Bunker Projects Announces 2026–2027 Resident Artist Cohort

Thirty artists from Pittsburgh and beyond will spend the next 15 months developing new workthrough the organization’s flagship residency program.

PITTSBURGH, PA — [September, 2026] — Bunker Projects, a nonprofit artist residency and experimental gallery space in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield Garfield neighborhood, today announced its resident artist cohort for the 2026–2027 season. The incoming class brings together twelve local artists and eighteen visiting artists working across disciplines including sculpture, painting, textile, film, performance, sound, and social practice.

“We had 232 applicants this year, and choosing from that pool was genuinely difficult, so many fabulous artists applied to Bunker this year. This year’s cohort represents some of the most impressive talent we’ve ever seen, truly world-class contemporary artists. We’re bringing so much talent together over the next several months, and I’m excited for our local and visiting artists to connect, share space, and share time. It’s such a gift to host these brilliant people and cheer them on ” said Director, Founder, Jessie Rommelt.

2026–2027 Resident Artists

Local Residents
Luca Budofsky, Frankmarlin, Sara Jean Ruiz, Gary Marecic, Liv Cocozza, Leah Victoria, Zuly Inirio, Ahmed T. Ragheb & Lily Ekimian Ragheb, grace (ge) gilbert, Sophia Direnna, Marcelese Cooper

Visiting Residents
Kaede Polkinghorne, Molly Burt-Westvig, Nashelle Williams, Joshua Williams, Kiley Brandt, Ari Mulch, Michaela Nichelle, Julianna Sanroman Rojas, Isabel Lu, Jordan Ramsey Ismaiel, Sam Grabowska, Milez Estelle, Neyat Yohannes, Allison Lacher, Mahlet Cuff, Ahmed El Zoghby, Ren Loren Britton, Sam Maurer

Throughout the season, each resident will receive dedicated studio space, housing, and institutional support to develop new work, take creative risks, and engage with Pittsburgh’s broader arts community. Residencies run on a rotating basis throughout the year, each spanning four to six weeks, with many artists returning for future exhibitions and collaborations in Bunker’s gallery space.

The public has multiple opportunities to engage directly with resident artists throughout the season, most notably during Open Studios, held every First Friday. Bunker Commons: In Focus, the organization’s new event series for monthly donors, offers an even more intimate way to connect with current residents through creative field trips, artistic side quests, and close encounters with residents, exhibitors, and Bunker’s extended artist network.

For updates on resident programming, exhibition dates, and public events, visit bunkerprojects.org.