A PDF preview of the application can be found here.

Application Closes on April 20, 2026, 11:59 pm Central Time.
 

(1) Determine your site preferences

Please review the descriptions of each site to determine your preferences. The three residency sites are Surf Point, Montalvo Arts Center, and Camargo Foundation. You can also compare the three residency sites in this document. 

(2) Prepare your work samples + work sample index

WORK SAMPLES: You may submit any combination of the following of recent or relevant work, not to exceed 8 total work samples or 5 minutes cumulative of time-based media

  • Images (JPG)
  • Audio (MP3, M4a, WAV)
  • Video (MP4, MOV, MPG, WMV)
  • Plays (PDF): total to not exceed 15 pages

WORK SAMPLE INDEX: In a single PDF file, list each work sample, including title of piece and year. As applicable, also list dimensions, materials, performers, etc., and an optional brief description of the work. If the work is the result of a collaboration, indicate your role in its creation.

(3) Complete the online application. 

You'll first be asked to sign in or create a free Submittable account on the application page. You will then be asked to provide the following:

  • Your first, second, and third choice of residency sites (you may also indicate "no preference").
  • Your scheduling availability for a residency in 2026-2027
  • A brief statement of interest (300 words or fewer)
  • Any special requirements, specific equipment, accessibility, or other needs

  • An optional statement about your current work, future plans, new ideas, etc. (150 words or fewer)

     

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is the 3Arts Residency Program? 

A: The 3Arts Residency Program is a partnership between Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) and 3Arts, designed to support the creative practices of eligible 3Arts artists. This opportunity offers 3Arts awardees a residency experience at a host site selected from ACA’s membership organizations. 

Q: Tell me about the residency being offered to 3Art Artists. 

A: Through the 3Arts Residency Program, eligible 3Arts awardees are eligible for an approximately one month residency at one of a cohort of partner residencies. Artists will receive a residency stipend and travel stipend to support this opportunity, funded by the 3Arts Foundation and administered by ACA.

Q: Who is eligible for a residency experience through this program? 

A: To receive this opportunity, artists must be a recipient of any of the following: 3Arts Award (2008-2025), 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency (2014-2025), and/or a 3Arts Make a Wave Award (2017-2025). 

Q. Can I reapply to this opportunity if I’ve participated in this program before?

A: Artists must wait two years to reapply if you participated in this program previously. If you’ve applied before and not been invited to participate, and are still within the range of eligible artists, we encourage you to reapply. Artists are eligible for a maximum of two residencies through this program. 

Q. How long is the duration of the residency?  

A.  Selected artists must be able to commit to a residency of approximately one month. 

Q: What is the timeline for this program? 

A: Artists should expect to hear from ACA about six weeks after the close of the application. Successful applicants will be notified and put into contact with the residency host site staff to coordinate scheduling their residency. Residencies usually take place in the year after being selected (i.e., if placed in 2026 artists will attend a residency in 2027).

Q: What residencies are participating in this program? 

A: The list of this year's participating residencies will be posted on the website in advance of the application. Each year, we choose host sites from ACA's member network to offer a selection of residencies which serve the broad range of disciplines represented by 3Arts artists. As such, the slate of residencies changes slightly from year to year.

Q: What facilities or amenities will I have access to while in residence? 

A: That depends on the residency program you’re placed with! While each residency program will offer you a different experience, all participating residencies will be prepared to provide you with housing and space in which to work for the duration of your stay. You can see a list of the previous year’s host sites on our website. 

Q: Can I choose to attend any residency site in the ACA Network? 

A: No, you cannot. Residency sites for this program are selected in advance of the application. Successful applicants will be placed in one of the selected sites. 

Q: What is the criteria for artist selection, and who selects the artists? 

A: Successful applicants are selected by staff at the participating residency sites (in collaboration with ACA and 3Arts staff), who use criteria that align with the selection process of their own programs. Central to the decision is to ensure that their program can support the needs of the artist and their creative practice. Residency host sites are chosen by the ACA and 3Arts team to ensure that they are best suited to support the diverse practices of eligible 3Arts artists. Once an artist is selected, they become a resident of that host site organization, and can take advantage of all the opportunities provided. 

Q: Is there a stipend provided to the selected artists?

A: Yes. Each artist will receive a $2,000 USD stipend, and $500 USD towards domestic travel or $1,500 USD towards international travel, as applicable. The total amount is an unrestricted award, and you will not be required to submit receipts. ACA will send you the funds six weeks prior to the start of your residency.

Q: What if I have accessibility needs that affect my ability to attend a residency? 

A: There is space for you to communicate your access needs during the application process. We take access needs very seriously, and are prepared to advocate on your behalf for anything you may need in order to thrive in your residency. If you have a question or concern, please reach out to grants [at] artistcommunities.org. 

Q: Can I bring a partner/collaborator/caretaker/child with me to the residency? 

A: If you have an access need that necessitates bringing a caretaker with you, the ACA grantmaking team will work with the residency staff to make arrangements that can accommodate this. We encourage you to include this information in your application. 3Arts and ACA are dedicated to supporting disabled artists and ensuring that everyone has what they need to take advantage of this opportunity. In terms of collaborators or family, we make assessments on a case-by-case basis depending on your situation and what our residencies are able to accommodate. If bringing a partner, family member, or collaborator is the difference between you being able to have a successful residency, let us know! We make every effort to set you up with a situation that is beneficial, within the parameters of the program. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Q: Will I be expected to present my work publicly while in residence? 

A: Each residency host site has different artist expectations and opportunities. For the most part, artists are welcome to use their time in residence however they like. That being said, some residency sites do have some cohort expectations. Once the host sites are announced, more information about each program will be available. 

Q: Who do I contact if I have a question that isn’t answered here? 

A: All questions about the 3Arts Residency Program can be directed to grants [at] artistcommunities.org.