Underwritten by Veterans United Foundation
ORR STREET STUDIOS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION 2024-25
Please read this page in its entirety before filling out your application. Any questions may be directed to Orr Street Studios, director@orrstreetstudios.com. Thank you for your interest!
Mission
Orr Street Studios recognizes that Black and minority artists are underrepresented in the art world, and that dedicated studio space is key for developing an artistic practice. By implementing this residency, Orr Street Studios seeks to make the valuable resource of studio space more readily available to Black and minority artists in the Columbia, Missouri area. As a member of the artistic community in Columbia, this is a tangible step Orr Street Studios can take to make the Mid-Missouri art community more inclusive and make valuable resources available to artists who may not feel welcome or represented in the local art scene.
Description
The Artists in Residence Program (referred to as AIR) offers studio space for 11.5 months to three to four black artists (or to an artist from another underrepresented minority group) working in Columbia, MO or the surrounding area and who has a financial need. This residency is meant to support both emerging and established artists whose practice could benefit from dedicated studio space. Resident Artists Will Receive • Rent-free studio space at Orr Street Studios from August 15, 2024 to July 31, 2025. Studio spaces are approximately 144 square feet. • A one-time $250 stipend. • The residency culminates in a group exhibition of current resident artists’ work in the Orr Street Gallery during the month of July 2025. • A one-year membership to Columbia Art League
Expectations
During the residency, recipients are expected to: · Have a regular studio presence and demonstrate ongoing activity working in that space. · Keep the studio display space updated with finished works available for sale. · Participate in Orr Street Studios group shows and First Friday monthly events by exhibiting new and previous works. · Meet with board members periodically to communicate progress and needs. · Sign a contract of participation, lease and house rules agreements.
Application Process Eligibility
Applicants must be:
• Black or minority residents of Columbia, MO or the nearby area.
• Use the studio space for “low touch” practices that don’t involve toxic fumes, high heat, permanent damage to the floors and walls, and do not involve loud noises.
• Able to demonstrate a body of work in a digital format.
• If applicants have already been in the AIR program, they are eligible to apply for a second year. Only one studio will be available for any given year.
• Demonstrate financial need.
Applicants must show a body of work that reflects their active commitment to their practice.
While one is not required to have a history of exhibitions, applicants must provide demonstrable proof of a devoted practice and understanding of how one will use the studio space to continue their practice.
Applicants will submit the following:
1. A brief artist’s statement.
2. A paragraph to explain the applicant’s goals, intent and what they hope to achieve with a dedicated studio space, including how much they will be at the studio creating art.
3. An electronic portfolio of six to eight works that show the applicant’s current direction.
4. Statement of Financial Need.
5. Must submit all application materials by July 1, 2024.
Based on submitted materials, the artists selected will be selected to be interviewed and chosen without preference over gender, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
After viewing application materials, the committee will select applicants to participate in an in-person interview between July 15 -19, 2024. Criteria for selection will include:
Evidence of dedication to an artistic practice and the goals defined in the artist’s application. · Feasibility, given the artist’s goals for their residency, and how well they align with Orr Street’s facilities and technical resources. Preference is for visual artists with relatively “low touch” practices as identified under Eligibility above. · Artists who are able to work independently and productively and who have a solid plan of work. . Financial Need. (If applicants have already been in the AIR program, they are eligible to apply for a second year. The committee will select only one second year AIR recipient in any given year.)
Orr Street Studios’ Expectations and Requirements from Artists General Orientation and Sharing Expectations
To help introduce AIR artists to Orr Street Studios, the facility, benefits, and residency program, a mandatory on-boarding time will be set and process establish. Orientation to be held on August 15th or another date thereafter agreeable to the Committee and AIR recipients.
• A contract of participation shall be signed defining expectations and the commitment of the artists and the Orr Street Residence Committee members. Orientation shall include a packet to introduce all artists, Orr Street board members, and provide clear expectations. AIR artists will also sign a lease and house rules agreements.
• The Artists in residence will be introduced to all Orr Street studio artists and OSAG Board members at a welcoming event or gathering.
Returning Artists in Residence and Mentoring
Each year, one artist in residence is allowed to return for one consecutive year. Preference will be given to an artist who is open to sharing their studio with the public during First Fridays and other gallery events. The returning artist in residence will also be expected to help mentor the new artists, orienting them to the site, and encouraging their studio work.
Veterans United Foundation Sponsorship
Orr Street sincerely thanks and acknowledges the support of the VU Foundation for the Artists in Residence Program. Without the VU Foundation this program would not be possible. Artists are encouraged to recognize the support of the VU Foundation and to participate in presentations of the VU Foundation events to show how sponsorship fosters the talents of local Black and minority artists.
Support from the AIR Committee
Each quarter, the artists in residence will meet with AIR committee members to review the artists’ experiences, works accomplished, and share insights. (Reviews to occur in late September, December, and March.) Artists are expected to update their outer wall art and have a viewable portfolio with each meeting.
