2017 is starting strong with some great artist-in-residence opportunities here in the Boston area and further afield. Seeking more experience in public policy, creative placemaking, working with elementary-age students, or immigrant communities? Looking to deepen your socially engaged practice? Keep reading and polish up your portfolios for these exciting opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Boston's Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks an artist-in-residence to help advance arts and cultural goals in regional planning. This 18-month half-time residency includes working with MAPC staff and community partners to develop projects that promote creative expression, cultural vibrancy, and cross-cultural dialogue. Looking for ways to combine your artistic practice with pressing community needs like housing, food systems, or climate change? Apply here. (No deadline given.)
The Community Artist Initiative is a collaboration between the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and ten after-school community organizations in Greater Boston. Each year an experienced artist leads the Artist Project with participating children ages 6-12 and creates a collaborative work of art based on the MFA's collection. Join the likes of Maria Molteni and Hilary Zelson and apply by the January 20 deadline.
And finally, further afield, Pittsburgh—whose art scene we hear is thriving—is offering an Artist in the Public Realm Residency through the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. This two-year residency is especially focused on community engagement and works in collaboration with organizations who aid immigrants, including the Somali Bantu and Bhutanese Community Association. It's open to visual, performing, and literary artists interested in developing a creative project with the Pittsburgh community. The annual stipend is $25,000. Open to teams and individuals! For more, check out the website or, if you're in Pennsylvania, attend an information session January 24 or 31. The deadline to apply is February 6..
The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) is offering Creative City grants for public-engaging artworks in the Boston area. Previously funded projects include Cedric Douglas's “Up Walls” at Northeastern University and Elisa Hamilton and Silvia López Chavez's “Lemonade Stand.” The deadline to apply is February 21.
Good luck, and we can't wait to see what you make of these opportunities!
Want to list your community-engaged opportunity here? Have an idea for the ideal Artist-In-Residence? Send your ideas and links to info@nowandthere.org.