Apply to the Core Residency Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) has announced changes to the prestigious Core Residency Program for visual artists and critics. Established in 1982, the program has implemented changes that affirm its commitment to supporting emerging artists. Now a two-year program, the Core Residency awards fellowships to emerging artists and critical writers working to develop a sustainable practice and provides $100,000 ($50,000 per year), plus a health stipend over 23 months. The residency term is from September 2025 to July 2027.

Fellows are also provided with a studio space and regular studio visits from artists and curators. They receive a significant discount on classes at the MFAH’s Glassell School of Art; and may request access to Glassell’s studios, including those for painting, printmaking, digital and film photography, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics. Fellows have access to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and its galleries and collections, its two house museums for American and European decorative arts, and borrowing privileges at the MFAH’s Hirsch Library and the Fondren Library at Rice University.

International applicants are encouraged to apply, and priority consideration will be granted to a Harris County-based artist or critic when qualifications are comparable. A jury of arts professionals will select up to four Core Fellows based on the quality of submitted work and the potential impact of the residency experience in Houston, Texas, on their practice.

Applications for the 2025–2027 cohort will close on April 1. The fee to apply is $12. Successful applicants will be notified of admission by June 9.

For more information, visit mfah.org.