Submissions for our 2027 Artist-in-Residence program will begin
August 1, 2026, and close on September 30, 2026.
Artists will receive notification of selection in November 2026.
AIR application and submission details below.
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ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
Akron Soul Train welcomes applications from visual, literary, performing, and multidisciplinary artists throughout the region. The residency provides artists with dedicated time, financial support, and organizational resources to research, develop, and present an original creative project. While each residency follows a flexible timeline tailored to the needs of the artist and the scope of the proposed project, all residency activities—including creative development, community engagement, and the final public presentation—must be completed within the designated residency year.
Artists are selected through a competitive review process based on the strength of their creative practice, the quality and originality of their proposed project, their commitment to community engagement, and the potential impact of the residency. Applications are reviewed by the AST Residency Committee, a panel of arts professionals, community members, and alumni artists representing a range of disciplines and perspectives:
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Arnold Tunstall, Director of Galleries, The University of Akron; AST board member
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Stephen Tomasko, Photographer and AST Alumnus
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Francisca B. Ugalde, Curator, Institute for Human Science and Culture; Instructor, Museums and Archives Certificate Program
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William Eugene Blake, Executive Director, Progressive Alliance CDC
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P.J. Hargraves, Assistant Professor-Art, Cuyahoga Community College; AST Alumnus
Guest Juror for 2027
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Christa Ebert, Program Administrator, New Music USA; musician, composer, & producer; AST Alumna
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Dedicated time, an unrestricted $1,000 artist stipend*, and personalized support to research, develop, and bring an original creative project to life for public presentation.
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Professional recognition through exhibitions, performances, publications, marketing, and media outreach.
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Meaningful community engagement opportunities that connect your creative practice with audiences across Greater Akron.
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Expanded professional networks through connections with fellow artists, arts organizations, community partners, and cultural leaders.
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Ongoing membership in the Akron Soul Train alumni community, fostering continued collaboration and creative exchange beyond the residency.
RESIDENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
RESIDENCY BENEFITS
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Develop and present an original creative project through a public exhibition, performance, reading, or publication.
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Work collaboratively with AST staff to design and faciliate at least one free public engagement activity that connects your creative practice with the Greater Akron community.
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Participate in promotional and media opportunities, including interviews, photography, and other marketing efforts related to the residency.
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Complete a post-residency evaluation to help assess the program and inform future improvements.
ELIGIBILITY
Please read through our FAQ and click the SUBMIT button below!
What do you mean by “regional”?
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Artists must be over 18 years of age
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Artists must be regional
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Previous AST Artists in Residence are eligible to reapply after a two-year waiting period
Alumni AIRs must wait at least two full residency cycles following their most recently awarded residency before submitting a new application. This policy ensures opportunities remain accessible to both new and returning artists while encouraging continued growth and the development of new creative work. Previous participation or receipt of a residency award does not guarantee selection for future residency cycles. All applications are evaluated through the same competitive review process based on the strength of the proposed project and application materials.
Will I work in my own studio as an artist in residence?
Our residencies are designed to support artists while they continue working in their own studios. We do not provide live/workspace; instead, artists create from their personal or rented studios and travel to Akron for exhibitions, events, and community engagement opportunities.
FAQ
For Akron Soul Train, “regional” refers to artists who live within a reasonable traveling distance of Akron and can participate in person for key parts of the residency. This typically includes artists based in cities such as Pittsburgh, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, and other nearby areas. While you do not have to live in Akron, you must be able to travel here for public events, community engagement, and your final exhibition or performance.
What kind of community program am I expected to do if I become an artist in residency?
What can make my application more successful?
Make sure you prepare a thoughtful artist statement, a clear plan for how you will use your residency, and a compelling idea for your community program. Include high-quality images, video, or audio files of your work, and, if possible, provide links to an up-to-date website or social media. We also welcome artists at all stages of their careers and from diverse backgrounds—your lived experiences and unique perspectives are valuable to our community. If you face barriers to accessing resources like professional photography or a website, simply do your best with what you have; we’re more interested in the strength of your ideas and vision than perfection. Most importantly, be your authentic artistic self, and don’t hesitate to highlight why you and your work deserve this opportunity!
What do you mean by “resources” to create new art?
As part of our mission to bring distinctive artist-led experiences to the Akron community, we actively support artists in developing engaging public programs. Past residents have offered demonstrations, workshops, and artist talks, but these examples are just the beginning. We’re excited to collaborate with you to shape a program that reflects your unique artistic vision and deepens public understanding of the arts. If you’d like to discuss your residency proposal or explore ideas for community programming, please reach out to us anytime at info@akronsoultrain.org—we’re happy to help you determine what might work best.
We are dedicated to supporting your artistic vision during your residency and will work collaboratively to help your project succeed. Our team can assist with key aspects of your residency experience—such as coordinating the installation of your work in our gallery, connecting you with potential resources or community partners for materials or equipment, and helping identify possible venues for performances or events. While we can’t guarantee every request can be fulfilled, we will make every reasonable effort to help you access what you need. We also actively promote resident projects to ensure they receive strong visibility in the community. Please feel free to share your needs and aspirations with us so we can explore how best to support your creative vision.
Akron Soul Train welcomes artists who wish to continue developing works already in progress during their residency. As long as your project aligns with our mission and includes a public engagement component, you are encouraged to use this time to further an existing body of work. We see value in supporting ongoing creative processes and understand that meaningful artistic projects often evolve over time.
Can I still work my job during the residency?
Akron Soul Train understands that many artists maintain jobs or other commitments while participating in a residency. Our program is designed to be flexible so you can continue working in your own studio and
manage your schedule. However, we do expect artists to prioritize their residency project, meet agreed-upon deadlines, and fully participate in public events and community engagement activities. By applying, you’re committing to completing your proposed project and engaging meaningfully with the Akron community during your residency period.
Can I continue an in-progress project during my residency?
Can I submit the application in a language other than English?
Yes, you can complete the application in any language and AST will have it translated for the committee.
Is it possible to submit my application in a format outside of Submittable?
Yes, you may submit your application in an alternative format if needed. We do accept submissions in audio or video format to accommodate for your needs. Please reach out to info@akronsoultrain.org for detailed instructions on how to submit your application in this way. We're here to support you!
*In the event of a tie among finalists or other exceptional circumstances, Akron Soul Train reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award partial residencies with stipends of no less than 50% of the standard residency award.
HOW TO APPLY
Ready to apply? Click the link below to complete and submit your Artist in Residence application.