The Nicholson Project is an artist residency program coupled with a neighborhood garden that works to support artists and serve as a creative and innovative cultural hub. We aim to become a community anchor that celebrates the community’s authentic identity while infusing new vibrancy into Southeast DC. Our Residency Program provides the time, space, and support needed for artists to work on their studio practice and produce onsite activations.
The Nicholson Project was founded in with a deep commitment to providing artists with space and support to create and further their practice. We want you to feel 100% supported during your time at Nicholson and beyond. As part of your acceptance, you will receive the following:
- 10-week Artist Residency at The Nicholson Project (2310 Nicholson St. SE)
- $5,000 artist stipend
- Time and space to create
- Private access to the Residency Suite that includes an artist studio and apartment with a fully furnished bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom
- One-on-one support from our Managing Director and our Programs Manager
- Studio visits and consultation with a guest curator throughout your residency
- Introductions to other artists, curators, and others you would like to meet for research related to your practice
- Promotional support (press releases for residency, social media promotion, etc)
- Professional documentation of your work and headshots
- Up to $2,000 and staff support to develop and implement a Resid01
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
WHAT’S EXPECTED OF ME AS A RESIDENT?
- One open studio tour that is open to the public.
- One artist talk: in-person or virtual (Zoom, IG Live, etc)
- Monthly studio visits with TNP staff and guest curators; sharing in-progress artwork and allowing some photos and/or videos that we can share on our social media, newsletter, etc.
- There may be one or two additional activities we would like you to participate in, such as a small community dinner or reception. We will always let you know about these in advance.
- While you’re with us, there may be additional community dinners and other programs at The Nicholson Project that you are welcome to join but are not mandatory.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We welcome emerging, mid-career and established visual artists & designers, but also makers, chefs, gardeners, architects, engineers, and scientists too! Just let us know what you’re into and why Nicholson is a fit. Local and national creatives are encouraged to apply. Although our residencies are open to all artists, our focus is on BIPOC artists and those who live in or have ties to Southeast Washington, DC.
HOW DO I APPLY?
We use Slideroom to receive and review applications. It is free to make an account. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee. CLICK HERE to apply.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Applications for 2025 residencies open on April 12, 2024. The deadline to apply is May 13, 2024.
WHEN WILL MY RESIDENCY BE?
Each residency is for 10 weeks (2.5 months). In your application, you will be asked to indicate which periods work for your schedule, and if you are selected then our staff will be in touch with you to set the exact dates.
NOTIFICATION?
Notifications for our upcoming applications will be sent out by August 15, 2024.
WHO CHOOSES THE RESIDENTS?
Residents are chosen by a selection committee, including Nicholson staff, community members, stakeholders, curators, and artists actively working in the arts community. This year's selection committee includes Chela Mitchell, Stephanie J. Williams, and Sheila McDaniel.
ARE MEALS SERVED?
No. However, the studio space includes a full, eat-in kitchen with cooktop, micro/oven combo, full refrigerator, and sink with disposal in your residence. In season, The Nicholson Project runs a large neighborhood garden. Residents are encouraged to be involved and share in the produce, depending on the time of year you are in residence.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN DO MY LAUNDRY?
There is a washer and dryer available on site for use anytime, free of charge.
Residency Projects FAQ
- Are Residency Projects required as part of my residency? No
- What is a Residency Project? Residency Projects can be on-site or off-site activations, performances, or community-focused engagement projects to be completed within the timeframe of your residency. We are open and flexible, but we do have a limited budget and small staff, so we are committed to funding projects that work to fulfill our mission.
- Can the Residency Project be a gallery exhibition? For the most part, the answer is no. Our exhibitions are organized by our staff and through an open call. We have found that the time you are in residence is rarely enough time to fully develop and create an exhibition, as well as properly promote and handle all of the behind-the-scenes logistics. If you do want to do an exhibition as your residency project, we may consider this in certain cases (i.e. where you use your entire residency to build a site-specific installation). Feel free to email us if you have any questions.
- How does this work? After you are selected as an Artist-in-Residence, you are then eligible to propose a Residency Project. Proposals are due September 15th of the year prior to your residency (i.e. if your residency is in 2025, then your proposal is due no later than September 15th, 2024). Proposals should include a description of the project, any images, sketches, etc that might support your idea, and a budget. Our staff will review and then schedule a meeting to talk through any questions.
- Is there funding for the Residency Projects? Yes, you will need to submit a budget proposal for up to $2,000. Budgets should include line items and a breakdown of expenses. Examples of allowable expenses include fees for collaborating artists or speakers, contractors (i.e. if you want this to be documented then include the cost of the videographer, if you need fabricators to help build a structure, dancers, musicians, etc), materials, equipment purchase or rental. You may not use this budget to pay yourself. We have a small inventory of tech equipment such as projectors, speakers, a camera, etc. If your budget includes purchasing certain equipment, note that The Nicholson Project will be the owner of this equipment.