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TAC AIR combines studio access with a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, regular critical dialogue and mentorship, providing residents an opportunity to learn and explore the textile medium, and an alternative to traditional higher education programs. The residency culminates in a group exhibition produced and hosted by TAC. Since 2010, TAC AIR has graduated over eighty artists and designers whose work continues to further textile art within the fashion, fine arts, design and art education fields.

Program Details

Program Activities
Faculty
Facilities & Benefits
Tuition & Scholarships
Application & Selection Process
FAQ

Over the course of 9 months, TAC AIR residents delve into a full curriculum of technical classes, textile history and conservation and professional development. Ongoing critical dialogue, allows residents to gain a greater awareness of their practices and contextualize their work within contemporary and historical textile art.

October–December: Play

The first 3 months are a time for play and exploration, learning new techniques and getting acquainted with a studio practice in this particular setting. Curriculum will include technical development workshops, such as weaving, machine knitting, natural dyeing and surface design treatments, as well as professional development topics such as social media, marketing and photography. These workshops are designed to expose residents to a variety of materials and serve as an introduction to the TAC studio.

January–March: Research & Concept

Starting the New Year, residents dive into research and development of their final project for the exhibition. Curriculum will include seminars in textile history, conservation, and contemporary craft theory. At this time, residents are introduced to their personal mentor, with whom they will work one-on-one to help guide the development and completion of their personal project. At the end of this period, residents are expected to present formal project proposals for the final exhibition.

April–June: Project Creation

The last portion of the program is dedicated to project creation and professional development. Seminars are based in writing workshops, grant writing, art law, and material sourcing. Each cycle culminates in a formal critique, where it is expected that residents present matured concepts and work for the final exhibition.

Studio Facilities

  • 24/7 access to personal 8’ x 8’, well-lit space. Each space has 3 full walls, including shelving, as well as a “tack” wall.
  • 24/7 access to TAC studio and equipment (includes floor looms; home and industrial sewing machines; knitting machines; drying rack; utility sink; dye lab for natural and synthetic dyes; dryer; steamer; screen printing facilities which include 3 yardage tables, large exposure unit and washout booth

 

Additional Benefits

  • Access to resources and fiber arts community
  • Exposure through TAC marketing and social media
  • $1,000 worth of free classes at Textile Arts Center, followed by 30% off all additional classes taken

Tuition

The tuition of Textile Arts Center’s Artist in Residence Program is $11,000 per resident, split into the following payment plans:

$1200 upon acceptance (due June 2023)
$9800 due on the first week of October 2023

OR

$1200 upon acceptance (due June 2023)
$2200 due on the first week of October 2023
$760 monthly from October 15, 2023 through July 15, 2024 (10 payments)

Scholarship

The Textile Arts Center is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its programs. The TAC Artist In Residence Scholarship Fund will support one artist or designer who identifies as part of a historically marginalized identity or community in the Arts,( i.e class, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexuality, age, education) and state the need for financial assistance to participate in the program and advance their artistic practice. Applications for the scholarship are submitted along with the program application.

TAC AIR Scholarship is made possible from donations of TAC AIR and WIP alumni and instructors’ work, WIP workshops and by TAC.

Eligibility

We are looking for artists and designers at all career stages, working in textile/fiber media or looking to explore and develop a new body of work in this medium. Eligible applicants must be 21+ years old and have good English proficiency. We encourage international artists to apply, but applicants are responsible for all necessary VISA arrangements and fees.

Application

Application fee: $25 (Early Bird, application submitted by March 1); $35 (applications submitted by March 31)

All applications must be submitted digitally through Slideroom by March 31, 2023

Selection Process

The selection process is led by a committee of Textile Arts Center’s staff, as well as professionals working in different fields of textile arts.

Selection criteria include:

  • Quality of work
  • Clear plan on work to be created during time of residence
  • Desire to work within a strong community

Selected applicants will be asked to come in for an interview.

