Fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence Program

Applications for the Fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence Program are now open.

Application are being accepted for a 4-month residency (Sept 1 - Dec 30) at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA offering free studio space and teaching opportunities. (There will be a new application period for the spring, and the fall Artist-in-Residence may renew their application at that time for consideration to extend).

The Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord, MA is proud to continue its Artist-in-Residence program for the 2023-2024 season.  We are seeking artists in any discipline who may be working on a specific project and will make regular use of a 220 square foot studio space in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary arts center that houses an an active community of artists in 50 artist studios, a rapidly expanding Ceramics Studio, Makerspace, performance and gallery spaces. 

Our Artists-in-Residence will have exhibition and artist talk opportunities, and may also propose paid weekend workshops or a class, provided it is one we do not already offer.

Applicants must be 21 or older, may be in any stage of their career, and may work in any medium including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, clay, textiles, digital media, film, mixed media, or public art.  Interdisciplinary artists welcome!  BIPOC and artists of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply!

This residency does not include housing.

The Umbrella is particularly interested in artists who will:

• Use their residency as an opportunity to explore and experiment with ideas that speak to our times

• Make work of high quality that is experimental or innovative in their medium, or media.

• Foster internal and external interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships

• Engage local and/or broader communities in providing inspiration, or participation in art experiences

Quick links to learn more about the program and our facility:

• About the program, including past Artists-in-Residence

• About The Umbrella

Residency Award

For the duration of the residency, the selected artist is offered:

• Free access to a recently renovated private studio space of approximately 220 square feet with a large south facing window, hardwood floors and tall ceilings, and thermostat-controlled heat and air conditioning.

• Opportunity to be involved in an multi-disciplinary art center, including an independent ceramics studio, makerspace, classrooms and theater.

• The opportunity to exhibit at The Umbrella, front lawn and/or alternate site in Concord for site-specific work. There will be an exhibition devoted to the work of Artists-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 season during the summer of 2024. Your work would be included even if you no longer occupy the studio.

• Opportunity to propose to teach a paid workshop

• Opportunity to reactivate your application for continuing during the second residency period (January - May).

Residency Requirements

We are looking for artists interested in active engagement with our studio artist community, in Concord and beyond. As part of the residency program, an accepted Artist-in-Residence is expected to:

• Make regular, active, and productive use of the studio space for the residency period of September 1, 2023 - December 30, 2023.

• Present a public program in any format presenting the work created during your residency.

• Participate in The Umbrella’s Winter Market event (first weekend in December).  If you make small work, participate in the Umbrella Artists small works show. Otherwise, open your studio to the public. 

• Make efforts to attend monthly Artist Meetings and other formal and informal artist events.

• Actively document and share your residency experience via social media, blog posts, videos, photographs, etc.

• Maintain communication with Umbrella staff and participate in program evaluations.

Please Note: If the studio is unused for a period of more than two weeks without cause and clearance from the Visual Arts Manager, the residency may be subject to termination.

All applications will be reviewed by a jury of The Umbrella’s staff and resident artists. The selected artist will be notified by August 3, 2023.

How To Apply

Deadline for applications is July 20, 2023.  

Submit your application by clicking here.

The application will require the following materials:

- Letter of interest in working at The Umbrella Arts Center. Include your interest in working in Concord if you do site-specific work.
- Artist Statement
- Artist Portfolio
- Artist resume or curriculum vitae with contact information
- List of three references
- High-resolution JPEGs of 10-20 pieces of work created within the past two years
- Image list with dimensions, medium, and date

For inquiries regarding our fall 2023 residency, please reach out to The Umbrella via email.

Thanks for your interest!