WORTHLESSSTUDIOS’ Artist Residency Program (WARP) provides state-of-the-art fabrication resources, space, generous funding, and industry-leading project management support to artists as they create ambitious, large-scale sculpture.
This residency embodies WORTHLESSSTUDIOS’ core mission to support boundary-pushing artists to realize visionary projects. WARP supports artists at an important juncture in their careers while embracing the entire creative process from start to finish.
This program is done in partnership with UAP, a leading global design and public art fabrication studio in upstate New York that provides fabrication support: from traditional bronze casting and metal fabrication to advanced digital, robotic, and large-scale public sculpture production.
RESIDENT GETS
$45,000 fabrication budget
$5,000 artist stipend
5 to 7 weeks of access to UAP and fabrication curriculum
Private studio space at UAP
Project management support
Housing and transportation stipend
Labor Support Stipend to be used for studio assistants
Press Packet Materials
Applications will be open from January 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM (EST) - March 31, 2026 at 11:59 (EST)
2025 WARP RESIDENT: ELAINE CAMERON-WEIR
Elaine Cameron-Weir’s work is informed by the array of systems and structures that humans have created to deal with the unknown – be that through scientific inquiry, religion, modes of governance or creative practices.
Her sculptures incorporate part-objects repurposed from their scientific, medical, military or faith-giving functions into reliquaries or representations of larger systems of belief and power.
Her installations combine these found fragments with definitively handmade elements, using techniques as varied as vitreous enamelling, glass casting, metalworking and leather tooling. Together these arrangements are often suspended from the ceiling, seemingly levitating from the ground, yet being simultaneously held in tension by gravity and an architectural framework of pulleys and cables. Materials can also be ephemeral, incorporating heat, light and scent, suggesting transformations of solid matter into dust or diffusion into atmosphere.
Cameron-Weir’s sculptures often form uncanny mirror images, through symmetrical details that emphasise the dualistic nature of any narrative or narrator. Although her practice resists straightforward characterization or iconographic interpretation, Cameron-Weir’s works offer the possibility of passage through a portal or beyond a threshold, further facilitating the transition from one state to the next.
western procession of oldest wounds (hit parade) wrecked high altar of buying tears
2024
aluminum horseshoes, conveyor belt, horseshoe nails, stainless steel, barrels, lead, steel grit, liquid candles
Installed: 396.2 x 1319.5 x 429.3 cm | 156 x 519 1/2 x 169 in
Previous artists in residence
selection committee
The WARP Selection Committee brings together a remarkable group of artists, curators, collectors, philanthropists, and cultural leaders who believe artists can create transformative work when provided the right resources, materials, and support—each lending their insight and influence to help select the 2026 WARP artist.
The WARP Selection Committee offers members a direct and meaningful role in shaping the future of contemporary sculpture. It’s an opportunity to champion an artist from concept to completion, supporting the fabrication of a new large-scale work.
The current WARP Selection Committee includes:
Malik Al-Mahrouky, Deja Belardo, Margot Bram, Jean Cooney, Ben Dean & Natalie Jackson, Ellie Edelman, Taylor Fisch, Timur Galen & Linda Genereux, Grace Hoyt, Hannah Hoffman, Katie Hollander, Jake Joyce, Fitzhugh Karol, Jonathan Langer, Christine Mack, May Makki, Elena McCallister Jobs, Justin Metz, Lily Mortimer, Abby Pucker, Ian Singleton, Dan Tobin, Philip Tom, Jacob Trouba, Tiffany Zabludowicz, and Marlene Zwirner.
WHY SCULPTURE?
Sculpture is one of the most powerful mediums to honor history, define culture, and share stories. From the ancient Egyptian pyramids and Michelangelo’s David to modern works like Cloud Gate (more commonly known as The Bean) in Chicago, sculptures embody the values and achievements of their time. They serve as cultural symbols from diverse perspectives and identities looking to preserve an idea in history. Through both their physical presence and underlying message, sculptures are impactful in their ability to carry on meaning and inspire future generations. Sculpture has long been an art form for advancing creative and technical boundaries. As artists embrace new materials and techniques, sculpture has evolved, mirroring changes in political power, religious beliefs, and artistic innovation. Sculptures have traditionally provided communities with accessible, immersive art experiences, making culture and memory tangible and rooted in place. The past comes alive through sculpture, shaping how we see ourselves and connect across time and space. WARP carries this tradition forward, empowering artists to create works that could become cultural touchstones and historical landmarks.