Application Calendar

Application Dates for Cycle 15:
February 6 – March 31, 2023

Interviews:
Mid-April 2023

Notification of Acceptance:
End of May 2023

Next Cycle Dates:
Cycle 15: October 2023-June 2024

What is the TAC AIR application process?

Applications for Cycle 15 of AIR opens on February 6, 2023. All applications must be submitted electronically through the online platform by the deadline, March 31, 2023.

You will need to write about your work, interests and experience, and —most importantly—your desire for participating in the program. Additionally, you’ll be required to submit a portfolio of 5-10 high-resolution images of your best work that most relates to what you hope to accomplish during the program.

If you experience any issues with the online application platform, please contact artistprograms@textileartscenter.com by March 14 in order to answer your questions in time. Please do not wait until the last minute.

Is there an application fee?

For AIR Cycle 15, there is an application fee of $25 for application submitted  by March 1, 2022; and a fee of $35 for applications submitted by March 31, 2022.

Do you accept international applicants?

Yes! In the past we’ve had several international artists move to NYC for the duration of the program. TAC can offer some guidance and support for your VISA application, but residents are responsible for all VISA arrangements and fees.

Is there any degree requirement to apply?

There is no degree requirement to apply to TAC AIR and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

What’s the selection process?

All applications will be reviewed by a jury committee made of TAC staff, and professionals working in different fields of fiber arts. After the first round, selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will be held during the month of April. Candidates will be contacted by end of May with their acceptance status.

What are interviews like? Who conducts them?

Interviews are typically about 30-40 minutes, and are conducted by Kelly Valletta, TAC Executive Director, and Artist Programs Manager. Applicants should be ready to discuss their work, their reasons for wanting to participate in the program, and what they hope to accomplish creatively and professionally.

What if I am not in NY and get invited for an interview?

We strongly prefer that candidates be able to have an in-person interview, but definitely understand that this is not always possible. In these cases, we will schedule a video call interview. We do not hold phone interviews in order to be able interact with you in some way and get to know you.

If I’m accepted for TAC AIR, what is needed upon acceptance?

Accepted applicants must notify TAC of their official acceptance to be part of TAC AIR no later than June 1st. At this time, you will be required to sign the AIR Contract and submit a tuition deposit of $1200.

Are there any financial aid options available?

The Textile Arts Center is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its programs. The TAC Artist In Residence Scholarship will support one artist or designer per cycle who demonstrates commitment to their art practice, identifies with a historically underrepresented community in the arts and/or states the need for financial assistance to participate in the program and advance their artistic practice. TAC AIR Scholarship is made possible from donations of TAC AIR and WIP alumni and instructors’ work, WIP workshops and by TAC.

Since only one artist per cycle will recieve the Residence Scholarship, we encourage applicants to begin researching third-party funding by the time of application, including artist grants, loans, credit, or others.

Here is a brief list of some places to look for grants and resources:

Additionally, we encourage and support residents to organize their own crowdfunding campaigns.

What kind of time commitment is the AIR program?

We expect that accepted residents make the program a priority for the full cycle. It is an intensive professional development program that will take a lot of focus, work, and time. We believe the investment in you and your work makes it worth this level of effort and attention.

However, we do know life goes on and NYC is a tough place to survive and be creative. We want this program to work for artists and designers as a complement to their lives – not remove, isolate, or bring them down. We absolutely accept candidates that have full or part time jobs.

Critiques and class times are twice per week, generally totalling to about 6 hours per week. Monday evenings are critique nights, while class evenings are usually on Thursday evenings or weekends. This can vary throughout the cycle based on instructor availability. Residents are updated on dates far in advance, and given a calendar to work around.

We expect and recommend that residents spend about 15-20 additional hours per week in their studio on their work. Residents have 24/7 access to their studios, so weekends and late nights are okay.

Have a question for an AIR alum about their experience?

Here’s a few you should feel free to contact:

If you still have questions, feel free to email Artist Programs Manager.

