Open Call: 2026 Fountainhead Residency

The Fountainhead Residency, based in Miami, FL, seeks visual artists who are at a pivotal point in their career where connections and conversations with art professionals and an immersive and nurturing environment is just the catalyst needed to expand and evolve their art practice. Only the first 300 applications will be considered for review. Artists living in South Florida are NOT eligible to apply. 

To date, Fountainhead Residency has hosted over 580 visual artists from 50 countries. During each month-long residency, artists are personally introduced to nationally recognized curators, collectors, and gallerists for one-on-one studio visits, offering a one-of-kind opportunity for mentorship, insight, and perspective on their work. They are invited to experiment, investigate, and reflect, while being immersed in the local cultural landscape. Artists-in-residence receive roundtrip airfare, living and working accommodations, an honorarium and a local transportation stipend. They meet local artists and explore Miami’s major museums, collections and galleries. Attorneys, financial professionals and business consultants are available for critical entrepreneurial guidance.

At the end of each month, Fountainhead welcomes the public into the residency to meet the artists, view their work, and learn what inspires them. In pursuit of supporting artists financially, works are made available for sale, and the organization works directly with the artist and honors any gallery representation agreements to facilitate these sales. Fountainhead’s proceeds directly support the program and its artist community, funding artist stipends, honorariums, and artist programs.

Artists live and work communally in a 1950s home, iconic of Miami’s Modern architectural style, in the historic and centrally-located Morningside neighborhood. The residency is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and open space, and is just steps from Biscayne Bay. Artists have access to paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes to explore the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Studio space is semi-private and located within the home and attached garage. There are several large working walls, many tabletops, a small outdoor area, sewing machine, projectors and basic tools.

All the basics of a home are provided including fully equipped kitchen, wifi, washer and dryer, sheets, towels and bikes.

All applicants must be proficient in English to take full advantage of all that the residency offers.

Application period: June 30 - June 23, 2025

Selection process: Applications will be selected through a jury of professionals. Finalists will be invited for a phone interview. 

Notification:  Artists will be notified by October 13, 2025

Residency period: 

Session 1: January 7 - February 4

Session 2: February 18 - March 18

Session 3: April 1 - April 29

Session 4: May 13 - June 10

Session 5: June 24 - July 22

Session 6: August 5 - September 2

Session 7: September 16 - October 14

What is provided: Living and working accommodations, roundtrip airfare, $1,000 honorarium and $500 local transport stipend 

Artists are responsible for: Most meals, materials

What is expected: Artists are expected to invest in themselves and their practice. The work made while in residence does not need to be pre-defined. We ask that you fully dedicate your time in-residence, actively participate in all Fountainhead programming and come prepared to share your story and inspiration behind your work.

Jurors:

• Thomas Lax, Curator at MoMA
• Bonnie Clearwater, Director & Chief Curator at NSU Art Museum
• Liz Cohen, Fountainhead alum and professor at Arizona State University

Selection Criteria:  · 

• Artistic Excellence: Work that is compelling with a distinct voice and vision. 
• Evidence of Commitment: Artist has a history of active engagement in creating artwork and presenting it to the public, with a record of professional accomplishments appropriate to career stage. 
• Impact: High potential for Residency to play a role in helping the artist further their practice and/or career. 
• Engagement: Desire to engage with artists, art professionals and the general public through studio visits and community programming. 
• Personal Qualities: Open-minded, kind and respectful, self-directed, able to articulate their vision and inspiration in a way that can be understood by many.

Complete the application on Submittable here.

07/23/2025