Apply for International Studio and Curatorial Program (Australia)

The International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) offers a four-month international residency opportunity in New York for Australian visual artists and arts workers. The programme supports creative development through dedicated studio space, professional exchange, networking opportunities, and engagement with international artists, curators, and cultural communities.

International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) Residency Overview

The ISCP International Program Residency provides Australian artists and curators with an opportunity to develop visual arts projects in a global creative environment.

The residency focuses on:

• Supporting artistic research and creative experimentation.
• Providing access to professional networks.
• Encouraging international cultural exchange.
• Strengthening connections between artists, curators, and institutions.
• Supporting the development of new visual arts projects.

The programme takes place in New York, United States, one of the world’s leading centres for contemporary art and cultural innovation.

About the ISCP Residency Programme

The International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) is a residency programme that supports artists and curators through international exchange, professional development, and creative collaboration.

The residency provides participants with opportunities to:

• Develop their artistic practice.
• Connect with international creative communities.
• Receive feedback from industry professionals.
• Participate in public programmes.
• Build long-term professional relationships.

Residency Duration and Support

The ISCP International Program Residency runs for:

• Four months

Selected residents receive:

• A private furnished studio space for creative work.
• Access to ISCP’s professional arts community.
• Opportunities to participate in public programmes and events.
• Professional exchange with artists and curators.

The available funding amount for this opportunity is:

• USD $35,000

Accommodation is not included, and participants are responsible for arranging their own housing in New York.

Residency Activities and Opportunities

During the four-month residency, participants can take part in various professional development activities.

These include:

Visiting Critics Sessions

Residents receive opportunities to discuss their work with visiting artists, curators, and cultural professionals.

These sessions support:

• Creative feedback.
• Critical discussion.
• Artistic development.
• Professional growth.

Field Trips

Participants may join organised visits to:

• Museums.
• Galleries.
• Cultural institutions.
• Artist studios.
• Creative organisations.

These activities help residents understand the New York arts ecosystem.

Salons and Open Studios

Residents can participate in:

• Artist discussions.
• Community events.
• Open studio presentations.
• Public engagement activities.

These programmes allow artists to showcase their work and develop connections.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an individual applicant.
• Be a practicing artist or arts worker.
• Be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.
• Be working on a visual arts project.
• Demonstrate a professional visual arts practice.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Visual artists.
• Curators.
• Arts practitioners.
• Creative professionals working in visual arts fields.

Who Cannot Apply?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Groups or organisations.
• Applicants who have submitted another application in the same ISCP residency round.
• Applicants working on feature film projects.
• Applicants working on television projects.
• Applicants working on documentary projects.
• Applicants with overdue Creative Australia grant reports.
• Applicants who owe money to Creative Australia.

Supported Artistic Areas

The residency supports projects related to:

• Contemporary visual arts.
• Artistic research.
• Curatorial practice.
• Interdisciplinary visual arts projects.
• Experimental creative practices.

Projects focused only on film, television, or documentary production are not eligible.

Benefits of the ISCP Residency

The residency provides several professional advantages, including:

Creative Development

Artists receive dedicated time and space to:

• Explore new ideas.
• Develop artworks.
• Conduct research.
• Experiment with creative approaches.

International Networking

Residents can build relationships with:

• Global artists.
• Curators.
• Galleries.
• Cultural organisations.
• Arts professionals.

Professional Growth

Participants gain:

• Industry insights.
• Critical feedback.
• Exposure to international art practices.
• Opportunities for future collaborations.

Application Support Materials

Applicants must provide supporting materials demonstrating their artistic practice.

Required materials include:

Artistic Support Material

Applicants should submit recent examples of their work, such as:

• Images.
• Videos.
• Audio material.
• Written documentation.

Preferred submission format:

• Up to three URLs linking to creative materials.

Maximum limits include:

• Up to 10 minutes of video or audio.
• Up to 10 images.
• Up to 10 pages of written material.

Links requiring login or paid subscription access will not be reviewed.

Biography or CV

Applicants should provide:

• Professional biography.
• Artistic experience.
• Career achievements.
• Relevant exhibitions or projects.

Letters of Support

Applicants may include letters that demonstrate:

• Professional recognition.
• Artistic achievements.
• Support from arts professionals or organisations.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that you:

• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Are an individual artist or arts worker.
• Work in visual arts.
• Do not have outstanding Creative Australia obligations.

Step 2: Prepare Artistic Materials

Collect:

• Recent artwork examples.
• Portfolio links.
• Biography or CV.
• Support letters.

Step 3: Submit Application

Complete the residency application with:

• Personal details.
• Project information.
• Supporting materials.
• Artistic statements.

Step 4: Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Quality of artistic practice.
• Strength of proposed project.
• Potential for creative development.
• Suitability of the residency opportunity.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain their artistic vision.
• Submit high-quality recent work samples.
• Demonstrate why an international residency is valuable.
• Highlight their professional experience.
• Ensure all links are publicly accessible.
• Avoid submitting unrelated creative materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying as a group or organisation.
• Submitting inaccessible portfolio links.
• Including outdated artwork examples.
• Applying with film, television, or documentary-only projects.
• Missing eligibility requirements.
• Providing incomplete supporting documents.

Why This Residency Matters

International artist residencies provide opportunities for creative exchange and professional development.

The ISCP Residency helps Australian artists:

• Expand their international networks.
• Experience New York’s contemporary art environment.
• Develop ambitious creative projects.
• Connect with global cultural communities.
• Strengthen their professional careers.

The programme supports artists by creating a space where experimentation, collaboration, and international dialogue can flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISCP International Program Residency?

The ISCP International Program Residency is a four-month New York residency supporting Australian visual artists and arts workers through studio access, professional exchange, and creative development opportunities.

How much funding is available through the residency?

The available funding amount for this opportunity is USD $35,000.

Is accommodation provided during the residency?

No. ISCP provides a private furnished studio space, but participants must arrange and pay for their own accommodation.

Who can apply for the ISCP Residency?

Individual Australian citizens or permanent residents who are practicing visual artists or arts workers can apply.

Can organisations or groups apply?

No. The opportunity is only open to individual applicants.

Can filmmakers apply for this residency?

No. Projects focused on feature films, television, or documentaries are not eligible.

What portfolio materials are required?

Applicants can provide artistic support materials, a biography or CV, and letters of support. Portfolio submissions should follow the required limits for images, video, audio, and written materials.

Conclusion

The International Studio and Curatorial Program Residency provides Australian visual artists and arts workers with a valuable opportunity to develop creative projects in New York while connecting with international art communities. Through studio access, professional exchange, and cultural networking, the programme supports artists in expanding their practice and building meaningful global connections.