Organizer Information

The Meridian Scholar Program (formerly known as STUDIO-f) is an innovative visiting artist initiative hosted by the Art + Design Department at the University of Tampa (UTampa). Located within a dynamic city environment, the department operates as a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where creative expression meets critical inquiry across Studio Arts, Graphic Design, Art Therapy, and Museum Studies.

Title & Description

The Meridian Scholar Program 2027.

This two-week, 10-day artist residency invites creative practitioners to manifest a brand-new project on campus. The 2027 cycle centers on the theme of "Worldbuilding," exploring how the concept intersects with creative practices in printmaking, sculptural casting, and digital fabrication. The program encourages speculative, reimagined, or obscured realities that address historical silences and forge new possibilities for presence, being, and belonging.

CANDIDATE EXPECTATIONS & DELIVERABLES:

During the 10-day residency, the chosen artist is expected to complete the following requirements:

  1. Manifest a series of prints, castings, or 3D-fabricated editions responding directly to the "Worldbuilding" theme.
  2. Deliver a public lecture and a Q&A session outlining their creative practice at the start of the program.
  3. Engage with students in at least one class period through workshops, student critiques, lectures, or technical demonstrations.
  4. Involve UTampa studio art, graphic design, art therapy, and museum studies students in the preparation, production, and post-production work.
  5. Present the work made onsite in a public exhibition upon completion of the residency, tentatively planned for the Student Project Gallery in the Ferman Center for the Arts.
  6. Donate 1/3 of the prints, castings, or editions completed during the residency to the Art + Design Department for archiving and fundraising purposes.

Categories

Printmaking, Sculptural casting, and Digital Fabrication

Eligibility

Open to all practicing artists in the United States. This specific application cycle exclusively solicits creators who seek to print, cast, or digitally fabricate multiple editions of work during the residency.

AWARDS, FACILITIES, & INCLUSIONS

The selected candidate will be provided with:

  • A $2,000 honorarium to help cover costs associated with the program.
  • Additional funding to support domestic travel to and from Tampa, determined in consultation with the department. (Note: Accommodations during the residency period are NOT financially supported at this time).
  • Full access to state-of-the-art departmental facilities within the Ferman Center for the Arts and R. K. Bailey Art Studios, including the Fab Lab, woodshop, and printmaking, sculpture, painting, and photography studios.
  • A semi-private working space located within the advanced art students' studios, equipped with easels and ample wall and floor space.

Fees

  • Application Fee: None (Completely free to apply).

How to Apply?

Prepare your portfolio and text proposal modules. Access the official Qualtrics online submission form link, fill in the required fields, and upload your information. Progress can be saved to return later if needed.

Apply to the UTampa Meridian Scholar Program 2027.

Key Dates

  • Application Launch: Monday, June 1, 2026
  • Application Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
  • On-Site Residency Window: March 15 – 26, 2027 (The selected candidate must be on campus during weekdays throughout this two-week period).

Location

United States, Tampa, Florida (The University of Tampa campus).

Additional Details

The final selection is administered by the UTampa Exhibitions and Art Programs Committee. The selected resident is expected to work on campus during weekdays throughout the two-week block.

Website Link: Official UTampa Meridian Scholar Program Portal.