Four pictures in a collage of artists painting with the text "Orange Art Center Emerging Artist Residency Application Open"

Emerging Artist Residency

Orange Community Education & Recreation

December 3, 2025

Emerging Artist Residency

The OAC's 2026 residency application opens November 21, 2025.

The Orange Art Center’s (OAC) Emerging Artist Residency Program aims to support the artistic and professional development of early-career visual artists in NE Ohio. The 4-week minimum, 4-month maximum residency period is designed for emerging artists to develop and/or begin a body of work not yet exhibited in a gallery setting. With access to our studios, professional development resources, and mentorship opportunities, each emerging artist resident will have the support and dedicated space they need to lead to their own solo exhibition, to be shared here at the Orange Art Center. 

BENEFITS

  • Access to the Orange Art Center’s Painting and Ceramics Studio, including equipment, during operating hours.

  • Opportunity to observe and/or engage in studio classes

  • Temporary storage for artwork and supplies

  • Temporary solo-studio space 

  • Access to a workbench and tools

  • A solo exhibition in the Orange Art Center's unique gallery space

  • An artist talk event and/or workshop(s) led by the resident

  • Access to professional development mentorship and resources 

  • A stipend of $1,200 plus a $250 supply budget

RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

As an OAC Emerging Artist Resident, you must agree to the following:

  • Dedicating the duration of the resident period to developing and/or starting a new body of work in drawing, painting, ceramics, or interdisciplinary 

  • Maintain a safe art studio environment

  • Prepare an artist talk presentation and/or community  workshop(s) 

  • Handle all drop-off and/or shipping of work for solo show

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Located in NE Ohio; ability to travel to-and-from the OAC

  • Must be knowledgeable in your area of focus to work independently in the studios

  • Must be an emerging artist in the visual arts ( early career, 1 - 5 years) 

HOW TO APPLY 

To be fully considered, please apply by emailing the following materials to artcenter@orangecsd.org. Please title the email " ( Your Name) Residency Application" . Applications are due in full by February 13, 2026.

  • A resume or CV, including prior professional artistic experience

  • An artist statement

  • 1-page scope of project proposal, including:

    • What do you want to explore and why

    • If you are developing an existing body or work, or creating a new one

    • Type of space and tools needed during your residency

    •  Supplies you plan to use/bring

  • 5 - 10 image examples of your work

SELECTION PROCESS

Emerging Artists are selected to attend the residency by the Orange Art Center volunteer Residency Committee. Selection is based on the merit of the artist's portfolio and the residency proposal.

RESIDENCY FAQ 

  1. What is the timeline?

    1. Application Opens November 21, 2025 

    2. Applications are due February 13, 2026

    3. OAC Volunteer Committee reviews applications February 16 - 20

    4. The selection email goes out by February 23

    5. Residency runs March 9 - April 10, 2026*

*Residency period may be extended up to Mid-July, depending on the scope of work and studio needs. An extended residency period request must be reviewed and approved by the OAC Coordinators.