Research Residency for Artists

We invite local artists and designers working in any medium to apply for the 2024 RISD Museum Research Residency for Artists (previously known as the RISD Museum Artist Fellowship).

Starting in January 2024 through December, the research resident will have the opportunity to deepen their artistic practice and their relationship to artistic research. This call for applications is inspired by Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch, an upcoming exhibition that celebrates the work and legacy of this underrecognized 20th-century sculptor. As much of Prophet’s work has been lost or destroyed, the exhibition is also an invitation to consider how we understand history from material evidence and how systemic racism has created absences in history, archives, and museum collections. The 2024 Research Residency poses the question, what can be made by exploring or experimenting in these absences? The research resident is not limited to exploring the Nancy Elizabeth Prophet exhibit.

This opportunity combines expansive research methods, artistic practice, and an openness to experimentation within the context of an arts institution. One selected artist will receive a stipend of $10,000, professional development support, and the opportunity to work closely with museum collections and staff. Please note: housing and/or studio space is not provided.

This residency is supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Expectations

Research can take many forms and be experimental in nature. Our hope is that the artist can feel empowered to shape the focus and trajectory of their experience. 

Initially, the resident will meet with museum staff and receive orientation around museum practices. Following this period, residents will articulate their goals for the year with scheduled checkpoints to ensure access and progress on goals. At the conclusion of the residency, residents will share a reflection on the experience and evolution of the goals. 

We envision that the resident will carry out work which may include, but is not limited to:

  • investigating museum collections, with support and mentorship from curatorial staff, conservators, and educators;
  • conducting research that benefits their personal practice and delves deeply into ideas, materials, and processes;
  • engaging with museum practices through open invitations to participate in staff meetings, projects, and activities that help build a diverse and inclusive creative community; and/or
  • the resident may choose, but is not required, to create artwork or public programming as part of their research residency.

The resident artist will:

  • allot approximately 14-16 hours per month for residency-related work. Time dedicated to the residency can fluctuate throughout the year depending on the resident’s external work and commitments; schedules and timelines can be developed in collaboration with museum staff.
  • spend a portion of those hours in-person at the RISD Museum, unless accessibility or mobility needs require otherwise.

In addition to a $10,000 stipend, the artist will receive:

  • access to research resources, including the RISD Museum Collections and RISD Fleet Library;
  • opportunities for mentorship from RISD Museum staff;
  • artist-related professional development; and
  • optional opportunities to share their creative process with RISD Museum audiences.
  • Additionally, a modest project budget is available should the artist choose to create a project, artwork, or public program as part of their research.

Eligibility

  • Artists and designers working in any medium are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be local, residing in the Providence metropolitan area for at least one year prior to the application deadline.
  • Applicants must be 18+ years of age.
  • Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, either part-time or full-time, at an institution of higher learning at the time of the application deadline or during the year of the residency.
    • RISD CE Certificate Students are eligible to apply.
  • RISD employees are not eligible for this program as they already have access to many of the resources provided by this residency. 

Selection Process

Please note the application process for 2024 has changed. These changes reflect our recognition of the significant time and energy that applications require. Our intention is to develop a process that lightens the burden on artists to produce new application content. 

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

In this initial stage, artists are invited to submit:

  • 8-10 work samples from the last five years, accompanied by a numbered list including title, date, materials, and dimensions for each work (File formats: pdf; .gif, .jpg, .png, .tif; .m4a, .mp3, .wav; .avi, .mov, .mp4. Video and audio files should be 5 minutes or less.);
  • Resume/CV (two pages maximum, .pdf);
  • An introductory paragraph (500 word maximum or 3 ½ min audio file) responding to this question: How does your creative practice and work probe, utilize, and/or transcend archival absences?

Submissions are reviewed by a selection committee and take into consideration the following parameters:
a) clarity of engagement with systemically produced absences;
b) artistic relevance; and
c) the potential synergy of the residency for the applicant and the museum's evolving work.

A group of approximately 12-15 applicants will be invited to move to the next stage. Applicants not selected will be informed and selection committee comments will be shared.

Stage 2: Virtual Interviews

Applicants at this stage will be scheduled for a 25 minute virtual interview with selection committee members. Each applicant will be compensated a modest sum. The structure of this interview will be shared with applicants prior to the scheduled date.

A selected group of approximately 3 finalists will be invited to move to the next stage.

Applicants not selected will be informed and selection committee comments will be shared.

Stage 3: Onsite Interviews

Finalists at this stage will be scheduled for a 45 minute on-site interview with museum staff and members of the selection committee. One applicant will be chosen as the research resident. Applicants not selected will be informed and selection committee comments will be shared.

Important Dates

Application period opens: August 1, 2023
Optional in-person information sessions and virtual office hours are available.
Applicants may register for an in-person information session at the museum on Sunday, August 6, 1-2 pm or Wednesday, August 9, 6-7 pm.
Applicants with specific questions can email museum-artists@risd.edu or sign up for a 15-minute virtual meeting with museum staff before submitting their application. Sign up for a time slot in this link.

