About the 2027 Residency Program

Glen Foerd will be accepting one Philadelphia-based performance artist or collective for the 2027 Residency Program. The selected artist(s) will develop their work based on research and engagement at Glen Foerd, culminating in a final performance or exhibition in October, 2027. The selected artist(s) will receive a $3,000 stipend to fund materials, time, and any other costs associated with engagement events and the installation.

Performance can be interpreted broadly to include music, theater, film, social practice, and/or film. This residency is a collaboration. Glen Foerd recognizes that every artist works differently and may face different barriers. If you have an exciting idea but are unsure how it fits the constraints of our site or program, please reach out and we would be happy to discuss. Attending an Open House or Information Session (dates below), or visiting during weekend Open Hours, can be a helpful step to think through ideas and possibilities within this unique site.

What is Expected

The Residency is a year-long partnership between Glen Foerd and the selected artist(s). The artist is responsible for communicating regularly with Glen Foerd staff to ensure that timelines are adhered to and necessary support can be provided. Glen Foerd staff will provide logistical support for staffing and scheduling site visits, rehearsals, and performances throughout the residency, and for marketing.

Strong proposals include pathways for engaging with Glen Foerd’s programs, partners, and audiences. It is expected that selected artist(s) will visit Glen Foerd’s Teen Arts summer program to offer an activity or artist talk.

The selected artist(s) will receive a $3,000 stipend to use as they see fit to fund their project. The first installment is paid upon acceptance of the residency, the second installment is paid in early summer 2026 upon approval of final performance/exhibition plan, and the third installment is paid upon completion of the approved project. The artist(s) must be able to provide a W9 to receive stipend payments.

Glen Foerd’s historic buildings and natural landscapes are protected and cannot be altered or harmed. Artists must work within these preservation guidelines, avoiding harmful materials and ensuring all installations are temporary, reversible, and do not impact historic structures. Adverse effects on the natural environment or waterways will not be permitted. Activities like drilling, painting murals on historic buildings, installing permanent signage, or hosting large-scale events are strictly prohibited.

Access to Space

Artists may schedule appointments with Glen Foerd staff to view the material collection and archives within the mansion, use the Steinway piano and/or the pipe organ, and access outbuildings including the Carriage House, Boat House, Garden House, and Water Tower.

The grounds are open to the public year-round without an appointment. When visiting the grounds, selected artists are not exempt from the rules and regulations outlined for all Philadelphia public parks.

Program Dates

Application Period: October 5th to December 6th, 2026.

Open House Information Sessions:

o   Friday, October 23rd at 11:00am – Artist Residency Main House Tour (Register)

o   Sunday, November 8th at 11:00am – Artist Residency Main House Tour (Register)

o   Friday, November 20th at 2:00pm – Virtual Artist Residency Info Session (Register)

Decision and Notification Period: January, 2027.

Residency Period: January to October, 2027.

Opening: Sunday, October 10th, 2027.

Can’t make it to an info session? Meet with us to discuss your idea before you apply.

Successful proposals will:

• Have an original, relevant and specific area of inquiry that is rooted in the context of the site.

• Outline a general concept for their performance(s) or activation event(s).

• Clearly communicate how research and engagement with Glen Foerd’s collections, setting, and audiences inform the final work.

• Demonstrate the feasibility of the project and the artistic excellence of the artist(s) through examples of relevant past work.

We encourage all artists to look at past AIR projects on the Glen Foerd website for examples of successful artworks. Please consider visiting Glen Foerd to spend time with our collections, architecture, and grounds.

Much of the history of the site is outlined in the 2014 Cultural Landscape Inventory.

Application materials:

• Contact information

• Artist bio (250 words)

• Resume or CV

• Project Proposal / Statement of Intent (500 words)

• Portfolio of 5 work samples with descriptions

  Please keep audio and video submissions to a combined time limit of 10 minutes or less and text submissions to a combined limit of 5 pages or less.

• Recommendation letter (optional)

  This is optional but encouraged. Consider asking a friend or collaborator to provide a testament to your work ethic, collaboration style, and commitment to your practice.

Submitting an application

Deadline to apply: Sunday, December 6th, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Applicants will be notified of results by mid-January, 2027.

The application fee is $10. If the application fee presents a financial barrier, it can be waived upon request.