UNIVERSITY OF Arkansas- Fort Smith Residency

The UAFS Art & Design Artist In Residence (AIR) program, made possible by the generosity of the Windgate Foundation, offers visual artists and designers the opportunity to take up residence in Fort Smith, Arkansas and to meaningfully participate in the creative culture of the UAFS Art & Design Department. Recipients will be active professionals in their respective fields and will contribute to the growth and development of the UAFS curriculum.

This program seeks to enrich the student experience, breadth of knowledge, and connection to creative communities of the University while providing meaningful support for our residents’ creative practice. Additionally, residents will have access to and can participate in developing interdisciplinary initiatives and interdepartmental programs across the UAFS campus. The AIR program at UAFS seeks to proactively uphold the value of diverse perspectives, identities, expertise, and experience; members of marginalized and historically excluded populations are encouraged to apply.

APPLY NOW

The UAFS Art & Design will support residents’ practices through material support for developing new work while emphasizing meaningful connections to students, educational programs, and the campus community. Residents will be provided workspace and access to studios and in the Windgate Art & Design Building, private family-friendly living accommodations near campus, travel costs to-and-from Fort Smith, a generous stipend of $20,000, and a materials budget. Residents will conduct artist-led workshops and programming, public lectures, scheduled engagements with relevant courses, and open studio hours. Additionally, residents will be asked to donate work to the UAFS Art Collection in consultation with the Director of the UAFS Gallery of Art & Design.

Residents should anticipate spending approximately 70% of their time on their creative production and 30% of their time engaging directly with students and community members. Such activities include:

Production of significant work(s) in accordance with the accepted proposal
Public Programming/Presentation of work created during the residency
Required Classroom Interactions with students:
- Regular engagement with courses related to Resident’s discipline
- Public workshops and Talks in accordance with the Resident’s work and discipline
- Senior Capstone/Thesis mentorship
Donation of work to the UAFS Art Collection
Digital/Social Media presence
Open Studio Hours
Participation in periodic group AIR Shows

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for consideration in the 2024-25 academic year, please use the submission link below.

APPLY NOW

Required Application Materials:

A bio (less than 300 words)
A single pdf containing your CV
A portfolio of 10 – 15 works
Links to your website & social media channels
Contact Information for two (2) Professional References
Three proposals:
- Creative Work Proposal (<500 words)
  - Please describe the work you plan to execute, and how this work contributes to your field or would benefit an academic community. Please also include a general a production timeline.
- Student Engagement Proposal (<300 words)
  - Please define: Courses, disciplines, and/or curriculum relevant to your proposal (both disciplines within and outside of the Dept. of Art & Design)
- Studio Resources (<150 words)
  - Please describe the equipment, materials, and nature of studio space you will need to execute your proposed work. Include any desired studio/production assistance.
- Indicate Semester Preference (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025)