Emerging and mid-career artists seeking time and space to create, experiment, and grow.

Local and regional artists across disciplines, including:  
• Visual artists (painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, mixed media)
• Performing artists (theater, movement, spoken word)
• Musicians who work with low-decibel instruments (solo acoustic, electronic, or experimental sound work suitable for shared studios)
• Literary artists (writers, poets, playwrights)
• Interdisciplinary and socially engaged artists

• 24-hour access to studio space.
• Shuttle service to and from the Alexandria Campus, where MCA is located. Limited routes.
• One shared welcome meal and one farewell reception.
• Cafe and restaurant located on campus.
• All artists receive stipends for workshops and classes taught as part of the residency at the rate of $45 p/hr, min 1.5 hrs.

• Housing
• Per diem
• Materials
• Commission fees. This is not a commission.
• Stipend to attend the residency. Stipend, wages, or salary. This is not a commission.
** Resident Artists and Ignite Fellows receive stipends for any workshops or classes they teach.

11 ft. x 22 ft. Single and double occupancy options available.

3 months.

General Artist Residency Fees  
Single Occupancy Studio: $1,800 residency fee.
Double Occupancy Studio: $1,200 residency fee per artist.
A non-refundable residency fee deposit is due upon acceptance to secure placement. A refundable $50 key deposit is also required at that time and will be returned upon the safe return of keys and cards. Payment plans are available upon request.

Ignite Artist Fellowships (Free for Artists)
One Single Occupancy Fellow in the 2026 Winter and Spring Residencies. Double occupancy available for duo or trio collaboration.
We hope to expand the number of Ignite Fellows in the 2026–2027 fiscal year as the program grows.

The Ignite Fellowship offers free studio space and professional development support to emerging artists from the global majority and historically marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to creative resources and opportunities.

Fellows are not charged any fees to participate in the program. The only cost is a refundable key deposit required at the start of the residency. Each artist also receives a $1,000 stipend to support materials, transportation, or project-related expenses during their residency.

For the 2026 Winter and Spring Residencies, only one fellow will be selected from this application cycle. We hope to expand the number of participating artists in the 2026–2027 fiscal year as the program grows.

MCA will showcase the 2026 resident artists during their annual benefit exhibition, in consultation with the artists. The dates are May 14–June 25, 2027.

In addition, as part of the residency, artists are expected to share their work and creative process through at least one public-facing event. Examples include:

• Open Studio – Invite visitors into your workspace to share works in progress and spark dialogue.
• Artist Talk or Panel Discussion – Present your practice, influences, or project outcomes in conversation with MCA staff or guest moderators.
• Workshop or Demonstration – Offer a hands-on or observational session related to your medium or process. Resident Artists will receive a stipend for this session, if they opt to teach a workshop or demonstration at the rate of $45 per hour, min 1.5 hrs.
• Exhibition or Performance – Present completed or experimental work in the MCA galleries (during May 14-June 25 exhibition window) or in the performance spaces at a time mutually selected by MCA and the artist, and as performance space is available. (Time TBD).
• Community Collaboration – Develop a participatory or site-specific project that connects directly with local audiences.

Residents are encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their practice and goals, in consultation with MCA staff.

Submission Requirements: 
• 10 images or files
• CV
• An artist statement
• A short bio

Submission Fee:
$20 per application. Images/files, CV, a short bio and an artist statement must be submitted online here.
Submissions are currently closed.

Submission fees help support the many costs associated with administering our programs and reflect an artist’s genuine commitment to participating. These fees contribute to the time, staff, and resources required to thoughtfully review applications and sustain opportunities for artists throughout the year.

We are committed to ensuring access for all applicants. If the submission fee poses a financial challenge, please reach out to air@mosesianarts.org to discuss an alternative arrangement.