Studio Residency Program
The next Studio Residency Application will open in Spring 2025.
About the Studio Residency Program:
Chicago Art Department’s Studio Residency Program is a subsidized initiative that supports 12-month growth opportunities for artists, with an option to renew for a second year. During the application process, artists identify goals for their practice, strategies for intention and engagement, and plans for exhibitions and public events. At the end of each term, Resident Artists revisit their goals to identify areas of growth and define the next steps for their practice.
Requirements for Resident Artists
Develop new works through 12 months of studio practice.
Show new works in exhibitions and interact with a public audience.
Participate in monthly meetings, professional advancement opportunities, and critical discussions.
Why Become a Resident at CAD?
Join a community of civically-focused artists bridging the space between art and justice in Chicago!
Propose exhibitions and programs. Submit your ideas for exhibitions and public programs in our two gallery spaces and shared community areas.
Participate in CAD’s Spring Studio Visiting Program, running from February through May, and engage in one-on-one studio visits with a dynamic cohort of arts professionals from Chicago and beyond.
Peer-to-peer feedback. Receive constructive feedback on your work during monthly meetings with fellow residents.
Connect with the public through monthly 2nd Fridays, Open Studio Events, and CAD MRKTs, which support artists who are also makers.
Collaborative arts community. Be part of a larger arts community in Chicago, collaborating with other galleries on resident exhibitions, organizing field trips, educational workshops, and more.
Exclusive access. Enjoy front-row access to all the incredible exhibitions and experiences hosted at CAD.
Studio benefits. Benefit from 24/7 studio access and subsidized residency fees ranging from $250 to $350. Residents keep 100% of exhibition sales.
Being part of CAD isn't just about having studio space—it’s about being part of a community that expands visibility and connects you with professionals from all sorts of fields across the city. It’s a place where you can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful connections.