Call for Artist Proposals!

Overview

The ACTivate Residency of Boston Center for the Arts is a seven-day, site-responsive artist residency designed to support artists in the exploration of an idea or concept at various points of development. BCA will select two residents—individuals or small collectives—to expand work that is performative and/or visual in nature. Residents are not required to deliver a polished product but are invited to host an open sharing to spark connection and feedback around the drafted work.

Eligibility

ACTivate is open to Boston-based visual, performing, and interdisciplinary artists who belong to historically underrepresented and under-resourced groups. Lead Artist must be a current resident of the City of Boston or surrounding area. Collective or Lead Artist(s) must have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and accessibility. Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are not eligible.

Key dates

• August 19, 2027 – Open Call Announced
• September 23, 2027 – Materials due
• October 2027 – Notify Artists
• Residency dates: January 11-17, 2027; January 25-31, 2027; February 8-14, 2027; March 1-7, 2027 (all Monday-Sunday)

What BCA provides

• $3,000 stipend for Lead Artist for resources such as collaborators and specific elements of the piece
• $500 travel stipend
• Access to the Cyclorama for seven days during agreed-upon hours
• BCA staff support during artists' working hours up to eight consecutive hours per day between 10am and 7pm
• Documentation of the residency process and work created for the artist's discretion and BCA sharing
• Access to BCA in-house resources including tables, chairs, and lighting
• Opportunity to share work-in-progress with a small private audience in an Open Sharing during residency week

Artist responsibilities

• Create or further develop a site-responsive work over seven days that is performative, visual, or interdisciplinary in nature
• Collaborate with BCA on a project description for staff, stakeholders, and social media
• Attend pre-Residency meetings to discuss timeline, technical, production, and general needs
• Agree to collaborate with BCA to share process and documentation with audiences
• Provide images, bio, and project descriptions for promotion
• Promote the ACTivate Residency in partnership with BCA marketing
• Collaborate with BCA staff on installation including permitting and loading in
• Submit detailed schedule six weeks prior and floor plan two weeks prior
• Work with BCA staff and film crew for documentation including interviews and photography
• Follow Cyclorama Rules and Regulations and BCA Health and Safety Guidelines
• Strike installation at residency conclusion

Artistic evaluation criteria

• Experimentation: Demonstrates innovation and openness to new ideas, perspectives, and techniques
• Responsiveness: Ideas relevant to contemporary interests and conversations
• Community engagement: Artistic practice that engages meaningfully with the ecosystem through collaboration and exchange
• Potential impact: Work for which BCA involvement could propel the artist's practice and create growth

Contact

Andrea Blesso, Director of Dance & Interdisciplinary Arts ([email protected]) is available to answer questions and provide additional information about the residency.