Participation in Orr Street Studios Events and Fundraisers
All artists in residence are expected to regularly participate in events at Orr Street Studios. Studio events give artists opportunities to network, meet other artists, and connect with members of the community who support the arts. Events include First Friday at Orr Street Studios each month with an open gallery from 6-9 pm, VIP gallery openings, Hearing Voices/Seeing Visions, studio artist gatherings, fundraising events for Orr Street Studios, and other artist events.
Art Show Opportunities
The primary art show for showcasing works accomplished is the Artists in Residence show each July. Other shows occur during the year and artists are encouraged to participate, including Black History month in February, One Read in September, and the Orr Street Studios group show in December. Another exhibition request may occur from Veterans United Foundation, to participate in events at the VU Columbia offices and show works or offer prints for sale. A monthly program, Hearing Voices/ Seeing Visions, is held at Orr Street Studios each month with presentations by local, national and international artists. Artists in Residence are encouraged to participate in and attend. (Button Link to Application page)
AIR Committee
Askia Bilal – A regionally recognized artist with a studio at Orr Street, Askia has a BFA from Columbia College and MFA from the University of Michigan. He was in the inaugural 2020-21 Orr Street AIR Program. Askia creates works in acrylic, oil and dry media, layering the abstract, history and present to represent the human experience.
Martha Daniels – Secretary of Orr Street Board, Martha is retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation where she worked in print, educational exhibits, and other mediums as an artist, designer, writer and coordinator. She is an oil painter who participates in regional shows and plein air events.
Robert Friedman - Member of Orr Street Board, Robert has been a professor of art at Stephens College for 20 years. Robert is an active professional artist, designer and illustrator and is active in human figure drawing sessions in the Orr Street area.
Nikki McGruder - Nikki McGruder is the Director of the Inclusive Impact Institute in Columbia, MO. As a community leader in equity and inclusion, she has reached thousands of community members and several businesses through inclusive events, training, and community dialogues.
Kenny Greene - Local artist and graduate of Columbia College, Kenny is a former Adjunct Professor of Art at William Woods University and Columbia College, spanning 30 years. He also serves on the Orr Street Studios Board of Directors and has owned and operated Monarch Jewelry in The North Village since 1984.
Michael Sleadd - Professor Emeritus and Artist in Residence at Columbia College, taught Art at Columbia College for 36 years and was Department Chair for 10 years. He received his MFA from the University of Missouri and also taught Art at MU and Stephens College. He exhibits his art regularly in Columbia and throughout the Mid-West.
Byron Smith - A Columbia native, Byron is a long-time resident of Orr Street Studios. He attended the University of Missouri and has been creating award-winning art for decades. In 1991, Byron co-owned Mythmaker Gallery on 5th Street for six years. He helped organize countless exhibitions for the UMC Black Culture Center, including Black History Month exhibits.
Barbara Hoppe - Is Co-President of Orr Street Artists Guild, a Board Member since 2015 and a longtime supporter of the Arts. She served on the Columbia City Council from 2006-2015 & has a Law Degree from the University of Missouri. She retired Missouri State Public Defender after 25 years and did multi-state Tax Litigation for the Missouri Dept. of Revenue before that. She has B. A. in History, Political Science and Education from the University of Michigan and taught High School for several years. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and has lived in Columbia since 1979.
Artists in Residence - FAQ
When does the residency begin and end? This residency is 11.5 months long. Approximately from August 15, 2024 to July 31, 2025.
Do you accept late applications? No. We cannot accept applications submitted after the due date, July 1, 2024.
How much does it cost to apply? There is no cost to apply to the program.
Do you accept international or out-of-state applicants? No. We accept applications from people living in Columbia, MO and the surrounding area.
What documents does the application require? You must submit an application either electronically or by mail and submit 4-6 images of artwork electronically. Materials mailed will not be returned.
When will I hear back about my application? We will notify applicants by July 15, 2024, as to whether or not they receive an interview. After interviews, we will notify applicants by July 30, 2024 about their acceptance to the program.
Can I receive feedback about my application? Depending on the number of applicants, we may or may not give feedback on your application. We will notify all applicants of our decision after the application process has closed.
How much does the residency award each artist? Currently, we have secured funding for a 144-sq-ft studio space and a one-time $250 stipend, but if more funding becomes available, the stipend may increase.
Do I have to work in a specific medium to apply? The residency is open to visual artists whose processes align with the facilities and technical resources of Orr Street Studios. We cannot accommodate practices that require high heat, persistent loud noises, or sculptors and ceramicists.
Do I need to have a specific project in mind before I apply? No. Do your best to tell us about yourself, your practice and your goals on your application. Goals can range from finishing a specific project to improving or expanding your practice in a certain area.
Can you tell me if I should apply? The committee cannot advise you on your application.
Is there an education requirement for the program? No, there is no education requirement.
If I have a disability, how will the residency program accommodate me? Orr Street recognizes that not all disabilities are visible and is willing to make accommodations based on the needs of the individual.
5/23/24
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