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Uncool Artist Residency (UAR)

A unique art residency experience plus an art project incubator!

UAR offers opportunities to expand networks and engage in critical discussions about the current art world offering an enriching experience for artists, curators, critics, researchers, educators, and professionals in the cultural sector.

Have you ever thought about taking part in a residency program? Imagine one that takes place online, connecting you with artists and agents from the global contemporary art circuit. The ease of a digital program offers a dynamic environment where live and asynchronous activities blend to promote personal and professional growth. Through theoretical discussions, knowledge exchanges, expert sessions, and exercises tailored to your individual aspirations, you can achieve significant development in your artistic practice.

We believe in a concept of artistic residency as an ‘assisted studio practice’, i.e. as a space for dialogue between agents of the art field, in which the priority is the organicity of the relationships, and in which a guide is created for experiences structured in a flexible way.

At the UAR there is no a priori result: everything varies according to the purposes and involvement of each one in the processes. This model, present in traditional schools such as Royal College of Arts (London, UK), De Atelies (Amsterdam, Netherlands), has been adapted to the digital world where participants have the opportunity to focus on their proposed projects, explore new directions in their artistic practice and deepen their knowledge of international contemporary art.

Applications for 2025 will be open on November/24.

Applications for UAR are now closed.
Know more about UAR
2025
If you have questions about UAR, watch the Q&A recording here.

We are closed for applications.

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A 'community-based' versus 'individual-centered' education.

Methodology & Themes

Methodology

Creating strong and lasting bonds is key to a sustainable and happy life in the arts. Our focus is on cohesive work and collaborative growth rather than stimulating a romanticized view of “the artist” or “the curator” as the stars in the art world.

For us, a welcoming and interdisciplinary community is the primary way to professional, financial, and emotional fulfillment for all those involved, while respecting individualities and specific necessities without losing sight that we are stronger when we collaborate.

Themes

  • Current debates in contemporary art
  • The international art scene
  • Research and artistic practices
  • Art project development
  • Artwork circulation and sales
  • Exercises in exploring multiple topics and mediums
  • Analysis of international open calls and funding opportunities
  • Artist statements and project proposals
  • Creating a portfolio and artist website
  • Web presence and digital projects

Structure

The program is organized in quarters, with 12 weeks of meetings and activities from theoretical discussions and research to developing assignments based on a proposed project. Each participant is recommended to enroll in at least four quarters to establish strong connections, take advantage of a whole year set of opportunities, and present a well-rounded project.

The program covers the following cycles:

1st Cycle (4 weeks)

GROUP CRITIQUE

In the first cycle, we will focus on the elaboration of critiques, shaping your discourses on contemporary art practices. The critique mobilizes references and involves description, analysis and evaluation, without necessarily the emission of a personal judgment.

2nd Cycle (4 weeks)

PROCESS AND RESEARCH

In this cycle, you will be challenged to present your routine creative practice and develop a compelling narrative presentation about your poetics.

3rd Cycle (4 weeks)

PROJECT

In the final stage, the focus is on developing a project. Depending on where you are:

  • Introduction to project planning and production
  • Conception of a meaningful project
  • Executing project
  • Publishing the project

2024/2025 quarters:

UAR Summer
One-on-One

Jul 29 to Sep 29

During this period, artists enrolled in the three quarters will attend one-on-one sessions with the UA Gallery director and curator to discuss their practices and projects.

Fall Quarter 2024

Sep 30 to Dec 18

Winter Quarter 2025

Jan 6 to Mar 28

Spring Quarter 2025

Apr 8 to Jun 26

Features and Benefits

During the course of the program, all UAR participants participants have automatic access to the same features of UA Access Membership, including have the opportunity to present works developed during the program through group exhibitions and our online platform.

Exhibition Opportunities

During your time at the residency, you’ll have the chance to participate in two of our 2024 group shows and showcase your UAR exhibition project at the Uncool Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, in 2025.

One distinctive feature of the residency and the UA Access Membership lies in its close connection to the Uncool Gallery. As a participant, you can submit proposals for our group shows and receive valuable feedback, making it an enticing opportunity for artists.

UA Gallery ≠ UA Access

The UA Access Membership and UA Gallery Association are interconnected but represent DIFFERENT TYPES of participation.

