Organizer Information
The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania serves as a dynamic hub for contemporary art, presenting professionally executed solo and group exhibitions, residencies, and educational programs that enrich the university community and the broader Lehigh Valley region. Housed within Kutztown University—a public institution with over 10,000 students located an hour north of Philadelphia and two hours west of New York City—the gallery supports interdisciplinary artistic exploration, student development, and cultural engagement. Through its Installation Residency, the gallery invites artists to collaborate with students and locals, fostering innovative site-specific works that challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue. Committed to diversity and accessibility, the program has historically amplified emerging voices, contributing to Kutztown’s legacy as a nurturing ground for creative practice amid Pennsylvania’s vibrant rural-urban nexus.
Title & Description
Installation Residency – The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery.
This residency calls for proposals to create an original, temporary site-specific installation in the gallery’s exhibition space, developed during a four-week in-person immersion at Kutztown University. The purpose is to spark collaborative creativity, where artists work alongside students, faculty, and community members to produce immersive, interdisciplinary pieces that reflect contemporary themes and engage diverse audiences. Participants will explore cross-departmental partnerships, outreach to local schools, or community programs, culminating in a public exhibition that showcases the installation’s evolution. This opportunity emphasizes hands-on mentorship and experimentation, transforming the gallery into a laboratory for artistic and social innovation, while providing residents with uninterrupted time to refine their vision in a supportive academic environment. By prioritizing projects with strong student involvement, the residency bridges professional practice with education, leaving a lasting impact on participants and viewers alike.
Categories
Installation Art (site-specific, temporary works incorporating diverse mediums such as sculpture, multimedia, craft, design, or interdisciplinary elements; emphasis on innovative, collaborative approaches).
Eligibility
Open internationally to artists, craftspersons, designers, and artist teams at all career stages, with preference for those demonstrating experience in academic settings, teaching, lecturing, or community collaboration. No age or formal education requirements; selections favor proposals with robust student engagement components. International applicants must handle their own visa arrangements (invitation letters provided upon selection).
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist or team receives a $10,000 award, disbursed in installments to cover all production costs, including materials, labor, and fabrication. Additional support includes a private room at the Main Street Inn (one block from the gallery and campus, with breakfast provided), full access to university facilities during the residency, and collaboration opportunities with students and community entities. The resulting installation features in a dedicated fall exhibition, with promotion via the gallery’s channels, social media, and local networks. This visibility often leads to further commissions, publications, and connections within the U.S. art scene, while the mentorship aspect enhances pedagogical portfolios and fosters intergenerational dialogues.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Proposals must include: a detailed project description (concept, materials, timeline, budget breakdown, and student/community involvement plans); a current CV or professional bio highlighting relevant experience (e.g., exhibitions, academic engagements); a digital portfolio of 10–15 images or media samples from past site-specific or large-scale works, with captions (title, medium, dimensions, year); and up to three letters of recommendation or references. Emphasis on feasibility within the four-week residency and alignment with the gallery’s mission; previously completed elements may be incorporated but cannot dominate the final piece.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 February 2026
- Notification Date: April 2026
- Residency Period: Summer 2026
- Exhibition Date: Fall 2026
Location
Kutztown, Pennsylvania, United States
Additional Details
A committee evaluates submissions on artistic merit, student/community impact, feasibility, and mission alignment, including background checks and references. Artists retain intellectual property rights but grant non-exclusive promotional use. The gallery space features a 25-foot entry hallway with track lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus main exhibition areas ideal for immersive installs. Preference for eco-conscious, inclusive projects; accommodations for disabilities available upon request. This residency not only funds ambitious work but also embeds artists in a collaborative ecosystem, often yielding enduring educational partnerships and regional recognition.
Website Link: https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/the-marlin-and-regina-miller-gallery/installation-residency.html
