Residency

Protecting the Space Between Idea and Outcome

In an era where artistic production is often accelerated and outcome-driven, we create residencies that safeguard something essential: time to think.

Our programs bring together artists across generations and disciplines to engage in inquiry, experimentation, and dialogue. We value process over polish, conversation over competition, and exploration over immediate resolution.

From youth artists shaping their first conceptual frameworks to established practitioners expanding their research, our residencies function as a living ecosystem where ideas remain open, practices remain fluid, and artistic thinking remains central.

MA Youth Residency

Youth International Residency

Artist Residency

MA Youth Residency

The residency is a course-based program that brings the community together through guided learning. It prioritizes shared process, experimentation, and dialogue, supporting participants in developing ideas collaboratively while building skills and connections.

The NIF Massachusetts Local Residency is a 1-week (5-day) intensive program designed for a small cohort of three students based in Massachusetts. Through close mentorship and hands-on exploration, participants engage in two focused project tracks: Experimental Photography & Cyanotype Photo and Integrating Photography & Micro-documentary Filmmaking. The program emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking, supporting students in developing interdisciplinary approaches to visual storytelling.

Timeline

The residency will take place during 2027 spring break, the exact date will be flexible based on selected student's schedule.

The residency will start at 9 am each day and end at 6 pm. The lesson will go from 9 am - 3 pm, and from 3 pm - 5 pm would be studio hours.

Artist as teacher

Students will be learning from experienced artist on:
- Experimental Photography & Cyanotype photo
- Integrating Photography & Micro-documentary Filmmaking

Location

Woburn, MA (1 week)

Open Studio

An Open Studio session offers audiences an inside look at the creative process. Visitors are invited to engage with the artists, view works in progress, and learn about the research, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary thinking behind each project.

Exhibition

The residency culminates in a public exhibition in New York, where students present the works developed during the program. This final presentation marks the transition from research and experimentation to professional-level public engagement.

How to Join:

MA Youth Residency

3 Participants (all Massachusetts local)

If you are a young artist interested in developing a cross-disciplinary project through immersive mentorship, research, and making across Boston and New York, we invite you to apply to the 2026 NIF Youth International Residency.

Before You Apply

This residency is designed for Massachusetts-based students and takes place locally.
Participants are expected to actively engage in all scheduled courses, workshops, and group sessions.
The program emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and learning across disciplines.
Selected participants may be asked to provide additional information or permissions prior to enrollment.

Benefits

Structured, course-based learning led by practicing artists and educators.
Access to studio time, materials, and creative resources.
Mentorship and guidance throughout the development of your ideas.
Opportunities to collaborate with peers across artistic disciplines.
Public sharing or presentation of work created during the residency.
Connection to a growing network of local youth artists and creative communities.

Requirements

Ages 14–18 and currently based in Massachusetts.
Demonstrated interest in the arts (any discipline).
Willingness to participate in a course-based, collaborative environment.
Openness to exploring cross-disciplinary ideas and new creative processes.
Ability to attend scheduled sessions and fully engage in the program.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the application as a combined PDF to info@nextgeninterarts.com including:

Full name, age, and nationality.
Portfolio (5–10 recent works).
Written proposal describing what you plan to develop during the residency.
Materials list (recycled materials encouraged when possible).
What you will bring vs. what you plan to purchase on-site.
Budget plan outlining how support would be used.
Short statement of motivation.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the NIF curatorial and mentorship team.
Selection is based on conceptual depth, clarity of artistic thinking, cross-disciplinary engagement, and the strength of the proposal.
Scheduling details may adjust based on the approved project plan.

The Youth International Residency

The residency centers on cross-disciplinary thinking, with a primary focus on process rather than product. What matters most is how ideas are explored, challenged, and transformed along the way.

The NIF Youth International Residency is a 4-week immersive program held in Massachusetts and New York. Through museum research, collaborative learning, mentorship, and exhibition, students develop cross-disciplinary projects that emphasize experimentation and critical thinking.

Timeline

The residency will take place from July 1, 2026 - July 30, 2026

Scheduling details may adjust based on the approved project plan.

