resident artist program
The Clay Studio Resident Artist Program offers individuals the opportunity to further develop their work, to establish professional contacts and standards, and to work within a community of like-minded individuals in an urban environment for up to three years. The program is designed for artists who are early in their careers to develop the skills to make their lives as artists. Each cohort intentionally reflects a range of experiences and diverse aesthetic approaches, cultures and perspectives. The Clay Studio Resident Artist Program assists artists to become successful members of the Philadelphia art community, while making national and international connections.
A residency at The Clay Studio includes:
Personal studio space (approx. 185-195 sq. ft.) in our building
Use of kilns (specs available upon request)
A full stocked glaze mixing area
Paid Teaching opportunities (more details upon request)
A solo exhibition after the artist has been in residence for 24 months
Group exhibition opportunities
Grant writing support from our development staff
Professional support from the curator and other staff
Resident Responsibilities Include
Active use of the Studio space - should be your primary activity/studio - to remain in good standing Residents must use their studio often and fulfill the number of hours outlined in the handbook
An active member of the Resident cohort and The Clay Studio community
Teaching in our Community Studio or comenserate (4 Saturdays per year)
Mandatory monthly meetings
Live within the greater Philadelphia area
Agree to The Clay Studio Code of Conduct Policy
Cover cost of materials and firing fees
Volunteer for some community events
To engage with the community, Residents will give hours to teach classes, workshops, and public demonstrations, offer mentorship to younger artists, and organize group critiques. The Residents will teach in the drop-in Community Studio, where free weekly classes will be offered to our local neighbors. These opportunities will channel the Residents' creative energy into different aspects of the organization, inspiring and energizing thousands of our students and community members. The value to the Residents themselves is a greater array of professional experience, adding new tools that will lead to success in their careers as they move on from The Clay Studio. Additionally, the direct interaction with the larger community will create a more profound sense of accountability to the field at large, laying the foundation for the best kind of citizenship in the art world.
Housing
The Clay Studio does not provide housing. We are happy to confer with Residents to assist as they look for housing. Sometimes Residents choose to share housing, but this is solely by the choice of each individual artist and The Clay Studio is not involved.
Cohort begins on September 1, 2026