Call for Artists:
The Urbana Free Library encourages local artists to apply for its What’s Your Story? Artist-in-Residence Program at The Urbana Free Library, which will take place from fall 2024 through spring 2025. Applications open July 15, 2024. Three artists will be selected, and each residency will last one month. Interested parties can inquire for more details by emailing artistinresidence@urbanafree.org.
Selected artists will develop and facilitate workshops on personal storytelling through visual arts for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Artist workshops will be incorporated into established Library series such as Young Artist’s Studio (grades K-5), Makerspace Jr. (grades K-5), Teen Open Lab (grades 6-12), Craft Happy Hour (adults), and Senior Treats & Topics (seniors).
The goal of the project is to enrich the lives of artists and program attendees and foster a sense of belonging as they explore the question “What’s Your Story?” through visual arts. Artists will encourage participants to tell personal stories celebrating place, culture, family, and identity. Synergy is anticipated between traditional studio and maker arts, with paint, collage, fabric, mosaic, 3D printing, and vinyl cutting as some options.
This program is sponsored in part by an Urbana Arts and Culture Grant.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the timeline for the program?
- July 15 – August 15: Applications are accepted. (Stay tuned for application link!)
- August 15: Applications due before midnight
- Late August: Applications will be reviewed and artists selected
- Early September: Artist selections will be announced
What equipment will the artist-in-residence have available for workshops?
For the workshops, the artists-in-residence will have access to sewing machines, yarn hat machines, 3-D printers, graphics tablets, painting supplies, and vinyl cutters.
Where will the art be displayed?
Art will be displayed on the first floor of the Library.
What can the selected artists-in-residence expect at The Urbana Free Library for What’s Your Story?
- An opportunity to share your passion with others
- An opportunity to develop age-specific programming with the support of library programming staff
- A stipend for a month of programming (four programs for different age groups)
- A supply budget for workshop supplies
- An exhibit of your work in the Library’s first-floor display area and print and digital promotions