Residencies in New Orleans

Artist Louise Mouton Johnson working at a sewing machine in her studio at the Joan Mitchell Center. She is surounded on the walls by patterned paper and fabric framed works. — Louise Mouton Johnson in her studio at the Joan Mitchell Center, 2018. © Reginald Eldridge, Jr.

Overview

At the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans, we offer artists dedicated time and space for the creative process through 6 or 10 week residencies. Artists have opportunities to engage with arts professionals, partner arts organizations, and others in the community.

Artists-in-Residence receive:

A private studio space at the Center for 10 weeks in either the Spring or Fall 2027 residency session, or for 6 weeks during the Summer 2027 session.
Weekday meals
A $150 weekly stipend
A range of professional development and public engagement opportunities

The application period for 2027 residencies is open now through May 29, 2026! Scroll down for details and application link.

2026 Residents

More About the Center

Eligibility & Selection Process

ELIGIBILITY

Artists applying from New Orleans:

Must have lived in New Orleans as your primary residence for the last 5 years (Orleans, Jefferson, and Plaquemines Parish residents will be considered) OR
Be a New Orleans native (born in Orleans, Jefferson, or Plaquemines Parish)

Artists applying from outside of New Orleans:

Must be a past recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation artist support programs including: Painters & Sculptors Grants, MFA Grants, Emerging Artist Grants, Emergency Grants, Creating a Living Legacy Awards, Early Art Practitioner Council Members, and Joan Mitchell Foundation Art Education Program Artist Teachers. Joan Mitchell Fellows may apply once they have reached their fourth year of fellowship, therefore 2021, 2022, and 2023 Fellows are eligible to apply for 2027 residencies.

In addition, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

Identify as a visual artist and showcase a portfolio of work with a serious commitment to an artistic practice.
Be at a pivotal point in their career and demonstrate how the residency would be a benefit.
Have never previously been an Artist-in-Residence at the Joan Mitchell Center, with the exception of the Early Art Practitioner (EAP) residencies.
Be 21+ years of age.
Must not be enrolled as a student in any degree-granting art program during the residency period.
Need a professional workspace to support a studio practice.
Be committed to be present and active for the duration of the residency cycle and participate in the professional development and studio visit consultations.
Complete and submit an application.

Application & Selection Process

Applicants are asked to submit ten work samples with descriptions, an explanation of how their practice would benefit from the residency experience, along with a biography, resume, and headshot.
The application period for 2027 residencies is open as of Monday, March 30, 2026. Applications for 2027 residencies must be submitted by Friday, May 29, 2026 at 5pm CT. The application link along with full guidelines & FAQs for all eligible applicants are linked below.
Applications will be reviewed by a jury of artists and arts professionals. Selected artists will be notified early Fall 2026.
For more information or support with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Application for All Eligible Artists

2027 Guidelines & FAQs

My residency at the Joan Mitchell Center was an experience that exceeded my expectations on many levels. The connections and reconnections that I formed during my residency were numerous.”

LOUISE MOUTON JOHNSON, New Orleans

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Soraya, with medium dark skin wearing a fuschia dress over a short sleeved patterned tshirt with a royal blue baseball hat, points to a detail of a multicolor abstract work with several guests looking on.

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Joan Mitchell Center

Studios at dusk - a modern siding-clad one-story building with four peaked studio roofs with warm light glowing from the skylights. — Joan Mitchell Center studio building.

About the Joan Mitchell Center

To complement its grant programs and deepen its relationships with artists, in 2015 the Foundation opened the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans to host both national and local artists in residencies. The Foundation’s decision to locate the residency program in New Orleans was, in part, a continuation of its commitment to the city’s creative community following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Center is a retreat for artists in a city rich with creative energy and cultural histories.

More About the Center