FIAR’23 Artist Marcel Alcalá. Photo: FIAR’22 Artist Sunny Leerasanthanah.
Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR), the first residency in the United States exclusively for artists identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit or queer, annually accepts applications for its prestigious and internationally recognized summer program. Now in its 15th season in the secluded beach community of Cherry Grove, NY, an historic LGBTQ settlement of Fire Island, emerging artists will share a live/work space for a four-week program marked by intimate studio visits with, and public lectures by, renowned leaders in contemporary art, scholarship, activism and curation.
OPEN CALL APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 SUMMER SEASON
WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 15, 2025.
NOTIFICATION BY MAY 1, 2025.
2025 Summer Residency Dates
July 11 - August 1, 2025
Cherry Grove, Fire Island, NY
Selection Committee to be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does FIAR define emerging?
A. If you have completed less than two of the following: Had a solo show in a major art hub city, Had a solo museum exhibition, have work in a major institutional collection.
Q. Can International artists apply?
A. Yes. A working knowledge of English is required. FIAR is not an accredited academic institution and cannot participate in the student visa process. If admitted, artists must arrange for a visitor’s visa (if required) in time for the start of the program and make their own travel arrangements to NYC/Fire Island.
Q. Do you allow collaborators to apply to FIAR?
A. Yes. FIAR allows collaborative teams to apply. Collaborative teams must apply using one application to represent the entire team. Please note we can only accept a duo, and duos may have to share a bedroom.
Q. Can a partner, family member, or pet visit or stay with me at FIAR?
A. No. Visitors to the island are not allowed in FIAR's facilities.
Q. Can I leave the residency during the session?
A. Absences are allowed only in a case of emergency or with prior approval by the Director.
Q. Can I apply if I am still in school?
A. Yes
Q. Does SlideRoom save my application information from previous year's applications to FIAR?
A. Yes
Q. Does FIAR provide studio equipment such as a kiln, wood/ metal shop, etc.?
A. No, currently FIAR occupies rented beach house properties which are modestly converted into live/work spaces which include outdoor space for artist working with materials requiring ventilation as well as a small selection of hand tools such as drills. Artist are encouraged to bring additional equipment that they are already familiar using and can transport safely to Fire Island via ferry service/shipped.
Visual Art Residency
Fee
$40 Application Fee
FIAR provides lodging, work space, a stipends for meals and travel, and an honorarium.
We are unable to provide financial assistance for the application fee, as FIAR pays the third-party portal to administer the application process.
Eligibility
LGBTQIA+ emerging visual artists demonstrating new perspectives in contemporary visual art are encouraged to apply.