erie canal artists in residence

In partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), the Erie Canal Museum is seeking two (2) Artists in Residence for a period of one (1) year. The Erie Canal Museum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

The Residencies will focus on a year-long photographic study of the Erie Canal, reflecting on its past, contemplating its current condition, and considering its future. These Residencies are for Artists who wish to engage with the Canal and adjacent Erie Canalway Trail, Canals and Museum staff, Canal facilities, New York’s Canal communities, and Canal visitors.

The 2024 Residencies will be dedicated to Photography-based projects that reflect upon the Canal’s physical, environmental, and social condition and history; materiality; and context. The Artist’s project must directly address the Canal. Projects focused on ecology and Indigenous history may be given preference.

Applicants shall propose a specific photography-based project for their Residency. Projects may be journalistic, documentary, or conceptual, and may include and/or be accompanied by text/writing. The subject of the project shall be identified by the applicant, but proposals must be a creative inquiry of the Canal and consider a fuller, more complete account of the Canal’s past, present, and future than what has traditionally been told. The applicant shall identify their target audience(s) and how their project will be shared with that audience and with the public-at-large. While studies of Canal communities are encouraged, the Canal and its context must be central to the project.