Residency FAQs
What is an artist residency?
Artist residencies provide individuals or collaborative groups time and space to focus on their work and resources to enhance their practice.
How is Crosstown Arts’ residency program different from some other residencies?
There are many types of residencies offered throughout the world. Crosstown Arts’ residency spaces are unique due to their location in or near the bustling Crosstown Concourse building. Plus, the program provides a variety of resources to support artists’ creative projects. You can find more details about these resources in the Residency guide’s Resources Guide.
What types of artists can apply for a residency?
Crosstown Arts offers multidisciplinary residencies to visiting and Memphis-based artists and curators, working in any creative discipline including visual arts, music, film, and writing.
How long are the residencies?
The residencies last for three months each in the spring and fall of every year, and there is one residency lasting two months in the summer.
What is included in a residency at Crosstown Arts?
Artists are offered a private studio space, temporary living space in Crosstown Concourse (if needed), free membership to Crosstown Arts Shared Art space, free reservation of Music Services Spaces for music production, and free access to a variety of Crosstown Arts events like music shows and movie screenings during their residency period.
How can artists apply?
The application period is May 20 – July 20 for all residencies that will take place the following year. Applications are accepted online through SlideRoom, with a link posted on the Crosstown Arts website. Resident offers are sent by October 1.
What do applicants need to apply?
The application asks for 5 to 8 work samples, an artist statement, a residency goals statement, and a resume/CV.
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is $20. This fee covers the cost of the SlideRoom. Applicants who need a discounted rate due to financial hardship can feel free to email residency@crosstownarts.org. Please note that such requests should be made after the application has commenced but before its submission.
What is the selection process?
Applications are scored by an annually rotating selection panel of creative professionals from Memphis and around the world, with varying backgrounds and expertise in visual arts, music, film, and writing. Residencies are offered based on the panel’s scores with an emphasis on inclusivity and supporting a diverse range of creative practices, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and personal histories.
Does Crosstown Arts rent studios?
No. All studio spaces are reserved for resident artists.
How many studios does Crosstown Arts have and where are they located?
There are 5 studios available for resident artists. Most are located inside the Crosstown Concourse building and two Studio Houses for Musicians are located across the street.
Where are the residency live spaces?
The apartments are on the eighth and ninth floors of Crosstown Concourse, and Studio Houses for Musicians are in the neighborhood close to the other Crosstown Art’s spaces.
What types of living spaces are offered and where are they located?
The residency program operates furnished apartments inside Crosstown Concourse and two Studio Houses for Musicians in the neighboring area. Studio Houses for Musicians include a variety of amenities. 12 microunit apartments are attached to a common living room/dining room/laundry room. Housing options are available for people with disabilities.
Where do residents come from?
Residents are local, national, and international artists. Crosstown Arts has received applications from more than 30 different states, as well as from countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, China, Japan, Europe, Zambia, Iceland, Ukraine and others.
Can Memphis artists apply?
Local artists are highly encouraged to apply and are an essential part of the residency program.
What is the age requirement?
Anyone who will be 21 years of age or older at the time of their residency is welcome to apply.
Are there project requirements for residents?
No. Residents are encouraged to experiment and explore new ideas or to further develop current work.
What are the contractual obligations regarding attendance for residents, and how are travel days managed within the residency program?
Residents are contractually required to be present at the residency for the majority of the awarded session. A limited number of travel days are permitted by the residency management. Residents who receive an opportunity requiring more than 1 week away from the residency may be asked to conclude their residency early. The spaces are intended for use by artists, providing an opportunity for another artist to participate.
All artists in residence are required to organize their calendars to ensure their participation in Artist Talks (for spring and fall sessions only), weekly meetings (usually on Wednesday afternoons), and Open Studios (for all sessions). Typically, dates are discussed with artists prior to their arrival, allowing for potential adjustments. However, once dates are finalized, it becomes the artist’s responsibility to accommodate their schedule accordingly to participate.
Learn more in the About section or in the Residency Guide. Email residency@crosstownarts.org with any questions.