Video of the group exhibition "Do Write Right to Me" by UA participants in NYC, 2021.

UAR participants will be encouraged to exhibit their works via virtual and/or in person experiences. The format will be discussed with the group and adapted to the participants’ proposals. The goal of these activities is to allow the participants to experiment with ways in which to present their production while also allowing them to engage with the public in different spaces and by using various mediums.

To participate in a UAR exhibition, you have to complete the three quarters as listed above.

Private Online Platform

Created by us with you in mind!

We developed our own web-based platform which is always in constant development and bringing new features and improvements every semester to all our participants around the world. Meet and communicate with artists and curators enrolled on UAR, our team and other participants of Uncool Artist.

Exclusive Groups and Group Meetings

UAR Online meetings* weekly on Tuesdays, 6 pm (ET)
mediated by UAR Coordinators. 

*Live meetings are hosted and recorded on Zoom to be available later exclusively for UAR participants.

Media library

Dynamic in nature and always growing. Lose yourself with +100h of talks and presentations (in English) by curators, art educators, gallerists, researchers and artists.

Live Talks

If you want to ask questions and interact with our guests, you can enjoy access to both live talks and presentations before they are updated to our library.*

*Live meetings are hosted and recorded on Zoom to be available later on our library.

Private Events Calendar

We have events happening all year round. Group and solo exhibitions featuring our participants, field trips, open studios, talks, online presentations by experts and much more!

Profile Page = Artist Page

You can manage your profile and art gallery how you like it. To visitors, your profile page will be displayed as an artist page with only relevant information about you and your artwork.

Connections Tools

Connect with other participants and our team to learn, keep updated and exchange ideas through our groups.
If you favor a more instant communication, join them on text or video group chats in HD and without time constrains.

More UA Access Benefits

And if all that wasn’t more than enough, we have more benefits for artists who are seriously interested in advancing their productions and processes while integrating into a totally unique community.

Enjoy our collection of online multidisciplinary resources and specialized services related to the art world!

Online Open Studios

You'll have a chance to be part of online open studio events that happens outside our other programs.

General Monthly Meetings

Have your voice heard and discuss art related news and topics with our team and other artists on our monthly live general meetings with the community.*

*Live meetings are hosted and recorded on Zoom to be available later on our library.

Weekly Opportunities

Access a weekly list of open calls and global opportunities has been curated by a team member specifically for our participants.

Advisory Meetings and Special Online Events

Residents have the opportunity to undergo personalized mentorship sessions with advisors. These mentors, actively involved in contemporary art practice, include artists, researchers, writers, and curators. Virtual studio visits will delve into discussions about the participant's research and projects. Each session, conducted via online video conference, lasts for 40 minutes and is available on demand (advisory meetings bundles offered separately).

Subscribe to advisory bundles plans* within our platform and exchange tickets to spots on special online events (like live workshops) or schedule one-to-one meetings with our international team of advisors.

UAR NYC STUDIO

Since 2018, Uncool Artist has hosted an international art residency program in Brooklyn*, NY. Our community fosters connections with experienced mentors, curators, critics, and gallerists. Artists have the opportunity to deepen their practice, showcase their work, and build a sustainable career in a vibrant artistic environment.

*UA Residency space is located in Building 77 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard: 141 Flushing Ave, AKA Building 77, Unit #1324A, Brooklyn, NY, 11205.

FAQ

What is the size of the studio space?
Our studio is a 1,500 sq ft space divided among 6 to 8 artists, providing approximately 190-250 sq ft of workspace for each artist. Studio spaces are assigned by our staff and negotiated among the artists based on the needs of each artist’s practice. Movable walls can be used to create different space layouts, giving artists the autonomy to configure the shared space.

Is the studio a work/live space or will I need to find accommodations when relocating to New York?
The studio is designted to artwork practice only. Artists are responsible for their own housing. Those who may need additional funding and support for housing accommodations should apply to other supplemental sources.

What sort of opportunities will I have to connect with the NY Art scene and present my work to the public during my residency term?
The UA residency offers artists various opportunities to introduce and share their work, including portfolio presentations, group discussions, in-person and online studio visits with guest visitors, field trips, and monthly open studios. Every residency season ends with a curated group exhibition.