Applications for TAC AIR Cycle 15 are open

Learn More

Current TAC AIR Cycle 14 Artists

Cynthia Chang

Cynthia Chang (b. 1990, they/them/theirs) is a multimedia maker living in Queens, NY.

Cynthia Chang is dumb like a dog dragging their butt across the pavement, but smart and resourceful even, because that’s a good way to scratch an itch, but maybe a good idea is just incidental. Through textiles, ceramics, wood, performance, music, tattooing, and whatever else they can freak, Chang labors with a heavy and imprecise hand. As a person who holds multiple marginalized identities, they see radicality in exploring humor and joy.

Hekima Hapa

Hekima Hapa is a Fashion Designer, social entrepreneur, author and Founder of the 22 year sustainable independent fashion brand inspired by Africa and the people of its diaspora, Harriet’s Alter Ego also known as Harriet’s by Hekima. In 2013, she founded Black Girls Sew, a nonprofit organization committed to positively impacting the lives of youth and families through education in sewing, design and entrepreneurship. Hekima has been a recipient of the Brooklyn Arts Council Fund for the past 10 consecutive years and the Reduce, Reuse and Repair and Neighborhood Grant from Citizens Committee NYC. In 2022, Hapa teamed up with author and designer Lesley Ware to publish the nonprofit’s first book, “Black Girls Sew: Projects and Patterns to Stitch and Make Your Own".

Jasmine Murrell

Jasmine Murrell is a Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary visual artist who employs several different mediums to create sculptures, installations, photography, performance, land art and films that blur the line between history and mythology.

Kat Sours

Kat Sours is a New York-based artist who connects physical and emotional feelings through textiles. Kat combines traditional textile practices like knitting and embroidery with unconventional mediums, such as latex, rubbers and vinyl. She is constantly pushing the limits of materiality and considers herself and her practice to be that of a scientist experimenting in a lab. She desires an understanding of how texture and form can evoke a psychological response. She seeks to create textiles so visceral they can almost be felt with the eyes. Sours investigates connections between the physical and psychological, considering how feelings, memories and words can be experienced through tactility, form and color.

Madhura Nayak

Madhura Nayak’s art practice is multi diciplinary with a focus on textiles as a medium. She aims to push the boundaries of a conventional and very popular resist dye process called tie and dye. Using techniques of ‘Bandhani’ from India and ’Shibori’ from Japan, she developed her own unique method she calls- 'Bandhori' which she looks forward to patenting. With interest rooted deep in the textile world, she also continues to create art using any medium necessary while exploring all the realms of creative textile processes. She was awarded a Masters in Fine Arts from the Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore in the year 2012.

Manal Shoukair

Manal Shoukair is a Lebanese-American artist who uses video performance, sculpture and site-specific installations to explore the hyphenated spaces of her multicultural identity, islamic spirituality, and contemporary femininity. Shoukair holds a BFA from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and a MFA in Sculpture and Extended Media from Virginia Commonwealth University. Manal Shoukair’s installation work directs the viewer in space that is only partially physically accessible,forcing the feeling of being left out or cut off from something. It prompts the viewer to explore a space physically, psychologically and culturally in a way parallel to Shoukair's exploration of her multicultural identity. The work navigates a conscious space of being and reflection of place.

Martina Cox

Martina Cox (b. 1995) graduated from The Cooper Union in 2018 and is the owner and designer of the bespoke garment label Martina Cox, she currently lives and works out of Brooklyn. Her work focuses on the craft and histories of garment making as well as the performative role that clothing takes on in relation to the body. During her time at TAC, she plans to explore antique garments, mending techniques, and the gendering of different textile practices over the centuries through performance and installation. Martina has exhibited at Jack Chiles (New York, NY), Lvl3 Gallery (Chicago, Illinois), ROMEO (New York, NY), and has given talks at Larrie Gallery (2019) and Precog Mag online (2020).

