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.
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:
Annie Coggan, Annie Larson, Amy Lee Sanford, Baseera Kahn, Catherine Telford-Keogh, Carlos Motta, Carolyn Sickles, Carmen Argote, Carmen Hermo, Carin Kuoni, Chi Nguyen, Dexter Wimberly, Doug Johnston, Elena Phipps, Elana Herzog, Elissa Auther, Erin M Riley, Gina Gregorio, Golnar Adili, Hannah Schultz, Indira Allegra, Jonathan Square, John Paul Morabito, Kaelyn Garcia, KIva Motnyk, Lisa Vinebaum, Liz Collins, Lucia Cuba, Magali An Berthon, Mary Ping, Misha Kahn, Natalia Nakazawa, Pascale Gatzen, Rhonda Khalifeh, Sara Jimenez, Sarah Scaturro, Sarah Zapata, Sabrina Gschwandtner, Sarah Byrd, Samantha Bittman, Serena Qiu, Shannon Stratton, Tara St. James, Victoria Manganiello, Yto Barrada.
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.
