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2026 Risograph Publication Residency

Penumbra Foundation   /   Deadline: 03/31/26

The Penumbra Risograph Publication Residency provides the opportunity for artists to propose a photographic project to produce in print form, at our Risograph facilities in New York City. Artists receive resources, assistance, and time for the production of a small edition risograph photobook project.

A basic overview of the operation and use of the ME9450 Risograph is provided - no prior risograph printing experience is required. Residents are allotted roughly one month to produce their projects in June, July, or August of 2025. Penumbra Foundation will assist in the distribution and promotion of the projects. The residency concludes with a book launch at In The Fold, Penumbra's photobook forum, held in September 2026.

Jurors: Catherine E. McKinley (Curator and writer), Joshua Chuang (Director of Photography, Gagosian), and Travis Shaffer (Artist and educator).⁠

Link to apply: https://site.picter.com/penumbra-foundation-residency-programs-2026

Location

Residencies will take place at Penumbra Foundation in New York City.

Residents will have the option for a one-week seminar with Travis Shaffer (theretherenow) at the University of Missouri's School of Visual Studies Riso Room where they will learn the basics of risography and have the opportunity to refine their project.

Fees

Free to apply

Eligibility

US-based and international artists may apply.

Artists can not be enrolled in a matriculating, academic program (undergraduate or graduate) during the time of their residency. However, current students who graduate before the start date of their residency may apply.

Requirements

Applicants should provide:

1. A written project proposal. Please note that all projects must be photographic in nature.

2. Supporting Images of the project, including any existing mock-ups, pdfs, or maquettes that may be relevant to the project's form as a book, or in print. (15 – 30 images).

3. Details of prior experience (if any – this is not a requirement) with print and book production and risograph printing.

4. A statement of why the proposed project might be well suited to Risograph reproduction.

Terms:
1. Artists will be required to donate 40% of the edition produced during the residency. These copies will become part of the Penumbra Risograph Photobook Collection for future educational use, to promote the residency program, and to be sold to support the costs of future residents.

2. Artists will be responsible for all housing and transportation costs throughout the residency.

3. All 2026 Residents will be expected to present their projects at a group event open to the public, in September 2026, at Penumbra Foundation in NYC.

Evaluation Criteria

The juries consist of a rotating panel of arts professionals that changes each year. These committees are separate and specific to the residency programs they are reviewing for. Applications should demonstrate creativity and coherence in the artist's vision.

Applicants should clearly describe their interest in the residency they are applying for in their Letter of Intent.

Risograph residents must articulate why their project is well suited to be reproduced in the risograph process. Applicants must also provide a PDF book maquette of their intended project. This need not be final, but should indicate the applicant's consideration of the photobook medium. If you do not include this PDF, your application will not be considered. Image copyrights are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Contact Information

Lisa di Donato
36 East 30th Street
New York, NY 10016

P: 917-288–0343
E: lisa@penumbrafoundation.org