Applications for our 2024 Artist-in-Residency program will open on August 1, 2023, and close on September 30, 2023. Artists will be notified in November and a public celebration will take place at Akron Soul Train on December 16, 2023, from 5 - 7 pm.

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APPLY FOR RESIDENCY

Akron Soul Train welcomes regional artists from various disciplines, encompassing visual, performing, and written arts, to submit their applications. Residencies are typically granted for a duration of one month, although they can be tailored to accommodate the artist's preferences and the scope of their proposed project, allowing for a shorter or longer duration for creation. The selection criteria for residencies are rooted in the artist's artistic excellence, innovation, professionalism, and potential for growth. The AST Residency Committee, composed of 7 diverse committee members, is responsible for the artist selection process.

Arnold Tunstall, Director of Galleries at The University of Akron and AST board member
Jill Bacon Madden, Owner of Jilly’s Music Room and AST board member
Stephen Tomasko, Photographer, and past AST Alumnus
Rick Rogers, Founder of Curated Storefront, Akron arts advocate
Francisca B. Ugalde, Curator, Institute for Human Science and Culture. Instructor, Museums and Archives Certificate Program
Diane Johnson, Writer, Visual Artist, and Co-founder of the Black Artist Guild
Benjamin Patrick, Akron Recording Company, AST Alumnus

Time, a stipend of $1000*, and resources to create a new body of artwork for a public exhibition, performance, reading, or publication
Recognition in the community and press
Opportunities to engage the greater Akron community with your artwork
Opportunities to meet new people, artists, and stakeholders in the local art scene

RESIDENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

RESIDENCY BENEFITS

Create a new body of work for public display
Create and lead a minimum of one community program during the residency month
Conduct a one-day “take-over” on AST social media
Availability for press and outreach opportunities

ELIGIBILITY

Please read through our FAQ and click the button below!

FAQ

Artists must be over 18 years of age
Artists must be regional (close enough to drive to Akron for events or be willing to travel for programming)

HOW TO APPLY

What do you mean by “regional”?

Any artist who is able to travel to Akron to interface with our community for a public educational event (this can be virtual during the pandemic) and the final performance/exhibition will be considered for the residency. For example, artists that live in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Columbus, or even farther, like Cincinnati, could consider themselves regional.

Will I work in my own studio as an artist in residence?

Yes! Any studio you prefer will do. But, if you need help finding a place to create your work we can help with that, just make sure you mention it in your application. For example, if you have always wanted to dabble in ceramics but don’t have studio access equipped for that for your residency, we could help make some suggestions or contacts at a local ceramics studio for you to work in.

What kind of community program am I expected to do if I become an artist in residency?

As part of our mission to bring distinctive artist-led experiences to the Akron community, we actively support artists in designing engaging programs. While previous artists have provided demonstrations, conducted workshops, and delivered artist talks, these examples are not exhaustive. We are enthusiastic about collaborating with you to bring your unique artistic vision to life and create an exciting program for the public. We encourage any ideas that facilitate a deeper understanding of the arts and showcase your individual artistic perspective. Feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your artist-in-residence proposal, and we will gladly assist you in determining what type of community program would be suitable. For any inquiries, please reach out to us via email at info@akronsoultrain.org.

What can I do to make sure my application impresses the selection committee?

Make sure you have a thoughtful artist statement, a clear concept of how you will utilize your residency, an interesting idea for your community program, and high-quality images, video, or audio files of your art. Having an up-to-date website and/or social media will also be helpful. Most importantly, be your unique artistic self, and don’t be afraid to brag a little bit about why you deserve this opportunity!

What do you mean by “resources” to create new art?

We are dedicated to supporting and fulfilling your artistic visions throughout your residency. We are committed to assisting you in various ways, such as facilitating the installation of your work at our gallery, sourcing special materials or equipment through potential donations, or even helping you find a unique venue for a performance. Our aim is to cater to your specific project requirements and provide the necessary resources to bring your artistic ideas to life. Additionally, we are here to help with marketing your project and ensuring it receives the visibility it deserves. Please don't hesitate to share your needs and aspirations with us, and we will do our utmost to assist you in realizing your creative vision.

Can I continue an in-progress project during my residency?

Absolutely. We know that many artists struggle with finding the time to finish projects, which is why we are here. Your project idea for the residency could be a simple as finishing a series that you have been working on or completing a new one.

Can I still work my job during the residency?

Yes, the main requirement from us is that you complete your project and as long as you can do that while working your job, that’s totally fine with us. This opportunity has allowed past artists to take at least a week or two off work and we would recommend trying to do that if you were to get the 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.

Can I still submit the application in any format?

Yes. We request all written responses be completed via the submittable application. You can complete the application via audio or video. Please contact pita@akronsoultrain.org for instructions.

*In the event of a “tie” for the final slots, or other unforeseen situations, it is within the discretion of the committee/organization to offer partial residencies and stipends of not less than half.

Proposal Perfection: Elevate your Akron Soul Train Application

Calling all artists, performers, and wordsmiths!

Ready to turn your dreams into reality with Akron Soul Train Residency?

Watch Akron Soul Train's, Executive Director, Pita Brooks' webinar "Proposal Perfection: Elevate Your Akron Soul Train Residency Application" to learn more about applying for a residency with Akron Soul Train.