Artist-in-Residence at Akron Soul Train

Artist-in-Residence at Akron Soul Train

Akron Soul Train welcomes applications from visual, literary, performing, and multidisciplinary artists throughout the region. The residency provides artists with dedicated time, financial support, and organizational resources to research, develop, and present an original creative project. While each residency follows a flexible timeline tailored to the needs of the artist and the scope of the proposed project, all residency activities—including creative development, community engagement, and the final public presentation—must be completed within the designated residency year.

Artists are selected through a competitive review process based on the strength of their creative practice, the quality and originality of their proposed project, their commitment to community engagement, and the potential impact of the residency. Applications are reviewed by the AST Residency Committee, a panel of arts professionals, community members, and alumni artists representing a range of disciplines and perspectives:

• Arnold Tunstall, Director of Galleries, The University of Akron; AST board member
• Stephen Tomasko, Photographer and AST Alumnus
• Francisca
  
  B. Ugalde, Curator, Institute for Human Science and Culture;
  Instructor, Museums and Archives Certificate Program
• William Eugene Blake, Executive Director, Progressive Alliance CDC
• P.J. Hargraves, Assistant Professor-Art, Cuyahoga Community College; AST Alumnus

Guest Juror for 2027

• Christa Ebert, Program Administrator, New Music USA; musician, composer, & producer; AST Alumna

RESIDENCY BENEFITS

• Dedicated time, an unrestricted $1,000 artist stipend*, and personalized support to research, develop, and bring an original creative project to life for public presentation.
• Professional recognition through exhibitions, performances, publications, marketing, and media outreach.
• Meaningful community engagement opportunities that connect your creative practice with audiences across Greater Akron.
• Expanded professional networks through connections with fellow artists, arts organizations, community partners, and cultural leaders.
• Ongoing membership in the Akron Soul Train alumni community, fostering continued collaboration and creative exchange beyond the residency.

RESIDENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and present an original creative project through a public exhibition, performance, reading, or publication.
• Work collaboratively with AST staff to design and facilitate at least one free public engagement activity that connects your creative practice with the Greater Akron community.
• Participate in promotional and media opportunities, including interviews, photography, and other marketing efforts related to the residency.
• Complete a post-residency evaluation to help assess the program and inform future improvements.

ELIGIBILITY

• Artists must be over 18 years of age
• Artists must be regional
• Previous AST Artists in Residence are eligible to reapply after a two-year waiting period

Alumni AIRs must wait at least two full residency cycles following their most recently awarded residency before submitting a new application. This policy ensures opportunities remain accessible to both new and returning artists while encouraging continued growth and the development of new creative work. Previous participation or receipt of a residency award does not guarantee selection for future residency cycles. All applications are evaluated through the same competitive review process based on the strength of the proposed project and application materials.