workspace residency

Squeaky Wheel’s Workspace Residency supports artists and researchers working on media arts projects.

The short-term residency is open to applicants from Buffalo and across the United States who are seeking resources, time, and support for ongoing projects or the creation of new work.

Residents have tailored access to facilities, equipment, technical consultation, from Squeaky Wheel, as well as our partners Buffalo Game Space, The Foundry, Mirabo Press, and Silo City. Residents present on their work together in a public event, present a workshop for the Squeaky Wheel community, and participate in tailored activities, such as field trips, critiques, among others.

We aim to support our residents’ careers and continue our relationships after the residency has concluded. Former residents have been invited to present exhibitions, performances, screenings, among other activities.

Who is the residency for?

Residents have worked on non-fiction and documentary films, video games, curatorial research, critical essays, experimental film, media art installations, performances, sound work, and much more. The residency attracts practitioners who make challenging and critical inquiries to media art: its possibilities, histories, and the communities it can hold and form. If you are unsure if this is you, we invite you to define how your projects is part of media arts.

You can apply under three tracks:

• Artist Residency: The residency program lends itself to the creation of a wide variety of work including film, video, virtual reality, game development, textile, metal, woodwork, 3D printing, sonic arts, installation, performance, ecological arts, and more, with access to a wide range of equipment, tools, and technologies. Participants can mix and match these benefits according to their needs. Work can be at any stage of production, and doesn’t need to be completed during the residency program.
• Researcher Residency: Artists, scholars, curators, archivists, writers, and theorists are invited to propose new or in-progress research in the area of emergent media arts practices towards the publication of critical texts, scholarly research, or production of curatorial projects.
• Silo City Residency (summer only): People who love cavernous grain silos and ecological arts!: artists are invited to submit proposals to create and present a public performance at Silo City’s Marine A, which utilizes its unique sonic, visual qualities, and/or industrial history and legacy. The Silo City Resident will have access to the properties on Silo City for a performance that utilizes media, sound, and/or emergent technologies. Equipment from Squeaky Wheel will be available to the resident pending availability. Please note: The Silo City Resident is responsible for their own transportation to and from Silo City for site visits; Squeaky Wheel highly recommends the resident have access to a car.

What is the residency like?

The residency is self-directed, and you are provided access to equipment and facilities at Squeaky Wheel and our partners based on your needs. Residents are expected to be familiar with the technologies and facilities they use. Residents are expected to work ~30 hours/week on their projects. Out of town residents are provided with travel reimbursements and a private room at a nearby AirBnB.

Residents take part in two public events during their time with us: A 20 minute artist talk, and a 1.5–2 hour workshop or lecture that they propose in their application. Silo City Residents are also expected to present a culminating public event at the end of their residency, produced with Squeaky Wheel. Residents receive artist fees for these events. The curator organizes some activities, such as tours, studio visits, and gatherings.

Residency dates: April 4–19, 2025 (two-weeks)