DIY Artist Residency
15 Steps to a Residency on Your Terms
Written 100% by a human being, Jessica Todd
Artist residencies come in an incredibly diverse range of models, but they have one common thread: The offering of time and space. If participating in an established residency program is not an option, why not be an artist-in-residence on your own terms?
This step-by-step, actionable guide breaks down the elements of a typical artist residency program and translates them into a DIY model.
“If you keep waiting for the doors to open, you’ll be waiting for a long time. Open your own doors. Create your own opportunities.”
-unknown
Okay, let’s get to it.
Do you find yourself wondering, “Why haven’t I been accepted into any residency programs?” “What’s wrong with my portfolio?” “How do I write a better artist residency application?”
There are many strategies to improve your chances of being accepted into a residency program. Or, you can take matters into your own hands.
Follow these 15 steps to create your own:
PART I: MAKING TIME
#1: Carve out the time.
It can be a challenge to make room in your schedule without an external obligation, but if you were offered the residency opportunity of a lifetime, would you make time for it? Of course you would!
The advantage of a DIY Residency is that it’s extremely flexible. It could be a long weekend, a series of consecutive weekends, or a bigger chunk of time from a week to a month, or longer! Define a timeframe for your residency, and commit to it as if you've been accepted to the residency of your dreams far from home.
#2: Prepare for departure.
Even if you're staying home for your residency, plan as if you were leaving town. How would you prepare for time away? Spend the preceding weeks clearing your to-do list and calendar. Create a plan for extra support with childcare, pet care, work obligations, and daily chores (this could come from family, friends, or paid services). Let everyone know you’re on a stay-cation… that doesn’t include them.
#3: Plan meals.
Many residency programs offer meals because grocery shopping and cooking are time consuming. Cook up a freezable meal storm and portion out meals for the length of your residency. Or plan quick, easy meals—sandwiches, frozen dinners, take-out—that you can grab and get back to work.
#4: Unplug.
Put an away message on your email. Set anything work-related to vacation mode. Use an app blocker to minimize time on social media. If you do want to document your DIY Residency on social media, consider having a consistent daily timeframe and time limit planned ahead of time, or post your documentation afterwards.
PART II: MAKING SPACE
#5: Location, location, location.
The easiest and most budget-friendly option is to be in residence at home, but you may also consider finding an affordable Airbnb in an inspiring location, camping out, staying with friends or family, or hitting the road to change up the scenery. Even day trips close to home can open up new headspace.
#6: Studio space.
If you have a studio space that typically serves as your place of work (i.e., you create work to sell), clear out everything work-related. The same goes if your studio doubles as a home office, laundry room, or junk storage unit—find a temporary home for distractions.
If you don’t have a dedicated studio, set up a workspace—no matter the size—that is void of your everyday life. Add things that help it feel new, separate, and peaceful, such as artwork, room dividers, hanging sheets, lighting, music, etc.
If you’re leaving home, make sure you consider where you'll work and what supplies, tools, etc. you need to bring with you.
#7: Materials and equipment.
Even if you don’t have an exact plan, think about what you may be interested in working on. Find, collect, buy, borrow, or rent the materials and equipment you need and have them ready and waiting for you on the first day of your DIY Residency. Resources include shared maker spaces, fellow artists, resale listings, and thrift shops.
PART III: MAKING ART
#8: Plan ahead, or don’t.
Some artists like to go into a residency with a clear idea of a body of work they’ve been wanting to get to for years, and others arrive completely open to experimentation and whim. It’s up to you and how you operate best, but it’s a good idea to allow for both structure and exploration.
#9: Funding.
Your DIY Residency’s “stipend” can come from a variety of sources: Application-based grants, sponsorship from a gallery or collector, crowdsourcing (GoFundMe, Patreon, etc.), sales of all varieties (art, yard, bake, etc.), cashing in spare change, or your own bank account. But just because you don’t have a big wad of cash doesn’t mean you can’t conduct meaningful research and experimentation, or even create complete works, with free or low-cost materials.
#10: Studio assistance.
Some residencies offer studio assistance, but providing your own can be tricky. Unless you already have a studio assistant (or a reliable and talented friend open to bribery), you likely won’t want to spend the time or money training someone new. Consider avenues for outsourcing—laser or plasma cutting, 2D or 3D printing, CNC routing, fabrication services, or handwork by local tradespeople, if needed.
#11: Residency community.
Interaction with fellow residents is often an impactful component of a residency. If you have a big studio you’re willing to share, you can invite fellow artists to work alongside you. You could plan a group DIY Residency at a campground or large Airbnb.
Or, challenge artist friends or colleagues to do their own DIY Residency concurrently with you. Set up meeting times throughout—in person or virtual—to discuss your research and progress. If you desire less interaction, something as simple as a one-on-one critique with a colleague can provide reflection and feedback.
#12: Local research.
Many artists find inspiration in the physical location of their residency. If you do, plan trips to local museums, libraries, cultural centers, neighborhoods, or nature parks to conduct research. Depending on your practice, this may be integral to your work time or may occur beforehand.
If you’re staying home, take time to notice your neighborhood and surroundings with fresh eyes—walk, talk, sketch, collect, and think as if you’re there for the first time. If traveling, have a list of places you may want to check out.
#13: Other research.
Gather books, articles, and other research materials online, at a local library, or via interlibrary loan so that you have everything on hand to start research prior to or during your DIY Residency.
#14: Community outreach.
Many artists find community outreach to be an important aspect of their time at a residency. Examples include: Delivering a lecture at a K-12 school or college, giving a workshop at a local art center, volunteering with a non-profit organization, or hosting an open studio.
Will your work go further with community connections? If so, plan any meetings or outreach programs in advance with local organizations and individuals.
#15: Just do it!
If an item on this list overwhelms you to the point that it keeps you from starting your residency, skip it! This guide is not a required checklist, it’s a jumping off point. Do what works for you!
Loved it?
Written 100% by this human being.
Jessica Todd is the Owner and Director of Parachute Gallery, as well as a curator, arts writer, and artist who has worked in artist residencies and professional arts spaces since 2014. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University. Jessica taps into her experience and knowledge to provide practical resources that increase access to the arts and empower artists.