Guide4 min read
Artist CV for Residency Applications – What Programs Actually Want to See
Learn how to tailor your artist CV for residency applications. Includes a sample CV structure and tips from residency program directors.
Artsumé Team
Learn how to tailor your artist CV for residency applications. Includes a sample CV structure and tips from residency program directors.
Applying to artist residencies requires a different approach than gallery submissions. Residency programs are looking for artists who will thrive in their specific environment and contribute to their community.
This guide shows you exactly how to structure your CV for residency applications.
Quick Answer
Key Takeaways
Unlike galleries focused primarily on your exhibition record, residencies evaluate:
Your CV should support these evaluation criteria.
Include your website prominently. Residency reviewers often look at your online presence.
MARIA GONZALEZ
Los Angeles, CA
maria@mariagonzalez.art
mariagonzalez.art
@mariagonzalez.art
Some residencies ask for this separately, but having a 2-3 sentence summary on your CV helps reviewers quickly understand your practice.
Working across sculpture and installation, I investigate the relationship
between domestic objects and collective memory. My practice involves
community engagement and site-responsive work.
If you have previous residency experience, highlight it early. This shows you understand the format and can thrive in it.
RESIDENCIES & FELLOWSHIPS
2024 Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, ME
2023 Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT (Fellowship)
2022 Elsewhere Artist Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
Keep standard format.
EDUCATION
MFA, Sculpture, UCLA, 2021
BA, Art History, UC Berkeley, 2018
Standard format, but you might trim to "Selected" if your list is very long.
Important for residencies – shows others have invested in your development.
AWARDS & GRANTS
2024 Individual Artist Grant, California Arts Council
2023 Emerging Artist Award, Los Angeles Art Association
2022 Graduate Research Fellowship, UCLA
This section is especially important for residencies. Many programs value artists who will engage with their broader community.
TEACHING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
2024 Guest Artist, LA Public Schools
2023 Workshop Facilitator, Community Arts Center, LA
2022 Teaching Assistant, UCLA Sculpture Program
Submitting a gallery-focused CV – Adapt your CV to show community engagement and growth potential
Not showing recent activity – Programs want active artists; ensure your recent work is visible
Ignoring the program's focus – Research each residency and emphasize relevant experience
Overcrowding – A clear, well-organized CV beats a dense one
With Artsumé, you can:
Many successful residency applicants tell us that keeping their CV current year-round makes application deadlines much less stressful.
Ready to apply? Browse open residencies accepting applications:
→ Create Your Free CV – Be ready when the perfect opportunity appears
Create your professional artist CV and portfolio in minutes with Artsumé.
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