Artist-in-Residence Program
Welcome to the AIR Program
The UAFS Art & Design Artist In Residence (AIR) program, made possible by the generosity of the Windgate Foundation, offers visual artists and designers the opportunity to take up residence in Fort Smith, Arkansas and to meaningfully participate in the creative culture of the UAFS Art & Design Department. Recipients will be active professionals in their respective fields and will contribute to the growth and development of the UAFS curriculum.
This program seeks to enrich the student experience, breadth of knowledge, and connection to creative communities of the University while providing meaningful support for our residents’ creative practice. Additionally, residents will have access to and can participate in developing interdisciplinary initiatives and interdepartmental programs across the UAFS campus. The AIR program at UAFS seeks to proactively uphold the value of diverse perspectives, identities, expertise, and experience; members of marginalized and historically excluded populations are encouraged to apply.
Residency Details
The UAFS Art & Design Artist In Residence (AIR) program invites applications from visual artists and designers for a semester-long residency to take place in either the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 academic semester. Collaborative practices may be considered. As part of the application, applicants should be able to describe their potential contributions to our academic program.
The Department of Art & Design offers a B.A. in Studio Art, a B.S. in Graphic Design, and minors in Art History and Studio Art. The program holds NASAD accreditation. It is housed within the Windgate Art & Design Building, home to robust facilities for Design, Book Arts and Letterpress, Printmaking, Digital Photography, Drawing, and Painting.
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a vibrant mid-sized public university dedicated to breaking the higher education mold by bringing truly transformative, hands-on experiences to every student. Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and situated in a region of lakes, Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas. It features a vast array of cultural activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a thriving downtown entertainment district.
Parks, trails, and water recreation are all within the city limits, and true outdoor enthusiasts will find the area’s lakes, streams, and mountains offer adventure only minutes away from campus. Proximity to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its partner institution, The Momentary, and the rich arts culture of Northwest Arkansas provide access to world-class arts culture in the region. The city is within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.
Short-Term Invited Visiting Artists:
- Pato Hebert, Spring 2022
- Alex Williamson, Fall 2022
UAFS Art & Design Artist in Residence:
- Bobby Choe-Henderson, Spring 2023
- Katina Bitsicas, Fall 2023
- Katya Grokhovsky, Spring 2024
Residents should anticipate spending approximately 70% of their time on their creative production and 30% of their time engaging directly with students and community members. Such activities include:
- Production of significant work(s) in accordance with the accepted proposal
- Public Programming/Presentation of work created during the residency
- Required Classroom Interactions with students:
- Regular engagement with courses related to Resident’s discipline
- Public workshops and Talks in accordance with the Resident’s work and discipline
- Senior Capstone/Thesis mentorship
- Donation of work to the UAFS Art Collection
- Digital/Social Media presence
- Open Studio Hours
- Participation in periodic group AIR Shows
- Residents in Graphic Design: Bachelor's Degree, and Master's Degree or five years of in-the-field experience.
- Residents in Studio Art: Master's Degree preferred; active record of exhibitions or comparable public engagements required
In extraordinary circumstances, significant professional experience may stand in lieu of academic credentials. Applicants who have experience working with post-secondary students are preferred.
If you are interested in submitting a proposal for consideration in the 2023-24 academic year, please use the submission link below.
Required Application Materials:
- A bio (less than 300 words)
- A single pdf containing your CV
- A portfolio of 10 - 15 works
- Links to your website & social media channels
- Contact Information for two (2) Professional References
- Three proposals:
- Creative Work Proposal (<500 words)
- Please describe the work you plan to execute, and how this work contributes to your field or would benefit an academic community. Please also include a general a production timeline.
- Student Engagement Proposal (<300 words)
- Please define: Courses, disciplines, and/or curriculum relevant to your proposal (both disciplines within and outside of the Dept. of Art & Design)
- Studio Resources (<150 words)
- Please describe the equipment, materials, and nature of studio space you will need to execute your proposed work.
- Indicate Semester Preference (Fall 2023 or Spring 2024)
- Creative Work Proposal (<500 words)
Applications due June 1, 2023; review of applications to take place in May 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact UAFS Art and Design Chair, Katie Waugh.