We are Miami-based artists, Oolite alumni, arts workers, and members of the local arts community coming together to ask Oolite Arts to reconsider recent changes to its Studio Residency program and related eligibility policies.

Recently, Oolite has transitioned its Studio Residency from a two-year program to a one-year program and introduced new eligibility restrictions across key opportunities, including the Ellies Grant and the Home + Away Residency. Under these changes, artists who receive one of these opportunities in 2026 are not eligible to apply again for any of them for the following two years. These changes affect not only current residents, but also future applicants and the broader Miami arts community who rely on Oolite’s programs for sustained support.

Oolite has long played an important role in supporting artists in Miami, especially through its residency programs and grant opportunities. Many artists have directly benefited from its commitment to sustained artistic development, community-building, free studio access, and the housing stipend provided to residents.

This support is especially important in Miami, where rising rents and limited access to affordable studio space make it increasingly difficult for artists to sustain their practice. The housing stipend, free studio access, and the Ellies Grant—which provides up to $10,000 per artist—are each important forms of support that allow artists to remain in the city and continue their work.

We are also concerned that changes across multiple programs may limit the ability of artists to consistently access financial and institutional support at key moments in their careers, and may result in longer gaps between opportunities when ongoing support is often most needed.

We are respectfully asking Oolite Arts to reconsider these changes and explore alternatives that preserve:

-The possibility of a two-year residency model, or other structures that allow for extended studio access and continuity of practice
-More flexible eligibility guidelines that ensure artists are not broadly excluded from key opportunities over extended periods
-Continued access to essential support systems like the Ellies Grant, free studio space, and housing stipends

We understand that institutions evolve and must make difficult decisions. This request is made in the spirit of supporting Oolite’s mission and ensuring that it continues to meaningfully support artists at all stages of their development.

We believe that sustained studio time, financial support, and access to opportunities are important to the long-term health of Miami’s arts ecosystem.

We hope Oolite will reconsider these policies with input from artists across Miami who understand their long-term impact on the field.

Sign this petition if you support:
-Reconsidering the transition from a two-year to a one-year residency model
-Reviewing eligibility restrictions across the Ellies Grant, Home + Away Residency, and Studio Residency
-Maintaining access to essential supports like free studio space, housing stipends, and the Ellies Grant
-Strengthening long-term support for Miami’s artist community