How many studio visits will I expect to receive during my residency?
On average, residency artists will receive 3-4 studio visits per cycle by curators, critics, art historians, and gallerists.

What else does the UA residency offer?
In addition to the above, UA Residency staff provides technical assistance and supports project development through our equipment library and connects artists with specialized workshops in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. A dedicated online social network integrates resident artists with the UA worldwide network.

What are the residency cycles?
Each season, Winter-Spring and Summer-Fall, artists can choose to stay in the program for 1 to 5 four-week cycles. For specific dates, consult the current application form.

Does the UA Residency provide facilities and equipment suitable for working with materials such as ceramics, wood, metal, photo-video, etc.?
There are no special facilities provided by UA. We offer a 24/7 accessible studio space with a worktable, chair, and internet access. Artists are responsible for providing all the personal equipment or materials needed for projects created throughout the residency. Residents have access to our general equipment library for common use during the residency. We are happy to refer you to abundant artist resources and facilities in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and greater New York area. 

My practice involves hazardous or airborne materials. Are there any limits on what materials can be used in the studio space?
Yes, the use of anything that produces fumes or strong odors, creates dust or small particles in the air, or contains any other potentially hazardous materials is NOT ALLOWED in the studio space. Examples include plaster dust, aerosol paint, styrofoam, etc.

What are the tuition fees for the UAR-NYC program in 2025?
The tuition fees for the UAR program in 2025 are as follows:
. 4-weeks: $3,300
. 8-weeks: $6,270
. 12-weeks: $9,405
. 16-weeks: $12,573
. 20-weeks: $15,089.25

Is there a security deposit required?
Yes, for UAR-NYC a $600 security deposit is required. The security deposit must be sent, in full, by bank deposit before studio access and contract signing. It will be reimbursed once the residency term is finished and the space is returned in the same condition it was given.

Does the UAR/ILAP have different tuition costs?
Yes, the UAR ILAP tuition is $2,800 per quarter (12 weeks); $5,200 per two quarters (24 weeks); $7,400 per three quarters (36 weeks).

Are artists responsible for securing their own funding for the fees?
Yes, artists are responsible for securing their own funding for the fees.

How is the fee structure determined?
Our fee structure is designed to cover infrastructural costs, ensure affordability, and provide fair compensation for our team and guests. 

Is financial aid available?
Uncool Artist is a self-funded artist-run organization, founded and operated by artists. By choice, we are not a non-profit and do not receive money from grants or other sources.
Since 2018, we have contributed approximately $100,000 USD from our own funds to support artists through scholarships. However, starting with the 2025 program, we have decided to discontinue this type of financial support to ensure our sustainability and fair wages for our team.
Instead, we will provide letters of acceptance to selected candidates and, on a case-by-case basis, facilitate payment in installments.

Securing the necessary visas and travel documents for the International Residency Program is the responsibility of the participating artist. UAR (United Artists Residency) is unable to offer specific advice or assistance in this process. Below, you’ll find general information to help you get started with your visa application. For detailed inquiries, we recommend contacting the US State Department Consulate or seeking advice from a legal professional.

Artists selected for the residency should promptly reach out to the United States Consulate or Embassy in their home country to obtain a visa. Generally, a B1/B2 visa is appropriate for business and tourism purposes, which will enable you to attend the residency programs. To check Visa Appointment Wait Times, please use the provided link.

UAR is happy to provide a letter of support for your visa application upon request. We encourage all international applicants to ensure they have all required documents and meet the entry requirements for the US well in advance of their residency start date.

Q&A Recording: A Glimpse into UA Residency, NYC

If you have any further questions, please contact residency@uncoolartist.com.

BROWSE OUR LIST OF PAST NYC STUDIO ART RESIDENTS

2024 NYC STUDIO RESIDENT ARTISTS

Enrollment

UAR accepts up to 10 participants per group, so the order of application counts. Send your material as soon as possible and enjoy the conversation with us.

Do not wait until the last minute to apply! 

Apply to the program here

Once we receive your application, we will contact you with further information.

