

The **NYC Department of Cultural Affairs' Public Artists in Residence (PAIR)** program places artists directly within New York City government agencies to develop creative responses to civic and social challenges.

Rather than operating as a traditional studio residency, PAIR gives artists the opportunity to work alongside city agencies, communities, and public-sector staff while developing new, collaborative projects.

#### What Does PAIR Offer?

Selected artists receive a **$40,000 stipend** for a one-year residency, along with dedicated workspace within their partner agency and access to DCLA resources such as Materials for the Arts. Each residency includes a public-facing component developed collaboratively by the artist and host agency.

PAIR artists work across disciplines and are selected for their ability to use creative practice to engage with complex public issues, from social and economic challenges to community and environmental concerns.

#### Who Can Apply?

The program is intended for **New York City-based artists aged 18 and over**, working in any medium. Applicants should have significant experience with community engagement, collaboration, and using art to address public issues. Currently enrolled students are not eligible.

Artists do not need to be U.S. citizens, but must be eligible to work in the United States for the full residency period.

#### 2026–27 Application

DCLA's official PAIR page states that the **2026–27 open call was to be announced in Spring 2026**, but a current application deadline is not listed on the page.

Artists interested in future **NYC artist residency opportunities** should monitor the official DCLA PAIR page for the next open call.

For more information, visit the official NYC Department of Cultural Affairs PAIR page.

large_NYC Public Artists in Residence Program Cover.png

medium_NYC Public Artists in Residence Program Cover.png

small_NYC Public Artists in Residence Program Cover.png

NYC Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) Program

Related Post

AREA 405 is Holding the Line for Baltimore’s Artists

Milan's New Era: The Tax Changes Transforming the Art World

Why UNDER $2,500 Matters for Baltimore's Artists and Collectors

San Francisco Startup Cohart Disrupts Art World with User-Friendly App

Mega-Gallery Gambit: Why Hauser & Wirth is Betting Big on Silicon Valley

Art Palm Beach: Exploring Contemporary and Modern Art

When Artists Say No: Amy Sherald's Stand Against Institutional Fear

Shyevin S'ng, Cohart Co-Founder, Leads Discussion on Southeast Asian Art Market

Desert Debut: Can Art Basel Redefine the Middle East’s Art Market?

EVA International: Rethinking the Biennial

Subscribe to our newsletter