Artist in Residence FAQ

No. We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds and those who are self-taught. We ask for your educational experience in the application to help us understand who you are. 

Yes, collaborations are welcome to apply. The stipend will be applied to the team as a whole. A single application should be submitted, including work samples from the group rather than individual members. The application must designate a primary contact for communication.

There is no additional payment for housing or travel.

Yes, due to our facilities and safety policies, we are restricting the use of any supplies or materials that could prove dangerous to our community or facilities. This includes open flames with gas, dangerous chemicals, biohazard materials, and materials that require heavy-duty ventilation.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library social media sites serve as “limited public forums.” Please review the social media policy page for full details.

Yes! Our jurors change every year. Work that did not resonate with one jury might with the next panel. 

Service animals are welcome. Animals not specifically covered in the American with Disabilities Act are not permitted in the library.

Funding for the program has been provided through the generosity of private donors.

• Demonstrated experience teaching classes or workshops
• Desire to share the experience of being an artist with the people who visit the library
• The quality of your submitted artwork
• Suitability of the submitted project proposal
• References
• Other relevant experience (visual art experience, working with multiple age groups, etc.) will be taken into account

The resident is allowed to maintain other employment while in residence if they can balance that employment with the required monthly on-site engagement with the community, check-ins with the Artist in Residence coordinator, and progress on their proposed project(s).

The Artist in Residence (AIR) Coordinator will have check-ins with the AIR every other week to discuss their project progress as well as programming ideas and needs. At the closing celebration, the AIR will present what they have accomplished during the residency to the community. There may be additional opportunities to talk with Library administrators, donors, and board members about your progress at formal and informal events and gatherings.

The residency requires a minimum of ten (10) on-site hours per week which will be spent in the studio creating art, engaging with library customers, doing research, etc. There is also one hour-long interactive program with the public each month, which will require planning as well as execution. There could be a few other obligations, such as an occasional luncheon with the donors, invitations to optional parties, etc. 

Additionally, the residency entails working on a project throughout the duration, culminating in a closing celebration. The time required for program preparation, office hours, and project completion will vary by individual, but a reasonable estimate is that it could amount to approximately 20 hours per week, similar to a part-time job.

Kindly provide only their name and contact information, as letters of reference are not required. Should we need to reach out to your reference, they should be able to offer valuable insight into your character, artistic practice, and teaching experience.