Hercules Art Studio Program
The Hercules Art Studio Program supports emerging visual artists who are intending to pursue their careers in New York City. The program is open to artists who are just graduating or are recent graduates from MFA programs in the New York City within the past year, or who have had alternative educational experience as an artist apprentice/assistant for the last two years. Every two years, seven artists are selected from a competitive pool of applicants by a jury of artists. As a participant, each artist has sole access to an individual 300 sq. foot studio for a two-year period, offered at a subsidized monthly rent of $300. Studios have stair and elevator access, high ceilings, partition walls and natural light. Communal spaces include a large exhibition or shared work space, kitchen, slop sinks, shower, gender-neutral restrooms and wi-fi. In the past, Hercules Artists have utilized these spaces for artist-curated exhibitions, public events and project space, and artist-run dialogue and programming is encouraged. Studio access is 24 hours/7 days a week. The Hercules studios are located in Lower Manhattan, New York.
The 2023-25 application period is closed.
The application for the 2025-2027 Studio Program will take place in summer of 2025. Artists will be invited to apply through nomination only. Nominated artists will be invited to submit an application in July and will be notified of their status in late summer. The selected Hercules artists will move into the studios in early fall of 2025.
Please see our FAQ below for more information
2025-27 Application FAQ
Who is eligible?
The Hercules program is open to nominated visual artists who will have graduated from MFA program in New York City in 2024 or 2025. Nominated artists who do not have an MFA, but have worked within an apprenticeship/artist assistant model in NYC for the last two years are also eligible to apply. The program is intended for artists committed to New York City. Applicants may not be enrolled in any degree program, residency, or maintain a separate studio during their time at Hercules. The program is intended for artists who are unable to afford market rate studio rent.
Do you provide housing?
Artists are responsible for their own housing.
Are there any limitations to materials or media?
Work that involves high levels of noise, heavy machinery, toxic fumes, or fire risk are not permitted in the studios.
How do I apply?
Nominated artists will be invited to submit 6 clear images of their most recent work (ideally their MFA thesis work). Artists working in video may submit a combination of up to 6 videos and stills. For each submission, there will be space to include title, date, medium, and dimensions for each work. The jury will not accept any supplemental materials including written statements or recommendations.
Is there a financial award or stipend with the studio?
The studio program offers a $300 monthly subsidized studio rent (utilities included) to each artist. There is no additional financial assistance, stipend, or materials.
Can I share my studio with my partner/spouse?
No. The studios are intended for the artists awarded and selected by the jury. There is no subletting or sharing of studios.
What are my responsibilities as a Studio Artist?
Maintain all communal spaces
Attend monthly meeting (virtual or in-person)
Consideration to your fellow artist and other building tenants
There is no hourly requirement for time spent in the studio