The Core Program awards postgraduate residencies to highly motivated, exceptional visual artists and critical writers who have completed their undergraduate or graduate training and are working to develop a sustainable practice. Residents engage with a wide range of distinguished artists, critics, curators, and art historians who are invited to meet individually with the residents, lead seminars, and deliver public lectures. Core fellows participate in a yearlong seminar, the content of which is driven by contemporary concerns, the interests and work of the fellows, and the Core lecture series and visitors.

The residency term is from September to May, and fellows may apply for a second term. Each spring the program mounts an exhibition of work produced during the residency, which is accompanied by a publication to which the critical studies residents contribute texts based on their original research. Critical studies residents may apply for support for a curatorial project in their second year. Residents receive a 20,000 USD stipend, 24-hour access to a private studio or office, and borrowing privileges at the museum’s Hirsch Library and Rice University’s Fondren Library. Because the program is intended to foster intensive participation in an active peer group, including biweekly seminar meetings, Core fellows must reside in Houston for the duration of the Core term.