The Core Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston awards residencies to exceptional, highly motivated visual artists and critical writers who have completed their undergraduate or graduate training and are working to develop a sustainable practice. Established in 1982, the Core artist residencies encourage intensive and innovative studio practice; the Core critical studies residencies, added in 1998, provide an opportunity for writers to pursue independent curatorial and writing projects, broadening the scope of the critical dialogue that is central to the practices of all Core residents.

Residents engage with a wide range of distinguished artists, critics, curators, and scholars, who are invited to meet individually with the residents, lead seminars, and deliver public lectures. Core fellows participate in a yearlong seminar, the content of which is driven by contemporary concerns, the interests and work of the fellows, and the Core lecture series and visitors.

The Core residency term lasts nine months, from September to May, and fellows may apply to be readmitted for a second year. Each spring the program mounts an exhibition of work produced during the residency, which is accompanied by a publication to which the critical studies residents contribute texts based on their original research. Residents receive a 21,500 USD stipend, 24-hour access to a private studio or office, and borrowing privileges at the museum’s Hirsch Library and Rice University’s Fondren Library.