Application deadline: September 5, 2023, 11:59 pm
Virtual interviews for Stage 2 finalists: Weeks of October 2 and 9, 2023
Onsite interviews for Stage 3 finalists: End of October 2023
Notifications: Early November 2023
Residency start date: January 15, 2024
Residency end date: December 31, 2024

Apply here between Aug. 1–Sept. 5

FAQ

Expectations

Will I get a studio or an office?
The museum can offer a shared workspace. This can be scheduled for computer-based research during public hours. Housing and/or studio space is not provided.

What do you mean by research? Do I have to write papers?
Research can take many forms, and no, we don’t expect research papers. We envision artists engaging in research that benefits their personal practice; delves deeply into ideas, materials, and processes; and can be shared with the public through the RISD Museum. Your research could be made evident through its impact on your work, the ways you formulate ideas, and other approaches we haven’t imagined.

Do I have to spend the money I receive in a specific way?
There are no specific parameters for how you spend the stipend. We are interested in how this funding will support you and your work.

How can I tell what objects are in your collection?
You can browse our entire collection at risdmuseum.org/collection. You can explore works not on view, past exhibitions, objects without images, and more. If you have questions that are not answered through online research, consider attending one of the scheduled information sessions listed above, or feel free to contact museum-artists@risd.edu.

What hours will I have access to the RISD Museum, and how frequently am I expected to visit?
You are welcome at the Museum during all public hours as often as you like. Meetings with staff and use of resources will be by appointment during working hours. The schedule can be set and changed by you throughout the year. We envision the artist will allot approximately 14-16 hours per month for residency-related work.

Eligibility

Can academics apply?
This research residency is intended for individuals who consider themselves artists or designers first and foremost. RISD faculty and staff are not eligible for this opportunity. Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, either part-time or full-time, at an institution of higher learning at the time of the application deadline or during the year of the residency.

Will you give preference to RISD alumni?
We consider all applicants equally, regardless of whether they attended RISD.

I work collaboratively. Can two or more people apply together, as a group?
You may apply as a group if collaboration or collective work is central to your creative practice and you and your fellow group members have a history of successfully working together. If you plan to apply collaboratively, please submit all group members’ resumes/CV’s in a single file.

Application Process

What is an audio response?
When completing the Expression of Interest, we invite applicants who are more comfortable communicating their ideas through speaking to submit an audio recording of their response to the introductory question. Please note audio recordings will be reviewed up to the maximum time limit of 3½ minutes only. Audio files accepted include .mp3, .wav, and .m4a.

Do I have to submit both audio and written responses to the question in the Expression of Interest?
Applicants are welcome to respond through writing OR speaking. 

What are your selection criteria? What do you look for in an application?
The selection committee will look for a clearly articulated response and strong engagement with the application question in your expression of interest as well as the work samples you provide.
In the initial stage, applications will be reviewed based on the following parameters: a) clarity of engagement with systemically produced archival absences; b) artistic relevance; and c) the potential synergy of the residency for the applicant and the museum's evolving work. Subsequent interview stages will explore in greater detail the applicants’ practice and expectations for this opportunity. Ultimately, final decisions will take into consideration both the relevance and rigor of applicants’ aspirations for the residency as well as internal resources to support the applicants’ needs.

Museum Resources

What are examples of RISD resources I would be able to access?
The artist will have access to a range of resources at RISD, including support from Museum staff. Additionally, there is access to RISD’s Fleet Library, Nature Lab, and the ability to take select RISD Continuing Education courses during the year.

Will I get a RISD Museum ID?
Yes, you will be provided with a RISD Museum ID, giving you access to the RISD Museum and RISD Library, a 10% discount at the RISD Store, and free rides on RIPTA buses commuting to and from the museum. This ID will also provide reciprocal free admission to most museums nationally.

Will I have a solo show? Will I have my work acquired by the RISD Museum?
The parameters of the research residency do not include the Museum’s exhibition or acquisition of works. This program is focused on supporting the development of artistic processes.

Will I get a parking spot?
There is no reserved parking, however there are several nearby parking options available at a discount to those visiting the RISD Museum. Public transportation to the RISD Museum is also available.

Are there other opportunities for artists and designers?
Yes, the RISD Museum offers programs focused on critical and creative thinking and making. Check the calendar for specialized programs for artists and designers as well as public programs for all audiences. The Museum also offers artist memberships, which are free for Rhode Island artists; benefits include admission to the Museum for one year, discounts for RISD Store purchases and Continuing Education classes, and more.

Can I still do object-based research in your collection, even if I don’t apply or don’t receive the residency?
Yes! You can browse our entire collection at risdmuseum.org/collection, and take advantage of free membership for Rhode Island-based artists to visit the galleries any time, at no charge. Interested in offering public programming? Submit a proposal here.

For further questions or inquiries, please contact museum-artists@risd.edu.

This residency is supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.