If you have any questions,
e-mail us.
Apply now

Tuition Fee

2,800 USD per quarter (800 Program Deposit + 2,000 Program Fee)
5,200 USD per two quarters (1,400 Program Deposit + 3,800 Program Fee)
7,400 USD per three quarters (1,900 Program Deposit + 5,500 Program Fee)

All meetings are held in English.

Participants must be fluent in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking English.

UAR Coordinators

Rosela del Bosque

Rosela del Bosque is a curator and researcher from Mexicali, Mexico. Her current research focuses on the intersection between contemporary art, culture, and systemic extractivism in Latin American contexts—namely those related to the displacement of water, land, and territories in Baja California. She holds a BA in Art History and Curatorial Studies from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (2015-2020) and an MA in Advanced Curatorial Studies from the Zurich University of the Arts (2021-23). In 2022 she was selected as a recipient of the Fomento Fundación Jumex Arte Contemporáneo scholarship for study abroad and PECDA Baja California in 2023. Additionally, she has been awarded, along with the Archivo Familiar del Río Colorado, two grants issued by the Patronato de Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City between 2022-2023. She has been part of programs focused on curatorial research with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (2018), in education with Museo Jumex (2019), and research programs such as PIP – Postnatural Independent Program guided by the Institute of Postnatural Studies in Madrid (2023). She has collaborated with La Nana ConArte, Planta Libre, INSITE, the Institute for Postnatural Studies, OnCurating Project Space, and TBA21. She is currently an Associate curator at Planta Libre Espacio Experimental and works as a Curator and researcher at the Archivo Familiar del Río Colorado.

Regina Parra

Parra’s practice is mostly cross-disciplinary, for the past fifteen years she has been working between painting, video, sculpture, writing, performance, and choreography. Her production has been increasing scale over the years, and seeking an installation dimension, towards the creation of a total environment that encouraged her to work with collaborators in other fields of creativity, such as dance, music, costume design, and cinema. What brings all those elements together is theater, her first area of activity. Before entering the visual arts, she worked for Brazilian theater director Antunes Filho as his assistant director. This experience formed a deep connection with the performing arts, especially Greek tragedy, that remains with her.

Isabella Indolfi

Isabella Indolfi is an independent curator based in New York City, with a decade of international experience in public art, implementing community-oriented and site-specific practices. Originally from Italy, she is working between Europe, where she is co-directing Seminaria Biennial of Environmental Art, and the USA, where she recently received her MA at the Center for Human Rights and the Arts at Bard College in New York. Past institutional partners include the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, The Hermitage State Museum (Russia), and the Cafesijan Museum (Armenia). Committed to supporting multidisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of art and technology, Isabella has also co-curated international media art festivals such as the nomadic Cyfest, and the Media Art Festival at the MAXXI Museum in Rome, and has given lectures at the Goldsmiths University of London and at the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art.

Our artists are just like you.

Some are just starting, some are already
enjoying our benefits and taking action – together.

