Studio Residency Program
General Info
The Oolite Arts Studio Residency Program provides artists with time, space, and resources to reach new levels of excellence. Oolite Arts Studio Residents receive free studio space at the organization’s headquarters on Miami Beach, in addition to critical connections with art leaders, exhibitions and financial resources that can lead to career-changing opportunities, and a community where artists can learn from one another and experiment with new work.
Thanks to support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Studio Residents, who have lived in South Florida for at least two years will also receive a Knight Artist Housing Stipend of $12,000, including additional support of $3,000 from Oolite Arts for a total of $15,000 to ease the impact of the region’s affordability crisis.
Studio Residency Program Benefits
- Free studio space on Miami Beach with 24-hour access.
- South Florida artists are eligible for a $12,000 annual housing stipend through the Knight Artist Housing Stipend program.
- Oolite Arts will provide additional support of $3,000 annually.
- Use of Oolite facilities including a flex lounge, printshop, and large format inkjet printer.
- Opportunity to engage with local, national, and international curators, artists, as well as participate in studio visits, exhibitions, public programs, and community outreach initiatives.
- Artists selected for the program are eligible for ongoing alumni opportunities after completion, and throughout the artist’s career.
NOT INCLUDED
Oolite Arts Studio Residency Program does not cover travel or visa costs.
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.
Residency Period
Jan. 15, 2026-Dec. 15, 2026, contingent upon resident compliance with residency guidelines.
Contact
Cherese Crockett
305-674-8278 ext. 311
[email protected]
Studio Residency Program
Eligibility and Requirements
Requirements are as follows:
- Artists must display a need for space and time to develop their practice.
- Artists must commit to working in their studio 15 hours per week.
- Artists must have the ability to commit to participating in exhibitions, public programming, studio visits, and Oolite’s community outreach initiatives.
- Artists who are selected should seek to engage in Miami’s artist community and take advantage of Miami’s cultural offerings.
What You Need to Apply
- Full contact information.
- A brief statement (500 words or less) explaining why you want to join the Oolite Arts Studio Residency Program and what you aim to achieve during the one-year residency.
- A brief description (150 words or less) explaining your practice/research.
- CV or resume.
- A short bio (150 words or less).
- A recent head shot.
- Up to 10 images, 10 pages of written material or 10 video links of recent work
- A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you on a professional level and can comment on your professionalism and work ethic.
- Three references (please provide the name, email address, telephone number, and address of three references who know you on a professional level and can comment on your recent work and artistic development).
*Eligibility: If you have participated in the Studio residency previously, you must wait ten years to reapply.
Application Deadline: Sept. 17, 2025. (11:59 PM EST)
Contact
Cherese Crockett
305-674-8278 ext. 311
[email protected]
FAQs
If you have questions, please read these frequently asked questions before calling our office.
Questions regarding the Studio Residency Program and Eligibility:
Q: How long is the Studio Residency?
A: The Studio residency program runs from January to December each year.
Q: Do you accept artists from other states and other countries?
A: Only artists who have resided in one of South Florida’s four counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe) are eligible to apply.
Q: I have applied for a studio at Oolite Arts before, do I need to apply again?
A: Yes.
Q: Will having had a studio at Oolite Arts in the past help or hinder my chances of being selected?
A: If you had an Oolite Arts studio in the past it will not help or hurt your chances of being selected.
Q: I am a current resident artist approaching the end of my term, may I reapply?
A: You must wait 10 years after your residency term has ended before you can reapply.
Q: I work with another artist as a collaborative team or artist collective. Do we need to apply separately?
A: Collaborative teams may apply together and show their collaborative practice. If you wish to be considered as an individual artist separate from your collaborative work, then individual work should be submitted.
Q: What if I am accepted, but I cannot move in right away?
A: The program will run from Jan. 15, 2026–Dec. 15, 2026. Once accepted, all applicants will be expected to move in January 2026.
Q: When will I be notified of acceptance/rejection?
A: After all applications are received they will be reviewed by a selection committee. Oolite will notify applicants in October 2025.
Knight Artists Housing Stipend FAQs:
Q: Who is eligible for the Knight Artist Housing Stipend?
A: All artists awarded the 2026 Studio Residency are eligible, provided they can verify continuous residency in Miami-Dade County for the past two years.
Q: What documents do I need to submit to be eligible for the Knight Artist Housing Stipend?
A: Studio Residents will need to provide two of the following documents, a mortgage statement, rent receipt, water and/or energy bills.
Q: I am an artist who is coming back to South Florida and has always had an address in South Florida. Do I qualify for the Knight Artist Housing Stipend?
A: You will qualify if you can show proof of two consecutive years as a South Florida resident.
Q: Will the funds from the Knight Artist Housing stipend be taxable?
A: Oolite Arts will provide a receipt for your tax records but cannot offer guidance on personal tax matters. Please consult your own tax advisor for assistance.
Q: What if I do not have proof of South Florida residency documents because I share my living space with someone else whose name is used on all the bills?
A: You may provide mail delivered to your address, along with a letter from the leaseholder confirming the amount you contribute toward rent and bills, and a bank statement showing regular monthly payments to that person.
Q: How is the Knight Artist Housing Stipend going to be distributed?
A: Oolite will distribute funds monthly, either by ACH direct deposit to your bank account or by mailing a check to your preferred address.
Questions regarding the Application and Work Samples:
Q: What materials do I need to apply?
To apply to the Studio Residency Program, you will need:
- Full contact information.
- A brief statement (500 words or less) explaining why you want to join the Oolite Arts Studio Residency Program and what you aim to achieve during the one-year residency.
- A brief description (150 words or less) explaining your practice/research.
- CV or resume.
- A short bio (150 words or less).
- A recent head shot.
- Up to ten images, ten pages of written material or ten video links of recent work.
- A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you professionally and can speak to your work ethic and professionalism.
- 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.
Q: I don’t have an account with Submittable.com. Can I still apply for a Studio Residency?
A: You will need an account with Submittable.com. It is free, so please create one if you intend to apply.
Q: I am having trouble with Submittable.com. Where can I get help?
A: Submittable.com has an extensive Help Section. Submittable Help Link
Q: Can I drop off my application at Oolite Arts in person?
A: If you have no access to the Internet, then you should call our office, 305-674-8278.
Q: I have read the FAQs and the application, and I still have some questions before applying. May I call the office to see if I can have my questions answered?
A: We are happy to answer any other questions that you may have. You can reach Cherese Crockett at 305-674-8278 ext. 311.
Q: I am having issues uploading files. What should I do?
A: For assistance with uploads, Submittable.com offers a clear step-by-step guide to the file submission process. Submittable Help Link
Q: My work is more suitably presented in video or audio format; can I upload a video or audio file instead?
A: While you cannot upload video and audio files directly to Oolite, you can provide a link to sites such as YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, etc., where the files can be reviewed by Oolite.
Q: Can I bring my work to the office or gallery for review?
A: You cannot bring your work to the office or gallery for review.
Residency Period
Jan. 15, 2026 – Dec. 15, 2026, contingent upon resident compliance with residency guidelines.
Contact
Cherese Crockett
305-674-8278 ext. 311
[email protected]
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