Artist-in-Residence Program 2024 Guidelines

Program Overview

As a programmatic site of the Joan Mitchell Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans hosts artist residencies, providing individual studio spaces on the Center’s two-acre campus for both local and national artists. Located in the 7th Ward, the residency is a retreat for artists in a city rich with creative energy and cultural histories. The Foundation first began hosting artists as part of its Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program in temporary French Quarter studios in New Orleans in 2013 and then opened the Joan Mitchell Center in 2015. Since its inception, the AIR Program has provided dedicated time and space for artistic contemplation and experimentation to over 300 artists from across the country, including more than 100 artists local to New Orleans. Fifty of those participated in the New Orleans Studio Program, which offered a hybrid virtual and onsite residency to New Orleans-based artists during the COVID-19 pandemic (from September 2020 to the beginning of February 2022).

From June 5 to July 31, 2023, the Center will accept applications from eligible visual artists for residencies at the Joan Mitchell Center in 2024. (A video review of the application is available below.)

Selected artists will receive private studio space at the Center for 6 or 14 weeks in either the Spring or Fall 2024 residency session, or for 6 weeks during the Summer session. Artists-in-Residence also receive $150 stipend per week, communal meals on weekdays (excluding holidays), and opportunities to participate in professional development and community events. Additionally, the Center will book all travel within the United States and provide lodging onsite for program participants (please note, we do not house guests or family members).

Residency dates will be confirmed with selected artists based on their stated session preference and studio availability.

• Spring/Summer Session: February 5–May 10, 2024
• Summer Session: June 17–July 26, 2024
• Fall/Winter Session: September 16–December 20, 2024

Applicant Eligibility

In order to meet eligibility for the JMC Artist-in-Residence Program, individuals must be one of the following:

Artists Applying from New Orleans

• Must have lived in New Orleans as your primary residence for the last 5 years (Orleans and Jefferson Parish residents will be considered) OR

• Be a New Orleans native

Artists Applying from Outside of New Orleans

• Must be a past recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation artist support programs including: Painters & Sculptors Grants, MFA Grants, Emerging Artist Grants, Emergency Grants, Creating a Living Legacy Awards, Early Art Practitioner Council Members, and Joan Mitchell Foundation Art Education Program Artist Teachers. Please note that current Joan Mitchell Fellows are ineligible to apply.

In addition, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a visual artist and showcase a portfolio of work with a serious commitment to an artistic practice.

• Be at a pivotal point in their career and demonstrate how the residency would be a benefit.

• Complete and submit an application.

• Have never previously been an Artist-in-Residence at the Joan Mitchell Center, unless as an Early Art Practitioner (EAP)

• Be 21+ years of age.

• Must not be enrolled as a student in any degree-granting art program during the residency period

• Need a professional workspace to support a studio practice

• Be committed to be present and active for the duration of the residency cycle and participate in the professional development and studio visit consultations

Program Participation & Residency Benefits

All artists-in-residence (AIRs) will receive:

• 24/7 access to their studios

• Weekly stipend of $150

• Support from the on-staff studio assistants

• Prepared meals on-site and available Monday through Friday (except holidays)

• Regularly scheduled professional development and networking programming

Artists traveling from outside of the New Orleans area will also receive:

• Onsite lodging

• Airfare or up to $600 in travel reimbursement

• Up to $200 shipping reimbursement

Programming

Studio use is a primary component of the residency program. Program participants are asked to commit to roughly no less than 30 hours a week of working in their studios. Additionally, artists are expected to be engaged community members within their residency cohort and regularly participate in the roster of professional development programs and networking activities offered. The Center’s approach to programming will provide artists-in-residence with opportunities to engage with other artists and arts consultants locally and from across the United States. Depending on the status of the ongoing pandemic throughout the residency, these programs may be offered in-person or virtually.

The Center offers five types of programming:

• Cohort and Community Building consists of peer-oriented happy hours and open studios for artists-in-residence, JMC staff, and invited Center alumni artists to connect with one another, discuss work, share their creative process, ask for feedback, and anything else that can benefit from communal participation or input. In addition, AIRs will have the opportunity to connect with the New Orleans community through programmed field trips and tours.

• Open Studios occur twice during each session, with the exception of the summer session, where there will be only one. These are professional networking gatherings where artists-in-residence present works-in-progress or finished pieces developed during their residency to a group of guests that can include artists, art administrators, curators, collectors, gallerists, alumni, cultural practitioners, and community members.

