The Public Universal Fantasy Residency Program offers affordable and accessible guided exploration to every applicant. It is a short-term pop-up laboratory program for people of all practices to invigorate and legitimize their ideas through enhanced, relational inquiry.

THE RESIDENCY
Each residency is one month long. Each participant is required to attend a total of four private workshops during their stay. Though the residency is continuous through the entire month, the weekly workshop acts as a stanchion of intention.

These workshops give the artist-in-residence an opportunity to center their residency experience. We have found that meeting one-on-one and discussing our art practice while centering social humility supports authentic connection between people. Our workshops do not recognize advertisement as a meaningful path to connection. We are all artists and there is no competition. There are no sales. We have found that when there is only "us" the whole world opens up.

The workshop environments are co-created. Often they are conversational, formal, responsive, casual. The role, structure, and depth of these one-on-one sessions will be dependent upon a resident's goals and interests. Outside of the workshops, residents will be expected to pursue their goals with diligence and compassion. Residents may choose a zero-goal approach, in which case there is nothing to do but show up to the workshops and just be.

Residents will have the option of sharing what they develop during the residency with a select group of peers after completing the residency.

WHO?
Our teachers have zero credentials, save for the many they do have. They are all graduates of some school, street, or practice, but they make no claims to have ever been "educated" in their life. Everyone on staff at Public Universal Fantasy sharpens their knowledge by turning common experience into a site worth praise. Currently our roster of teachers is not public.

Applicants and residents alike seem to stand aligned on many things. We find that the artists and people who express interest in the program see and refute the promise of popular industry and know the target of fame is one of infinite demands. Work suffused with the act of observation and the art of dealing with men is of great interest to us.

We at the Public Universal Fantasy give thanks toWarman School,Fujichiaand theCTRI Innovations Residency,Poetry Field School, theFeelin Weird podcast, theDeep Play Institute, and Lenka Clayton at the Artist Residency in Motherhood for enthusiastically modeling aspirational scholastic values that many consider to be eccentric, unusual, or illegitimate.

We currently do not accept applicants who have attended MFA programs. One of our jurors says, "The less you have accomplished as an artist, the more likely I am to support your application."

HOW?
Many so-called 'accessible' artist residencies angle themselves towards marginalized people while requiring a slew of impossibly specific evidence to ensure eligibility and worth. We do not need your identification. We do not need your social security number. We do not need you to sign a contract. We do not need a resume listing exhibitions. Please do not create a caricature of yourself. We agree to the potential risks, disappointments, and possibilities that can occur when formal structure is absent. We understand that where there are nonprofits, there are institutional relationships with hideous banks. We understand that if this residency was to receive mainstream funding, this could jeopardize our ethos. With financing comes many things. So, we aim to be self-funded and remain mindful about where we source our funding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply? Is there a fee?
Currently the residency is invitation-only. Currently there is no fee to apply or attend any of the residency programs at Public Universal Fantasy.

How can I afford to give my time away in this economy?
For as long as Public Universal Fantasy can afford, each artist-in-residence will receive $200 honorarium sum for their participation. This is not meant to represent a month of work, but instead to encourage an exchange of energy and to materially express gratitude for each resident's presence.

Can you help me with the application process? Who reads my application?
Unfortunately we cannot assist potential residents with their applications. However, if you need a letter of participation to excuse you from any other activities so as to work more diligently on your application, we are happy to supply it. Applications are evaluated by our selection committee. Acceptance to a Public Universal Fantasy residency is based on the merit of your application and the potential for dynamic and inspiring presence in the residency environment.

What kind of experience can I expect?
We find that the best way to make friends with your expectations is to eliminate them entirely. You are also welcome to peruse our list of past residents and review their residency accomplishments.

What should I bring?
Since each residency is different, some people may not even find themselves "going anywhere" at all. At times, a cell phone is recommended, as we have found that the satisfaction of turning one's cell phone off is a superbly effective ritual to begin periods of undivided focus. We have also found that residents who prioritize timeliness have the most success with our format.

What will I leave with?
All residents receive a certification of completion upon finishing the residency. The shape of the residency and its benefits vary from person-to-person. You may find that you leave with gifts unseen by the eye. It is possible that the workshops will help you make progress on a particular project of your choosing.

May I smoke/drink?
You are welcome to smoke outdoors, as long as you are disposing of waste accordingly. Certain residents might find themselves encouraged to engage in substances, others may find themselves simply repulsed by the idea. Unfortunately alcohol is not permitted at the residency without exception.



As of March 25th, 2025, applications are closed.

Please email directory@publicuniversalfantasy.com with any questions.