I am a former participant in the UAR program at Uncool Artist. The Uncool Artist community has been a great support to me as I've been refining my art practice. It has been crucial to be in a cohort of artists who are discriminating and kind when they insightfully critique my work. Many times I have been able to take in what has been said, and after I've sat with it and digested the comments I have used them to propel my work to become better. By 'better' I mean that it becomes more in line with my stated hopes for it, and even sometimes goes beyond what I have initially envisioned. I know that type of growth doesn't happen in a vacuum, or even in sustained isolation in my studio— it takes a community of engaged and intelligent artists who trust each other enough to be vulnerable in sharing works in progress. Uncool Artist is a safe incubator for creative ideas and growth.
Tricia TownesNashville, TN, USA
Tricia Townes
For me, getting the opportunity to be part of this community (the artists, the curators, the advisory's, listen to the lectures, participate in exhibitions) made me improve all my skills and teach me how to be a professional.
Marisa BernottiDolores, Uruguay
Marisa Bernotti
Before, I saw myself as an artist somewhat aimless and not belonging to any group, both to share experiences and think together about my artistic practice in the visual arts. After joining Uncool Artist, I feel part of a community of people who think about art and the world beyond art. A very plural community both in language and thought changed my practice a lot and gave me confidence in speaking and presenting my work.
Juliano MazzuchiniBuenos Aires, Argentina
Juliano Mazzuchini
I feel like I'm participating in a generous community. Opportunities have arisen, and I didn't expect them. Now I feel driven to produce more, and I think safer. Now I can see that loneliness was not my problem. It is a system problem. Uncool Artist showed me that I have options and life outside the Ego's system.
Danielle CukiermanRio de Janeiro, Brazil
Danielle Cukierman
Uncool Artist community is a dream come true for me. Where else could one meet, network, brainstorm, share their work and get personable constructive critique, if not Uncool Artist? A community of artists, writers, researchers, curators, art historians, all unabashed and unapologetically dedicated to building and sustaining the future of the arts!
Sika FoyerNew York, U.S.
Sika Foyer
I was mainly looking for my people. I was pretty doubtful about the art market and frankly felt a bit discouraged. I used to think that the hardships of being an artist were much greater than they (actually) are. I thought that building my path would depend on becoming a sellable product, and I kept feeling I was meant to be an outsider after all. I quickly understood that my success depended on ME, my attitude, energy, and my behavior towards circumstances. At Uncool Artist, I quickly learned that I had an alternative to the so-called "game." The community indeed helps—a lot. I learned by experiencing it.
Erica IassudaItu, Brazil
Erica Iassuda
Being part of UAR was extremely important in my path as an emerging artist. Within Uncool Artist, I met artists from different places and different approaches and moments in their careers. The exchanges with these people continue to help me tread a place in the universe of contemporary art. Understanding how to do an artistic project, the assembly of different categories of portfolios, and the critical monitoring offered by Uncool Artist, were things that helped me to understand how exhibition and market circuits work. Uncool Artist is an international community concerned to support its participants, always with a critical and considerate eye.
Douglas Ferreiro Brasilia, Brazil
Douglas Ferreiro
UA is the art community I never knew that I needed. I never could have imagined that there was a group of like-minded artist out there in the world working collectively and collaboratively on trying to upend the current structure of the art world. UA does this by bringing diverse artists from across the globe together to try to make the creation of art, for the betterment of all, into a more inclusive and equitable activity. Underlying it all is the power of love. My peers in UA are some of the most intellectually curious and caring people I know. Together we are creating a new paradigm for the art world.
Tamera BedfordHong Kong, China
Tamera Bedford
Uncool Artist pushes me to go out of my comfort zone. It helps me understand that opportunities are out there, and I must be ready in all senses and see that I can create the chance I'm looking for. Understand the audience, be involved with the audience, storytelling, project my whole year... It is difficult to explain Uncool Artist in a few words because it is a whole new thing.
Marisa BernottiDolores, Uruguay
Marisa Bernotti
Uncool has been a tremendous opportunity and challenge to take my practice to the next level. I have found a great community of artists that has allowed me to know better the creative artistic process, which is indispensable as a curator. It is an invaluable opportunity to hear from accomplished artists, curators, art fairs, and museums directors first-hand and in an intimate conversation setting. All of this, topped with the synergy of a group of individuals working towards the common goal of being better art professionals, is what makes all the time, money, and efforts invested pay off!
Dainy TapiaMiami, US
Dainy Tapia
Uncool Artist has been an inspiring space with a hands-on approach to learning (by doing) that has been instrumental in my recent realizations as an artist.
Rodrigo PimentaSão Paulo, Brazil
Rodrigo Pimenta
Before I joined Uncool Artist, I felt adrift. I was highly imaginative, working instinctively but had no specific direction. I felt lost on how I could join all the pieces of art in my life together as a career path that made sense. Now at Uncool Artist, I developed a better sight of how my past got me here and what steps I can take to build a prosperous career as an artist. Also, I don't feel alone anymore, but part of this loving and caring community that grows and flourishes together.
Thais RibeiroSão Paulo, Brazil
Thais Ribeiro

* Tickets for advisory bundles are sold separately. Lifetime membership guarantees access to 12 tickets that can be used to access advisory meetings or special online events. These tickets may have a maximum usage limit of 1 ticket per month or 12 tickets in the first year of subscription. Tickets spent will be invalidated in the event of a participant’s no-show at meetings.

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Book a 1:1 session with Uncool Artist founder, Carolina Paz, and take your art practice and career to the next level.

This is your chance to connect, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance about your career.*

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* Spots are limited and for information about our residency and studio programs use please see this page.