Summer Keyholder Residency

Keyholder Dani Levine (right) in the studio with the LESP team

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026, 11:59pm EST
Residency Period: June 1, 2026 - August 31, 2026 

This new Summer Keyholder Residency Program offers emerging artists free 24-hour access to printmaking facilities to develop new work and foster their artistic careers. It takes place in the LESP's Community Studio, including the solvent/etching area and darkroom. 

Keyholders work independently, in a productive atmosphere alongside other contemporary artists. Artists from all disciplines are eligible to apply; some familiarity with the medium is required. Artists with specific printmaking projects are highly encouraged apply.

Applications are evaluated by an invited panel of artists, critics, curators, and art professionals.

Includes

24/7, 3-month access to a shared studio with printmaking facilities
$500 stipend
storage space
basic supplies (newsprint, blotters, solvents, cleaners)
1 free printmaking class at LESP
consultation hours with the Printshop’s staff
guest curator critiques and salons
group exhibition opportunities
Access to Materials for the Arts

Eligibility

Artists must reside in New York metro area during the residency period.
Students enrolled in any kind of degree program at the time of the residency are not eligible.
Keyholder Residencies are limited to emerging artists only. The Printshop defines emerging artists as under-recognized and under-represented artists at early stages in their careers.
Artists without access to a studio space are encouraged to apply.
Past recipients of the Keyholder Residency are not eligible.
Artist duos or teams are not eligible; residencies are awarded per artist.

Application Requirements

Up to 10 digital images of recent (past 2 years) work
Image list: your name, work title, year, medium, and dimensions
Application form
Artistic resume
Names and contact information of two references
Applications must be submitted by 11:59PM EST on the deadline date, no exceptions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

No phone and/or email inquiries about the status of your application, please. All applicants will be notified of the panel’s decision by email before the residency start date. 

The Printshop does not provide housing assistance. 

Keyholder Residencies have been supported in large part by grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and New York State Legislature, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Paul Bechtner Foundation, Jerome Foundation, New York Community Trust, PECO Foundation, and Leon Polk Smith Foundation. 