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 master classes on technical development, such as weaving, machine knitting, natural dyeing and surface design treatments, as well as professional development topics such as social media, marketing and photography.
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, as well as writing workshops. 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 personal writing reflection, 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.
Classes, critiques and mentorship are facilitated by some of today’s leading textile artists, designers, curators and arts administrators. A sampling of guest critics, lecturers and mentors include:
Sarah Scaturro / Gina Gregorio / Pascale Gueracague / Grace Bonney / Tara St. James / Sabrina Gschwandtner / Rebecca Kelly / Sarah Byrd / Annie Coggan / Carin Kuoni (Vera List Center) / Alexa Winton (Parsons) / Marci McDade / Liz Collins / Elana Herzog / Elissa Auther / Shannon Stratton / Erin M Riley / Pascale Gatzen / Natalia Nakazawa / Carolyn Sickles / Samantha Bittman / Carlos Motta / Misha Kahn / Kiva Motnyk / Mary Ping / Sarah Jimenez / Bill Carroll /Annie Larson / Doug Johnston / Sarah Zapata / LJ Roberts / Chloe Bass / Nina Katchadourian / Paolo Arao / Dexter Wimberly / Caroline Kaufman / + more
Tuition
The tuition of Textile Arts Center’s Artist in Residence Program is $10,000 per resident, split into the following payment plans:
$1000 upon acceptance (June, 2021)
$9000 due on the first week of October, 2021
OR
$1000 upon acceptance (due June 17, 2021)
$2000 due on the first week of October, 2021
$790 monthly from October 15, 2021 through June 15, 2022
Scholarship
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 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.
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 22)
All applications must be submitted digitally through Slideroom by March 22, 2021
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 13:
February 1- March 22, 2021
Interviews:
Mid-April, 2021
Notification of Acceptance:
Mid-May, 2021
Next Cycle Dates:
Cycle 13: October 2021-June 2022