Community Artist-in-Residence Program

Community Artist-in-Residence Program IMPORTANT: The 2026 Community Artist-in-Residence Program is POSTPONED until further notice. Please check social media for when the window will open.Deadline: TBDVirtual Info Session: TBDResidency Dates: March 2026–November 2026Application Opening Soon!The 2026 Urban Arts Space (UAS) Community Artist-in-Residence Program supports community-centered arts and culture projects while recognizing outstanding local artists. This residency encourages artists to facilitate public art and collaborative experiences. Rather than offering studio space or housing, this community-based residency focuses on realizing the visions of artists for whom the community is their studio, such as painters who create public murals, dancers who teach classes in public spaces, writers who give readings in local bookshops, and beyond.Applications are accepted from individual artists and artist collectives for projects in a wide variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, dance, film/video/media, folk arts, interdisciplinary arts, literary arts, multidisciplinary projects, music, opera, theater, visual arts/crafts, and others.View the online archives for our previous Community Artists-in-Residence—Arris’ Cohen and Ajanaé Dawkins—to see their public programming, exhibitions, and interviews.Watch the 2025 virtual info session about the residency below. The updated 2026 virtual info session will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM, which will be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel in 2026. Remote video URL Funding and Support:Artist Stipend: $25,000 for the recipient’s personal artistic practice, with no restrictions or expectations on how this funding is spent.Programming Budget: an additional $5,000 for community-focused arts programming—such as workshop supplies and payment for other artists and collaborators—which will be flexible depending on the artist’s proposed plan.Additional Support: Urban Arts Space’s in-kind support will include the gallery venue, logistics, installation, marketing, catering, and staffing. UAS also has a small communal office space the resident is welcome to use.Program Duration:Residency Length: 9 months, with community programs conducted from March 1 to November 30, 2026.Biweekly Meetings: Artists are required to attend in-person meetings every other week at UAS to plan community programs.Eligibility:Open to individual artists and artist collectives residing in Franklin County or adjacent counties.Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not currently enrolled as full-time students in higher education.Eligibility Notice for Past University Employees: Former Ohio State University employees (including Burt not limited to faculty, staff, contract workers, term employees, and students) may not be eligible for this Artist-in-Residence position if their previous university work experience is substantially similar to the proposed residency activities. Due to time constraints in processing, former employees whose past work overlaps with residency duties may require additional lead time for processing, which exceeds our residency timeline. Applicants with previous OSU employment are encouraged to contact [email protected] to discuss eligibility before applying.Application Process:Required Materials: Online application form, proof of residency, statement of intent, project plan, CV/resume, community programming budget, and ten work samples.Supporting Documents (optional): Press kits, letters of support from partners.In-Person Interview: A shortlist of artists will be contacted for an in-person interview before the committee makes final selections.Response Date: Applicants can expect to hear back by the end of February 2026.Program Expectations:Artists must deliver at least five public community programs throughout the residency developed in collaboration with Urban Arts Space.The residency includes a large-scale exhibition, performance, or similar project at UAS or related venues.All programming must be open and accessible to the public, engaging with underserved communities through the arts.This residency is not a staff position or form of employment. The purpose of these funds is to enable a local artist to continue their community-centered work.Community Engagement:Projects must be developed in collaboration with Urban Arts Space as well as local community organizations.Applicants should demonstrate community support and interest, clearly articulating audience benefits and collaborative efforts.Community programs may include—but are not limited to—exhibitions, workshop series, performances (all disciplines), festivals, screenings, readings, or multidisciplinary collaborations with another artist. Review Criteria: Applications will be evaluated by a committee of Columbus community members and leaders in Ohio State arts engagement, not UAS staff. They will score applicants in five categories:Artistic merit of proposed projects.Quality and clarity of application materials.Expected community benefit from the proposed activities.Distinctiveness from existing programming.Feasibility and clarity of executing plans.Goals for the Resident Artist1. Community EngagementDeliver Five Community Programs: Plan and execute at least five public programs with Urban Arts Space (e.g., workshops, performances, discussions) that engage community members and encourage participation in the arts.Collaborate with Local Organizations: Establish partnerships with at least two local community organizations to co-create programming, ensuring outreach to underserved populations.2. Artistic DevelopmentCreate a New Body of Work: Develop and complete a new series of artworks or projects during the residency, integrating community feedback and involvement.Document the Artistic Process: Maintain a detailed log of artistic development and community interactions, including sketches, notes, and participant feedback.3. Exhibition or EventCurate a Showcase: Plan