Distillery Application and Eligibility

Applications for 2026-2027 residency are due April 20, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Eligibility

The ideal Distillery candidate is actively seeking to professionalize their practice, open to creative risk-taking, motivated to seek expert opinions, and dedicated to grounding themselves in a shared studio environment.

Artists working in any visual media are eligible to apply. Applicants must be based within the Pittsburgh region – housing is not provided. Artists must have access to reliable transportation to the studios. (There is free street parking near Brew House, bike racks, and the facility can be accessed via Port Authority Bus Lines – 54, 81, 83, 48.) Selected applicants are expected to attend all scheduled residency sessions — about two programs a month, on Saturdays and weekday evenings. Students enrolled during the residency year are not eligible.

Underrepresented candidates, including black and non-black people of color, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+, are encouraged to apply. Brew House Arts is committed to being accessible to all. If you have specific accommodations or needs, contact us at bnakamoto@brewhousearts.org and let us know what accommodations we can make to ensure your experience is positive.

Individual applications will be reviewed on quality of artwork, strength of C.V., and potential impact of the program on applicant’s studio practice and artistic career. We ask our selection committee to think comprehensively about the cohort of artists selected to make sure each group reflects a multitude of voices, processes, and media.

*Individuals considering applying to both Distillery & Prospectus must select one program for which to apply each season. Artists selected to participate in the Distillery program will be ineligible to participate in BHA’s Prospectus program simultaneously.

*All artists must agree to Brew House Arts Community Agreements and Studio Guidelines. See reference forms below.

Program Requirements

All Artists-In-Residence must be able to:

Attend monthly workshops and group critiques that occur on Saturdays or weekday evenings.
Complete all tasks assigned at monthly workshops.
Pay all monthly program fees (typical cost $100/ month)
Arrange regular meetings with program mentors.
Submit artist statements & biographies for feedback.
Create new artwork for the group exhibition.
Attend the Distillery exhibition opening reception.
Participate in the open studios event.
Present an artist talk.

Fees & Stipends

Artists are required to sign a Rental Agreement for their 250 sq. ft. studio. A refundable $100 security deposit is due at move-in. Program requires a $100 per month program fee.

Upon completion of the program and all requirements, artists will be eligible to receive a $300 honorarium to assist in transition expenses.

A limited number of partial scholarships may be made available to help support studio fees for eligible artists. Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstration of financial need and short answer in the application. There is no fee to apply.

Calendar

February 20: Applications open

March 18: Virtual information session (6:30-8pm) Click here to register through Zoom. (If you missed the information session but would like to view the recording, please email bnakamoto@brewhousearts.org)

April 20: Applications due (5:00 pm)

May 11-15: Finalist interviews

May 22: Accepted artists notified

July 18: Studio move-in

May 6 – June 26, 2027: Group exhibition in Brew House Gallery

June 26, 2027: Last day in studio

To Apply

Applications for 2026-2027 residency are now open. Click here to apply.

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on April 20, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please review the Application Questions in advance. Application does NOT allow for partial completion or saving of work to return, so applicants should have their materials ready and able to submit in one sitting.

Inquiries

Send any other questions to: bnakamoto@brewhousearts.org

Brew House Arts