THE RESIDENCY

Up to three months to push your work further.

Up to six artists a year, from anywhere in the world, live and work in a 1904 mill on Willow Street, less than half a mile from downtown Manchester. You arrive with a proposal and a direction. What happens next is up to you.

Painters, photographers, sculptors, fiber artists, animators and more.

At a glance

Length
Up to 3 months, live/work
Money
$1,950 in stipends
Space
Studio apartment + studio
Cost to apply
None
2028
Mar–May · Jun–Aug · Sep–Oct
Deadline
Oct 15, 2027
Apply for 2028 →

You'll need a Google account to upload files.

What you get.

$1,600

Food $ supplies stipend.
Plan your project within it.

$350

Travel stipend
Toward getting here and home again

Studio apartment

Housing, utilities, internet
Heat, hot water, electricity and Wi-Fi included, with cookware and basics

A show.

One-night solo or duo show
Your residency ends with a one-night public show.

A network

Introductions
To local galleries, makers, schools and the Currier Museum of Art.

Studio space

Create work on-site
The Factory has a large studio space for your to spread out and create.

Honest note: past residents tell us the stipend helps, but a residency still costs most artists something (bills at home, extra supplies, ect). We'd rather you know that and plan before you apply.

What we ask of you

Make the work

Arrive with a plan: the pieces you want to make and how you’ll spend your time here.

Meet the city

Host at least one community moment: an open studio, talk, workshop or dinner. Past residents have done murals, lectures, and small-business collaborations.

Show it

Install and present your one-night closing show, and say a few words about your work and residency on the night.

Leave one piece

Donate one work made here to our permanent collection, shown across the campus. See what past artists left →

Is this program a fit? A 30 second check

Manchester AiR is for emerging and professional artists with a body of finished work. It isn't designed for hobby artists. Somewhere in between? Apply and tell us where you are.

IDEAL

EMERGING ARTISTS

A consistent portfolio of finished work, shows at smaller venues, some early recognition. Comftrouble talking with galleries and museum curators.

WELCOME

PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS

An established practice and a record of exhibitions. You're welcome to apply. Just know we may not offer the specialized tools, museum access or reach you're used to.

2028 sessions

Applications close Oct 15, 2027 at 11:59 pm. Dates may shift slightly; we’ll confirm with you when you’re accepted.

SESSION 1 · SPRING

Arrive Early March

One-night closing show, Fri, May 19

SESSION 2 · SUMMER

Arrive Early June

One-night closing show, Fri, Aug 18

SESSION 3 · FALL

Arrive Early Sept

One-night closing show, Fri, Oct 20

The space & the city

The Factory on Willow is a restored 1904 mill with a distillery, comic shop, food-truck patio, community garden, gym and dog park on site. Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city; Boston, the White Mountains and the seacoast are each about 45 minutes away.

Every resident gets a pass to the Currier Museum of Art.

How to apply

Portfolio

Fewer, stronger pieces with a clear thread. Crisp photos, plain backgrounds.

1

CV or artist statement

Plain language. Tell us what you make and why, the way you’d tell a friend.

2

Project Proposal

What you’ll make here, and how you’d like to meet the community.

3

Ready? It takes about 20 minutes.

Sign into any Google account before you start, the form needs it for the file uploads. Trouble? Email air@orbitgroup.com

Start your application

FAQ

  • We do allow for artists to bring all children partners, and pets. The campus has a designated dog area on the south end.

  • Short answer no. We do find artists who bring their own vehicles have more opportunity during residency to explore the area and find opportunities.

  • What equipment and ventilation does the studio space have. The studio is a large designated space with lots of surface area, shelving, walls to hang, easels and seating. We do not have tools and equipment for specific mediums (ceramic wheels, kilns, ect.) We do offer an option for our artists to get a membership to the Manchester Maker Space for extra workshop space. The studio is equipped with several windows for ventilation.

  • Yes, we welcome all artists who are able to secure a temporary travel visa to the United States. After accepted we work with artists to supply the proper documentation needed.

  • Of course, we encourage artists to look for avenues to sell their work.