Artist mentorship

Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor based on their discipline
Mentors provide technical guidance, conceptual feedback, and production support
Students are encouraged to experiment beyond their primary medium

Location

Woburn, MA (2.5 weeks) + Brooklyn, NY (1.5 weeks)

Open Studio

Exhibition

How to Join:

Youth International Residency

3 Participants (1 U.S. Student, 2 International Student)

Before You Apply

International applicants will likely need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to participate.
Visa processing can take time, so plan early before confirming travel.
Participants must be able to work in English for studio sessions, museum visits, and group discussion.
Selected students may be asked to provide standard visa documentation after acceptance. Detailed visa guidance will be shared with selected participants.

Benefits

Residency support package aligned with your project plan, up to $5,000 total support.
Travel support available when needed.
Materials support available based on project needs.
Mentorship from practicing artists and composers.
Museum visits, guided research, and studio development.
New York public presentation in collaboration with a Partner Foundation.
Professional documentation of work created during the residency.

Requirements

Ages 14–18 (middle to high school students).
Must be a winner of the XC Creative Art Contest (past or present year).
Submit 5–10 artworks created within the past three years.
Propose a cross-disciplinary project aligned with one of the following directions: Video Art + Music, Mixed Media + Science, Illustration + Literature
Submit a project proposal that includes concept, materials, and working process.
Show willingness to experiment across disciplines.
Submit a preliminary budget plan (approximately $5,000 total allocation).

Application Process

To apply, please submit the application as a combined PDF to info@nextgeninterarts.com including:

Full name, age, and nationality.
Portfolio (5–10 recent works).
Written proposal describing what you plan to develop during the residency.
Materials list (recycled materials encouraged when possible).
What you will bring vs. what you plan to purchase on-site.
Budget plan outlining how support would be used.
Short statement of motivation.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the NIF curatorial and mentorship team.
Selection is based on conceptual depth, clarity of artistic thinking, cross-disciplinary engagement, and the strength of the proposal.
Two students are selected: 1 U.S. student and 1 international student.
Scheduling details may adjust based on the approved project plan.

Artist Residency

The NIF Artist Residency supports established and mid-career artists engaged in rigorous cross-disciplinary practice. Through research, mentorship exchange, public dialogue, open studios, and artist-led workshops, residents expand their ongoing investigations within a collaborative and intellectually active environment.

Artists are expected to participate in open studio presentations and host workshops that engage the broader community, creating opportunities for shared inquiry and knowledge exchange. The residency emphasizes experimentation, critical reflection, and the evolution of ideas in process, rather than the production of a finalized outcome.

How to Join:

Artist Residency

1 Participant (United States Only)

If you’re interested in joining our residency and experiencing a fully supported stay in Boston, Massachusetts, we encourage you to apply and become part of our creative community.

Benefits

We actively promote our resident artists and their work.
Full support provided, including housing, travel, and meals.
Artists have the opportunity to inspire and connect with our community through artist talks with students and parents.

Requirements

Residency duration: 1 to 3 weeks.
Conduct teaching sessions and workshops.
Contribute one piece of artwork (dimensions no larger than 20 inches in width, height, and length).
For video works, we request broadcast rights.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the application as a combined PDF to info@nextgeninterarts.com including:

Full name, nationality, and art genre.
Favorite mediums and plans for artwork creation during the residency.
PDF or link to your artworks ( 10 - 15 pieces)
Description of the artwork you will contribute.
Reasons for choosing this residency and preferred duration of stay.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by our judges, Xiaowei Chen and William Norton.
Let this residency be a platform to showcase your talent, inspire others, and leave a lasting creative impact!

Past Residency Artist

June - August 2025

Sean Wang

Past Concerts

2024 New England Film Orchestra, DCR Hatch Shell, Boston
2024 Horizon Ensemble, Somerville Theatre, Boston
2024 Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Symphony Hall
2023 Aladdin, Broadway, NewYork 2023 Magic Flute, Met Opera, NewYork

Sean Wang graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, earning his bachelor's, master's, and graduate performance diplomas.

He is a talented French horn player who has been actively involved in various musical fields and prominent projects. He has served as the understudy horn player for Broadway's Aladdin, a horn player with the New England Film Orchestra, and the principal horn player of the New England Brass Band. On stage, Sean Wang has made significant contributions as well. He has performed the horn parts for ballet productions such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and has played in numerous operas, including La Bohème, The Barber of Seville, and The Magic Flute. His playing style and technique have earned widespread recognition.