University of the Arts Announces Inspiration Lab Artist-in-Residence Program

Beginning in summer 2022, University of the Arts will welcome 10 artists-in-residence from within the university community and around the world, as they accelerate and cultivate contributions to contemporary knowledge production. This new Inspiration Lab Artist-in-Residence program, made possible by generous donor support, offers unprecedented residency opportunities at a thriving arts institution on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.

The program will gather together 10 individual artists or small collaborative groups at pivotal moments in their careers for three- to 12-month residencies. The emerging and mid-career artists—selected by a committee of external arts professionals, such as curators, academics and critics—will receive the critical support needed to reflect, experiment and produce compelling new work.

To accommodate and support this residency program, the university has built 10 new studios and accompanying installation and exhibition spaces on the third floor of Anderson Hall, an eight-story building on South Broad Street devoted to visual art, design and museum studies. Two of the studio spaces will be reserved for members of the university community. As a means to elevate and sustain relationships with the UArts and greater Philadelphia community, all artists-in-residence will explore connections with ongoing courses and provide public presentations of their work.

“I eagerly anticipate our inaugural artists-in-residence to productively engage members of our creative community through their innovative practices,” UArts’ President and CEO David Yager said in announcing the program. “I am particularly appreciative of the pathways that will undoubtedly connect our students, faculty and staff to these residencies, and I look forward to experiencing the many ways these artists will contribute to and learn from the UArts community.”

In addition to dedicated studio space, artists will have the potential to utilize advanced workshops and labs across UArts’ campus, including fabrication studios, the cutting-edge Albert M. Greenfield Makerspace and Laurie Wagman Recording Studios, and the Center for Immersive Media, which houses one of the largest motion-capture stages on the East Coast. Access to these spaces will be subject to availability and the scope of each project.

Through these residencies, a wide range of creative disciplines will intersect and cross-pollinate, reflecting UArts’ commitment to interdisciplinary arts education. Artists ages 21 and older with proven histories of creative practice from disciplines such as visual arts, new media, performance, design, film, moving images, writing, choreography and music composition are encouraged to apply. Monthly stipends of $800 may be awarded. UArts has extended the deadline for the open call for residencies until Sunday, June 5, 2022. 

Apply to the residency program