Nneka Kai, 24/25 Long Term Artist In Residence (Atlanta, Georgia)

“Matter, Matters”

At Sculpture Space, we understand that sculpture is more than form—it is a reflection of transition, of shifting cultural landscapes, and of the unseen forces that shape our world. As shepherds of sculptors, we foster not only the creation of art but the conversations that matter. We are a space where deep and sometimes unclear transformations take shape, where artists engage with pressing issues, and where the dialogue of our time is sculpted into being.

The 2026 Residency Program at Sculpture Space embodies this ethos. This year, from a highly competitive pool of 204 applicants, 20 artists have been selected through an intensive review process conducted by the Sculpture Space Review Committee and guest panelists. Evaluated on the basis of talent, originality, quality, and potential for growth, these artists represent the forefront of contemporary sculpture, pushing boundaries and reimagining the medium’s role in society.

In a groundbreaking year for the program, we welcome 18 women, 3 men, 1 collaborative team, 12 international artists, and 9 from within the continental United States. Their journeys span continents—arriving from China, Taiwan, Colombia, Cuba, Iran, Israel, South Korea, and Mexico—bringing a truly global perspective to our space. This cohort not only reflects the shifting demographics of the sculpture world but also signals a new era of artistic leadership, where diverse voices are at the helm of innovation.

For the 2026 season, Sculpture Space will host a full cohort of 20 residents. The selection process—conducted over three rigorous rounds in a fully virtual format—underscores our commitment to expanding access while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence.

Here, in our space, “matter matters.” Artists, ideas, and transformations take shape—not only in sculpture but in the broader discourse shaping our world.