• Professional Consultations are monthly one-on-one consultations and group workshops for artists-in-residence to connect with arts specialists to discuss a variety of topics that can include professional branding and marketing, legal and financial planning, estate planning and career documentation, and other areas that can support career development.

• Studio Visits are monthly opportunities for artists-in-residence to connect with invited local and national curators, museum directors, gallerists, and other art professionals in one-on-one conversations to pose questions, exchange insight, and receive feedback, guidance, and support.

• Artist Profiles are short video interviews or photo essays with each artist-in-residence that features insights into their process, relevant information about works produced (or underway) while in residence, and footage of selected works and studio space. Videos are posted on the Center’s social media channels and website (Instagram, Facebook + on our Journal), and hosted on the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s Vimeo page. Photos essays are posted on our Journal. Additionally, AIRs are provided with a link to embed or share their profile as well as a downloadable copy of the edited video and/or the original footage upon request.

How to Apply

Artists are asked to provide a headshot, biography, CV/resume, describe their artistic practice, their intention for the residency, why this is a pivotal point in their career to attend a residency, three (3) professional references, eight (8) work samples (including work sample descriptions).

A video walkthrough of the application is available below. We will also host onsite, 1-on-1, application support sessions the week of July 10. Contact program associate Trécha Gay Jheneall at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more.

Please review the detailed application instructions below before beginning the application process. If you need clarification or have specific questions that pertain to your application not addressed below, please email [email protected].

The deadline to apply is Monday, July 31 at noon (CT). We are unable to accept late submissions. Only complete applications will be submitted for jury consideration.

Application for New Orleans-based Artists

The link for former Joan Mitchell Foundation grant recipients to apply was emailed directly to all alumni artists on June 5. Check your email or write to [email protected] for the link!

Review Process and Timeline

The Joan Mitchell Center staff works to thoughtfully assemble a diverse group of jurors with a breadth of knowledge, perspectives, and experience in various areas of the art world. Primarily, the jury assessment will take into consideration the overall body of work and its representation of the artist’s vision, commitment, dedication to a studio practice, and how the residency will advance an artist’s career at a pivotal moment. Please note that not every juror is an expert in every medium, therefore it's important that you provide as much information as possible about individual works and your practice for context.

The jury will meet in September and we anticipate informing artists of their residency award by late Fall 2023.

Application Instructions

You will be asked to submit the following in order to complete an application online via Submittable:

1. Biography: Please provide a brief written third-person account of your artistic and professional experience as it relates to your current work. This information is not presented to jurors; it will be used to promote you should you be selected as a recipient. (150 words maximum)

2. Resume/CV: Please provide a summary of your educational, vocational, and professional qualifications and experience as it relates to the arts as well as your practice.

3. Process + Practice: Please answer a series of questions regarding your creative practice, past residencies, the relevance or potential impact of the residency from your perspective, as well as future goals.

4. Professional References: Please provide the name, email, phone number, title, and the nature of your relationship for three (3) separate references. They should serve as references on your behalf who can speak to your readiness for the program, dedication to your career as an artist, and ability to work in communities like residencies. Please DO NOT submit letters of recommendation.

5. Work Samples: Please submit eight (8) examples of current work that best showcase your artistic vision and practice. We suggest providing the highest resolution images you have to ensure that jurors can zoom in for detail. Work samples will be viewed on computer screens. We recognize that still imagery does not best reflect the artistic work of many installation artists; therefore, we encourage video submissions or a composite image of detailed shots from various angles of a single piece from those artists (do not include composite images of multiple works). Of the eight work samples, up to two short videos, each under one minute in length, can be accommodated. While Submittable will allow you to upload video samples that are longer than one minute, if you submit a longer video, the jury will be instructed to only view the first minute.
   
   All files must be labeled with the artist's last name, followed by a first initial and number 1-8 (example: LastName_FirstInitial_Image1). After you upload each work sample, please make sure to include title, date, materials, dimensions, and a short description in the metadata field that is provided. Work samples without metadata may place you at a disadvantage during the review, as the jury may not be able to understand your work clearly. Image submissions can include detailed shots and various angles of a single piece but should not be composite images of multiple works.

6. Photo: Please upload a high-resolution headshot to be used for promotion of selected artists.

All necessary materials have to be submitted by the application deadline, otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible for jury review.

