Home + Away

The Oolite Arts Home + Away program is a series of multi-week paid artist residency opportunities hosted at some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide.   In addition to dedicated studio hours for individual artistic practice, Oolite Arts emphasizes the importance of building community with fellow artists, recognizing that this collaboration is essential for advancing artistic careers.

This year Home + Away has a multi-week Oolite Arts partnership with:

• *The Bag Factory in Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa
  (Three months)
• Artpace San Antonio in Texas
  (Five weeks)
• MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts
  (Four weeks)

You can apply to one or apply to all. The selected artists will receive a $500 weekly stipend, in addition to coverage of their travel and accommodation costs. *Selected artists for the Bag Factory will receive a $4,000 stipend, in addition to coverage of their travel and accommodation costs.

Program Benefits for BAG FACTORY in Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa
(Feb. 1–April 30, 2026)

• Small furnished cottage for the duration of your stay in an area of Johannesburg called Melville.
• Shared studio space. Studios cannot support large scale sculptural work.
• Participate in events and open studios.
• Logistical assistance from the Bag Factory’s staff.
• 24-hour access to studio space.
• Wi-Fi access.
• Access to Oolite Arts alumni opportunities after completing the program.

Program Benefits for ARTPACE in San Antonio, Texas
(April 27–May 29, 2026)

• A furnished apartment.
• A workshop equipped with wood, metal, and computer facilities.
• Access to residency vehicles is only available to artists who have a valid driver’s license.
• Provided with 24-hour access to studio space.
• Technical and administrative support, access to art leaders, local artists, and curators.
• Wi-Fi access.
• Access to Oolite Arts alumni opportunities after completing the program.

Program Benefits for MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts
(May 7–June 2, 2026)

• A private, furnished studio on MASS MoCA’s mill campus, with 24-hours studio access and shared slop sinks and bathrooms.
• Housing (private bedroom/queen bed, shared kitchen, and bath) in newly renovated apartments directly across the street from the museum. (Wi-Fi is available in both studios and apartments)
• One communal meal per day in the company of fellow artists-in-residence.
  
• An optional in studio visit with a MASS MoCA curator, and other ways to share their work through artist presentations and Open Studios.
  
• One year’s access to our Assets for Artists Business Webinars after the residency.
  
• Three months of MASS MoCA member benefits, including free access to the museum’s galleries, and discounts on performing arts events and museum store purchases, plus additional access to The Clark while in residence.
  
• Access to Oolite Arts alumni opportunities after completing the program. 

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Selection Process

Oolite Arts staff reviews applications to ensure completion and eligibility. Submissions are reviewed by a multi-member jury of curators and arts professionals based outside of Miami. The jury evaluates each candidate and selects finalists. 

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Eligibility and Requirements

Requirements are as follows:

• Artists must display a need for space and time to develop their practice.
• Artists must commit to work and think collaboratively in a shared studio environment.
• Artists should seek to engage in building community and develop artist peers.
• Artists who are selected for the international residency must have a valid passport and be a permanent resident of the U.S.
• Artists must be able to attend for the entirety of the Oolite Arts’ Home + Away program.

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What You Need to Apply

1. Full contact information.
2. A brief statement (500 words or less) explaining why you want to join the Oolite Arts Home + Away Program and what you aim to achieve during the residency.
3. A brief description (150 words or less) explaining your practice/research.
4. Up to ten images, ten pages of written material or ten video links of recent work.
5. CV or resume.
6.  A short bio (150 words or less).
7. A recent head shot.
8. A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you professionally, and can speak to your work ethic and professionalism.
9. Three professional references, including their name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. These should be individuals who are familiar with your recent work and artistic development.

*Eligibility:  If you have participated in Home + Away previously, you must wait five years to apply again.

Application Deadline: Sept. 17, 2025. (11:59 p.m. EST)

Contact:
Cherese Crockett
305-674-8278 ext. 311
[email protected]

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If you have questions, please read these frequently asked questions before calling our office.

Q: When is the opportunity?

A: Bag Factory in Johannesburg, South Africa (Feb. 1–April 30, 2026), Artpace San Antonio in Texas (April 27–May 29, 2026), MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts (May 7–June 2, 2026)

Q: How long is this opportunity?

A: Please see each residency’s time period above.

Q: When is the application open? 

A: Aug. 22-Sept. 17, 2025.

Q:  Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

A:  South Florida residents, age 18 and over.

Q: Who will choose the artists?

A: A jury of arts professionals based outside of Miami will select the participants.

Q:  Does Oolite provide support to help artists with their visa applications?

A:  Oolite does not help artists with their visa applications. Additionally, if your U.S. residency status is not permanent, there is a risk that you may not be granted re-entry into the country after your international residency.

Q: What kind of programming will be offered?

A: The residency will offer studio space, visits by master artists and/or curators, and other programming.

Q: What kind of stipend will be offered?

A: Artists will receive a $500 weekly stipend in addition to coverage of their travel costs, and room and board. Selected artists for the Bag Factory residency will receive a $4,000 stipend, in addition to coverage of their travel and accommodation costs. 

Q: When will artists be notified?

A: Artists will be notified in October 2025.

Q: What protocols does Oolite Arts have in place regarding COVID-19?
A:  Each residency maintains its own COVID-19 protocols for visiting artists. Upon selection, artists will receive detailed guidelines directly from the residency outlining the required procedures