Mary Evangeline Guadalupe Rubi

M.E. Guadalupe Rubi is a maker, a teaching artist, rogue taxidermist, professional costume maker, and fiber artist of Latin and Wabanaki descent. Rubi's artistic practice is a meditation on memory: the stories we have inherited and the stories we create to remember. Past residencies and Fellowships include the NARS Satellite Residency on Governor's Island, Penland School of Craft, Triple 9 Arts, the Roundabout Theatre, Anhklave Fellowship, and the John C. Campbell Folk School Traditional Craft Mentorship. She has exhibited at the Queens Botanical Garden, CultureLab LIC, Canvas Gallery, and the American Folk Art Museum (upcoming).

Paola de la Calle

Paola de la Calle is a Colombian-American interdisciplinary artist whose work examines home, borders, identity, and nostalgia. Her practice is a multidisciplinary exploration that ties together her family’s migration, personal memories, as well as historical and political narratives through the use of textiles, printmaking, and collage. She is a graduate of the New York Foundation of the Arts Immigrant Artist Program in 2019 and the lead artist for the Caravan for the Children Campaign as part of her residency with Galeria de la Raza. Her work has been published in The New Farmer’s Almanac and Graphite Journal. Her studio practice has been featured on Hyperallergic’s “A View from the Easel”, KQED’s Rightnowish, The Boston Art Review, and VOGUE among others.

TAC AIR Alumni

Cycle 13 2021/22
Adriana Gramly
Emma Safir
Jia Sung
Linda Sok
Lucas Montenegro
Melika Abikenari
Tashiana St Aude
Tinglan Huang
Cycle 12 2021/22
Clare Hu
Elaine Shen
Elizabeth Tolson
Emily Small
Francisco (Echo) Eraso
Jeanne F. Jalandoni
Jessica Elena Aquino
Ryan Scails
Cycle 11 2019/20
Anthony Shimek
Aomi Kikuchi
Cong-Tam Nguyen
Marta Nowak
Melissa Joseph
Rowan Renee
Yidan Zeng
Zuhoor Al Sayegh
Cycle 10 2018/19
Dance Doyle
Erin Palumbo
Familien Iglesias (Bo, Lisa, Janelle)
Noah Pica
Romina Chuls
Shihui Zhou
Tiantian Lou
Winnie van der Rijn
Cycle 09 2017/18
Chang Yuchen
Cory Siegler
Hannah Whelan
Jamie Boyle
Junyu Li
Lily Moebes
Meghan O'Sullivan
Rhonda Khalifeh
Cycle 08 2016/17
Andrew Boos
Isabella Amstrup
Martha Skou
Mia Daniels
Rebekah Bassen
Sarah Finkle
Vien Le Wood
Cycle 07 2015/16
Alex Goldberg
Collette Aliman
Fanny Gentle
Ignacia Murtagh
Jamie Israelow
Maeve Myfawnwy
Victoria Manganiello
Yunjung Kang
Cycle 06
Aimee McLaughlin
Alayna Rasile
Anne-Marie Lavigne
Christi Johnson
Emelie Röndahl
Hannah Schultz
Iris Plaitakis
Yoshiyuki Minami
Cycle 05
Amanda Hu
Chi Nguyen
Joey Korein
Kaelyn Garcia
Sarah Abarbanel
Yto Barrada
Cycle 04
Eleanor Anderson
Kate Parvenski
Kelly Valletta
Kristin Morrison
Lucia Cuba
Mandy Kordal
Cycle 03
Josefina Concha
Katie King
Melissa Dadourian
Natalie Moore
Stacie Baek
Veronica Fuentes
Cycle 02
Annie Coggan
Candice Thompson
Julia Ramsey
Katie Minford
Stacie Baek
Whitney Crutchfield
Cycle 01
Astrid Lewis Reedy
Denise Maroney
Jill Magi
Julia Ramsey
Tali Weinberg
Whitney Crutchfield
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