Video: Application Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I qualify if I have received a previous Artist-in-Residence award?
Unfortunately, if you have been an Artist-in-Residence at the Joan Mitchell Center (including a participant of the pilot program or New Orleans Studio Program), you are not eligible to apply for the 2024 application cycle, since we are prioritizing opportunities for artists who have not yet participated. Former Early Art Practitioner (EAP) participants are eligible to apply.

How does the ongoing pandemic or climate events such as hurricanes potentially impact the residency?
Due to the uncertainties related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and climate events, some aspects of the program may shift to support health and safety considerations, including how programming is presented (virtual vs. in-person) and access to the campus. The Center will work to give reasonable advance notice of any such modifications to program participants.

Does the Center have a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy?
Yes! All artists-in-residence are required to have received the Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and vaccinated to the level consistent and appropriate with one’s current medical situation to participate in the residency, and you must meet the vaccination requirements from the 1st day of your residency through the last. The Joan Mitchell Foundation’s lens for evaluating vaccination is solely based on medical considerations; therefore, the Center’s working definition of “vaccinated” means:

• You have been boosted no more than 180 days from the last day that you will be in residence at the Center, OR

• You have recovered from COVID-19 no more than 90 days prior to the last day you would be in residence at the Center, OR

• You have received the most recently available booster for your medical situation that will provide comparable support against COVID-19 during your residency

I work with a collaborator. Can we apply as a team?
Yes, up to two collaborating artists can apply jointly, provided that both artists are currently eligible (see criteria above). If applying as a team, please contact the Center before submitting your application.

When will I find out if I have been awarded a 2024 residency at the Joan Mitchell Center?
We anticipate informing artists of their residency award by late fall 2023. If awarded a 2024 residency, we ask that you keep your residency award confidential between yourself, your partner(s), and/or your collaborator(s) until we publicly announce the entire group of 2024 Artists-in-Residence.

Does the Foundation have recommendations for image presentation in the application?
We find that a cohesive group of images makes for a strong work sample presentation. Also take note that your images should be clear, sharply focused, and well-lit. We suggest providing the highest resolution images you have to ensure that jurors can zoom in for detail. Total file upload submissions, including resume, work samples, and other uploads, may not exceed 800 MB. If submitted, each video clip should be no longer than 1 minute.

Who do I contact if I experience challenges with the application?
If you are experiencing issues with setting up or accessing your submittable account as well as technical issues with the application form, please contact Submittable directly at the following: www.submittable.com/help/organization.

If you have questions about the instructions or other aspects of the application or are experiencing accessibility barriers, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Center staff will respond to emails within 3 business days when time permits. Should you need to speak with someone on the programs team via phone, please email a request for an appointment, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

How does the jury evaluate an application?
The Joan Mitchell Center staff works to thoughtfully assemble an anonymous jury panel with a breadth of knowledge, perspectives, and experience in various cultural and artistic expressions. Primarily, the jury rates quality of work based on cohesive bodies of work that fully represent an artists’ vision, show a commitment and dedication to a studio practice, and demonstrate a strong case for how this residency will support an artist’s career at a pivotal moment.

Not all panelists are knowledgeable in all disciplines; therefore we ask that you contextualize your work through both the questions and the metadata fields of the application.

Do you accept multimedia work samples?
Yes, we recognize that still imagery does not best reflect the artistic work of many installation artists and we encourage video submissions or a composite image of detailed shots from various angles of a single piece (please do not submit a composite image of multiple works).

Is there a suggested size limit for image and video submissions?
All digital images should be high quality images, not to exceed 1 MB in size. Video clips should be no longer than one minute, and not exceed 20 MB in size.

I am unable to submit an online application via Submittable.
Please contact Trécha Gay Jheneall, Artist-Centered Programs Associate, at [email protected] for assistance. We do not want anyone to be deterred from applying by online access accessibility barriers.

What can I anticipate during the residency?
The residency is structured to provide time and space to artists working on their studio practice as well as provide regular opportunities to further develop professional skills and networks that will be beneficial long after the residency has concluded. Artists are expected to make regular use of their studio and participate in program activities, including workshops, gatherings, and presentations.

While each artist will experience ample time for uninterrupted work and research, they are also encouraged to be active members of the intentional community formed by artists, arts professionals, staff, and others who share resources, information, and provide feedback as well as support for one another.

If I am staying on campus, can I bring my family for a month? Do you allow spouses to share the living space with resident artists?
Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot accommodate lodging artists’ spouses and/or family members or guests at the Center.

