Updated May 2026
Residency:
What residencies do you offer?
We offer a Writers residency and Visual Artist residency throughout the year.
Writers Residency
Visual Artist Residency
How long does the residency last?
Visual Artist Residency 2026:
Applications Open: March 15th, 2026
Deadline: May 10th, 2026; 11:59pm (PST)
Writers Residency 2027: (TBD)
When do applications open?
Visual Artist Residency 2026 Applications: March 15th, 2026
Do I have to identify as a queer woman to apply?
No, Velvetpark’s(VP) Residency is open to anyone identifying as LGBTQ+. While VP has been historically dedicated to queer women, lesbians, and those identifying as women, our residency is open to anyone on the spectrum of queer, gay male, bisexual, lesbian, non-binary, and transgender—male or female.
What type of artist or writer can apply?
This Residency is open to both writers (winter/spring) and visual artists (summer/fall) alternately on a bi-yearly basis. This is a project oriented application, which means applicant must propose a project to commence and/or complete during their term.
Visual artists using any medium/s are invited to apply. Bear in mind the studio is limited in size, 114 sq ft (14’x 8′ ft), so the size of your work must fit within this space. Additionally, the studio is not sound proof, so anyone working with sound must use headphones or maintain low volume.
Writers in any creative genre are invited to apply, fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, etc.
Is there a fee?
Yes, there’s a $25.00 application fee submitted via PayPal upon completing your application. Fees cannot be waived. Fees are non-refundable.
My transaction is listed as “pending” what should I do?
If your application fee is listed as “pending” please contact us. We will also follow-up with you as we process applications. Please note that applications with an incomplete payment will not be accepted.
I am unable to pay the fee, do you offer any alternatives?
Yes, we would be happy to view submissions to be considered for our Spotlight Artists/Writers Feature.
If you are interested contact us and we will follow-up with you.
I am unable to pay the fee, do you offer any alternatives?
Yes, we would be happy to view submissions to be considered for our Spotlight Artists/Writers Feature.
If you are interested contact us and we will follow-up with you.
What if I work with a partner?
Indicate one individual as your main contact in the first portion of the application. Include both your names on your resume, project proposal, and other supporting materials.
If I am selected, how long do I have to accept the residency?
You will have 7 days to confirm your acceptance, you may ask for an extension of up to 14 days, but you must communicate with Velvetpark regarding your situation before acceptance period ends. If you decline or we don’t hear back from you, your slot will go to another finalist.
Do I have to live in New York or be a U.S. Citizen to apply?
No, you do not have to live in New York. This residency program is open to US citizen/residents at this time. Applicants must maintain a permanent residence!
Who do I reach out to if I have issues applying?
If experience any issues while submitting your applications, payments, and etc…Please submit a contact form by clicking here.
Do you offer a stipend with the residency?
At this time, we don’t offer a stipend for the residency.
How do I apply?
Apply by clicking here —–> Visual Artist Residency Application for 2026!
**Please note that we are only accepting registrations through the online application form.
Selection Process/Judges:
How will the resident be selected?
Applications are reviewed by our selection committee of professionals in each given field.
Is the selection committee the same every year?
Our judges change every year with each residency program.
Would I be able to find out who is on the selection committee?
For the purposes of safety, we do not divulge personal information regarding our judges.
Can we receive feedback from the selection committee?
Our selection committee does not provide feedback on applications.
What is awarded to the selected resident?
We are currently awarding a live/work studio in Brooklyn, New York (by Crown and Prospect Heights).
Artists and writers are from across the U.S. are welcome to apply, however, they Must have a primary address.
What is awarded to the selected resident?
We are currently awarding a live/work studio in Brooklyn, New York (by Crown and Prospect Heights) for our upcoming visual artist residency. Artists and writers are from across the U.S. are welcome to apply, however, they Must have a primary address.
When will be notified?
We will notify all applicants via email.
Studio:
What are the specs and access to the studio?
You will have 24/7 access to the studio, in a private secure building. Studio space is 114 sq ft––14′ x 8′, with 12′ ceilings, large 6′ x 6′ ft window, AC/Heat, and lofted storage area. Additionally, the studio is not sound proof, so anyone working with sound must use headphones or maintain low volume. Please see below for example.
Please Note: Studio is located on 2nd floor walk-up of converted factory building. There is a freight elevator access but no passenger elevator.
Please see below for example of studio space:

Where is the Studio Located?
Located within Crown Studios in the neighborhood of Crown and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, New York. A 10-minute walk from the Brooklyn Museum, Grand Army Plaza, and Prospect Park. Near Trains A/C/B/Q/2/3/4/5 (10 – 15 min walk).
Are there any costs attached to this residency?
No, You are awarded the studio free of any costs. However, you are required to pay a $50 key deposit for access to the building and your private studio, which will be returned to you when you drop off keys at they end of your term. Visual artists will have a $100 deposit which includes keys & clean walls.
Can I live here?
Yes, you are welcome to live in the studio during your term. For our visual artist residency we will be offering one resident a 7 week term. The residency will run from July – August 2026.
Residents MUST have a primary residence. There will be an agreement signed upon your start. Please note that the cost of travel, food, materials, and etc… is not included.
Information regarding our the term(s) for our visual artist residency will be determined at a later date.
What is required of me if I am awarded the studio?
You are expected to use the studio as per your project proposal as indicated in your application. We understand projects can shift and change in process, however, you are expected to produce a creative work/s, which will be featured on the Vp website and publishing options at the end of your term. Runners up to the award will also be given the opportunity to have a featured digital post/s on the Vp site.
What other amenities are there?
The studio comes equipped with ac/heat and hi-speed wifi. Also, you will have access to common areas; lounge, kitchens and restrooms. The studio comes furnished with the essentials; lighting, desks, chairs.
**Please note that if you are selected as our resident, you adhere to the rules of the studio and agreement. This applies to applications processed on our website and via email.
The studio comes equipped with ac/heat and hi-speed wifi. Also, you will have access to common areas; lounge, kitchens and restrooms. The studio comes furnished with the essentials; lighting, desks, chairs.
About:
What is Crown Studios?
Crown Studios is a 6,000 sq ft floor of twelve working artists, writers, and creators. All are paying residents who are professionals in their fields.
What is the relationship between Crown Studios and Velvetpark?
As a charitable donation, Crown Studios LLC has offered the studio space to Velvetpark Media Inc. 501(c)3 to run our residency program.
Are there any Covid-19 Restrictions?
Yes, you will be required to abide by any state/city guidelines on safety precautions, in addition to rules followed at Crown Studios. Crown Studios has so far been a Covid-free environment. You should wear a mask in common areas such as kitchen and restrooms and limit the amount of visitors to your studio to one at a time. All visitors must wear masks. Please note that proof of vaccination is required.
Do you offer internships?
No. At this time we are only offering our artists residency program.
What is Velvetpark?
Velvetpark is an integrated social network for lesbians and queers featuring blogs, news, video content and an exclusive queer community network.
Who is behind Velvetpark?
Velvetpark began as a lesbian arts and culture print magazine in 2002, and has blossomed into an online portal and community hub. This site is independently owned and operated by out and proud lesbians and queers. We are NOT an affiliate program, nor was our site created by a 3rd party service. The social and dating services on Velvetpark were created and designed by us and constitute the only custom designed online lesbian dating community. Our staff and contributors can be viewed on our About page.
Have any further questions?
If you have any additional questions contact us!
Ready to apply?
Our visual artist residency applications will open soon!
