Hackerman Artist in Residence Proposals

Applications for the 2026 Program will open on March 1, 2025.

The Hackerman Library Artist in Residence (AIR) program is an opportunity for the selected visual artist to work as an independent contractor developing a new body of artwork or to further develop projects already in existence. The Hackerman Artist in Residence program aims to enhance the artistic and cultural life of Maryland by connecting established and emerging artists with Library resources and tools, creating meaningful connections with Library patrons, and contributing unique perspectives to our ever-evolving and growing community.

Applications for the Hackerman Artist in Residence program will open on March 1, 2025. This year's focus will be on two-dimensional art ONLY. Examples include (but are not limited to) drawing, painting, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, illustration, and printing (with water-based inks only).

Program Goals:

• Foster an inclusive and diverse space: Create opportunities for Library patrons to interact with creative professionals from various disciplines, promoting equity and inclusivity.

• Enhance creative growth and exploration: Cultivate a thriving arts scene in Baltimore by encouraging artists to explore and contribute to the city's cultural landscape.

• Facilitate meaningful collaborations: Offer a platform for the community to engage with arts professionals.

• Enrich creative learning: Provide access to resources and services that support Library patrons in their creative learning and exploration.

• Bridge the gap between art and community: Establish connections between creative professionals and the Library community.

The Pratt provides a stipend during the residency period. Our current stipend is $30,000 for 11 months, dependent on available funding, with some additional resources available for supply costs. We are unable to reimburse travel costs or provide housing for visiting artists.

Requirements

Artists must maintain a regular presence at the Library, with a minimum of 10 hours per week during their 11-month residency making and creating in the provided Artist Studio. Artists will have access to their studio only during public service hours from 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday. The Library is closed on Sundays. There is no 24 hours access.

In consultation with Pratt staff, the Artist in Residence is expected to plan and host one public event or activity per month. The purpose of AIR events is to educate and engage the community in the creative process. Programs can include interactive sessions, workshops, classes, demonstrations, presentations, or other forms of community engagement. Different activities must be designed for children/families, teens, adults, and all ages. Half of these events will be scheduled for branches other than the Central Library. The Artist can present the same program more than once, if at multiple locations. It is the expectation that the last program in June will be a culminating event representative of the Artist in Residence’s research and work produced.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library will promote the Artist in Residence and any presentations, exhibitions, and community programs the artist participates in during the residency. This residency opportunity is open to Maryland-based artists 21+ years of age who are interested in connecting with and teaching the community about art.

Current Pratt staff are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Admission to the AIR program is by online application only. Applications for the 2026 Artist in Residence will open on March 1, 2025. Please check this page for updates.
 

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest! Applications for the 2026 Artist in Residence will open on March1, 2025. Please check this page for updates.

In the form, you will be asked to provide:

• First and Last Name
• Pronouns
• Email
• Phone Number
• Address
• Your experience teaching a class or workshop, if any
• Artist Statement
• Where you heard about the program
• A link to a website or social media page where we can see a body of established work
• A description of your project idea for the residency and what inspires it
• An explanation of why the library's resources interest you
• Your plans for involving the public with your art
• Creative event ideas for children, teens, and adults
• A portfolio, CV, and letter of recommendation in one PDF

Selection Process

Residents are carefully selected through a multi-round review process in which library staff and external jurors review and score applications. Artists are ultimately selected by panels of external reviewers who are established and working in fields or practices relevant to the Pratt Library's mission.

Artists will be notified of acceptance or nonacceptance no later than 30 days after the deadline. Notification will be made via email.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to provide individualized feedback to the top nine applicants who are not selected for a residency.

If you have specific questions about the application or selection processes, please email our team at air@prattlibrary.org.
 

Attend the Information Session

Are you considering applying to the 2026 Hackerman Artist in Residence Program but still have questions? 

Join us for the Artist In Residence Information Session at the Central Library on Monday, March 3 to learn more about the program, view the studio space and meet our Artist in Residence Program Coordinator. There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Note: This residency opportunity is open to Maryland-based artists 21+ years of age who are interested in connecting with and teaching the community about art.