Can I invite guests or family to the studios for a visit?
Yes, but we ask that artists be respectful of other artists in the residency program when bringing in guests and understand that the studios are work spaces above all else. At this time, overnight guests are not permitted. We also ask that artists adhere to guidelines provided in our guest policy which will be provided during orientation.

What is the onsite lodging like?
Rooms vary in size and amenities, but all are studio-style, single occupancy with private bathrooms. During your intake process, we will work with you to match you with the room that best suits your needs.

What are the studios like?
Studios range in size from 215–780 square feet and are all private. While lighting can be adjusted, all spaces get ample natural light throughout the day. Our facilities are best suited to those with a primarily indoor studio practice who work on walls, tables, easels or floor surfaces. There are occasional opportunities to work on the lawn, weather permitting, provided materials or objects do not negatively impact the landscaping and are not left outside when not in use. Studios are for personal use and public programming is not permitted, outside of what is present by the Center. Should you be interested in public programming or community engagement while in residence, we will do our best to connect you with suitable partners and organizations. See a video tour and example images of the studios here.

Can I pick the studio I want?
No. Studio spaces are assigned based on each artists’ specific needs, including the scale and type of work being made, in relation to the final group of artists selected for each cycle. Please provide dimensions of your submitted works and intended projects in your application so we can best plan to match studios with particular artists' projects.

Are there sound or noise restrictions in the studios?
Sound should be kept to a reasonable level, but mostly it is important that all artists are aware of the community being formed on campus and are respectful of and communicative with your fellow artists, as the studios are not soundproof.

What items should I bring? What can I expect to find in my studio?
You will need to bring all art materials and specialized equipment (if relevant) that are part of your studio practice. Each artist will be provided a private studio space equipped with a worktable, stool, shelves, ample natural and artificial lighting, and a comfortable chair. Our facilities are also equipped with shared digital media resources and tool inventory. If specific equipment is needed to facilitate a project, Joan Mitchell Center staff will assist you with coordinating resources and/or partnering with local organizations, when possible. Please make a note on your application of anything you anticipate needing while in residence.

What items and activities are restricted?
JMC has a strict no open flame policy, as well as a restrictive torch policy that requires supervision and must be done outdoors. We also do not have a kiln on campus or the capacity to host one. In addition, we prohibit the use of:

• Oxy-acetylene (or similar gasses used for cutting/welding)

• Electric Welders (Arc/TIG/MIG/plasma cutter)

• Butane/Propane (or similar gasses used for flame)

• Ferric Chloride/Hydrochloric Acid (or similar corrosive acids)

• Turpentine/Toluene/Xylene (or similar hazardous solvents)

• Lead (Paint, Pencils, etc.)

• Formaldehyde

• Methylene Chloride

How will Joan Mitchell Center staff know the details of my specific needs?
The Joan Mitchell Center conducts a two-step intake process that includes a questionnaire and conversation with each artist prior to their residency. Our intake process is extensive and detailed so that we can do our best to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for every artist. We attempt to support everyone to the best of our ability, within our capacity.

Does the Center offer an ADA-compliant environment?
Yes, the Center strives to be an inclusive and welcoming gathering place for artists and guests. With that in mind, we are working to increase accessibility at the Center. All buildings on campus have ADA-accessible entry and exit points as well as bathrooms. The staff is ready to work with each artist to ensure accessibility on our campus and in the program. Once an artist has been accepted into the program, there will be an opportunity to discuss accessibility considerations in detail during the intake process.

The Center welcomes ADA-trained service animals, but we would appreciate advance notice to determine if allergies exist within the cohort and how best to accommodate all, including any needs of the animal. While ADA-trained service animals are welcome on campus, pets are not permitted. Service animals must be up to date with flea/tick/heartworm medication and vaccinations (rabies, etc.)

You are encouraged to reach out to us with any further questions: [email protected].

Is there an information session to learn more about the application process?
The Joan Mitchell Center will hold both an onsite info session on June 21 at 11am CT (directly following Community Coffee) AND a virtual info session on June 22 at 3pm CT (register here). We will also be hosting onsite, 1-on-1 application support sessions the week of July 10th. Please contact program associate Trécha Gay Jheneall at [email protected] if you are interested in signing up.

Other questions?
If all of the information above has not answered your questions, or has created more, or if for any reason you are hesitating to apply, please contact us at pro[email protected]. Staff will respond to emails within 3 business days when time permits. Due to the volume of applications, calls are discouraged.