Artist in Residence Program

The Trout Museum of Art’s Artist in Residence Program supports working visual artists by providing time, space, and resources to deepen their practice and connect with our community through teaching and creative exchange.

Each residency is a partnership. Artists bring their talent, vision, and voice to the museum; in return, we offer an environment for exploration, growth, and meaningful engagement.

Program Goals

  • Invest in artists whose work enriches the cultural fabric of the Fox Cities

  • Support time for creative exploration, risk-taking, and experimentation
  • Create opportunities for artists to engage with students and the public
  • Foster artistic professional growth in a collaborative museum setting

What to Expect

  • Artists in Residence at the museum:
  • Develop or expand a body of work over the course of their residency
  • Lead workshops, classes, or open studio experiences as part of our Education Center
  • Share their creative process through artist talks or community events
  • Contribute to a vibrant learning environment for students and visitors

Residencies are awarded through a juried selection process. Artists are chosen based on the strength of their work, clarity of their vision, and alignment with the museum’s commitment to accessible and inclusive arts education.

How to Apply

Complete the online application form below. There is no application fee for the inaugural year.

Artists in Residence are required to:

  1. Set goals for what they wish to accomplish during their residency and review with the Education Manager and Curator before beginning their term
  2. Host four Open Studios (2 hours each)
  3. Host one Contemporaries Studio Visit 
  4. Host scheduled Studio Tours for guests or donor groups
  5. Fulfill a minimum of twelve (12) hours assisting with any of the additional opportunities listed below 
  6. Help maintain the Artist in Residence’s publicly viewed studio space

Additional Opportunities  

Additional opportunities are based on the artist’s professional goals. All responsibilities are under the supervision of the Education Manager and/or Curator and will be discussed during a pre-residency orientation.  

  • Offer free art projects at Art at the Park
  • Host a free (booth fee waived) artist booth at Art at the Park 
  • Teach a Summer Camp
  • Host a Community Art Project
  • Host an In Dialogue talk or program at the museum
  • Other opportunities as they arise. 

Exhibition Opportunity  

As part of the residency, the artist has the option to be part of a group exhibition in the following calendar year.  For example, all artists in residence for the year of 2025 would have a group show in 2026. If you are interested in being part of this group show, you must confirm with Curator. 

Requirements for this exhibition opportunity: 

  • Artist must have a portfolio review and/or critique with the Curator and/or Executive Director during their residency. Must schedule ahead of time.
  • The artist must include a body of work that was created and/or began during the residency.  
  • The artist must present a proposal of works to the Curator 6 months before the exhibition opens.  
  • The artist has the option to collaborate with other Artists in Residence who will participate in this group show, but it is not required. Each artist will be given their own sectioned area of exhibit space to feature their work.  
  • The Curator has the discretion to defer an Artist show for a year if she feels the artist is not ready.

2025 Inaugural Term: October – December  

  • August 25: Applications Due 
  • September 1: Artists Notified of Decisions 
  • September ___: Artist Orientations and Planning Sessions 
  • October 1: Residencies Begin 
  • December 31: Residencies End

2026 Term 1: January – April  

  • October 1: Applications Due 
  • October 15: Artists Notified of Decisions 
  • November – December: Artist Orientations and Planning Sessions 
  • January 1: Residencies Begin 
  • April 25: Residencies End   

2026 Term 2: May – August 

  • March 1: Application Deadline
  • March 15: Artists Notified of Decisions  
  • April – May: Artist Orientations and Planning Sessions 
  • May 1: Residencies Begin 
  • August 25: Residencies End 

2026 Term 3: September – December

  • June 1: Applications Due 
  • June 15: Artists Notified of Decisions 
  • July – August: Artist Orientations and Planning Sessions 
  • September 1: Residencies Begin 
  • December 25: Residencies End 

Eligibility 

  •  Former Trout Museum of Art Artists in Residence may not apply within 10 years of their previous residency. 
  • Artists in all stages of their careers and working in a range of media are welcome to apply.

Selection Criteria 

  • Merit of past work 
  • Readiness to engage with and benefit from the Residency experience at TMA 
  • Potential to develop creative practice and impact the Fox Cities community 

Selection Process 

  • Jury members will review applications to ensure completion and eligibility 
  • Jury members will evaluate eligible artists and select finalists
  • Jury members will select and notify one artist during each cycle

Amenities 

  • 24-hour access to the private Artist in Residence Studio. Note: outside of museum hours, the artist must only enter through the building’s Education Entrance.  
  • 24-hour access to two large studio classrooms (when not in use for classes) 
  • Gallery access during regular museum hours 
  • Ability to reserve the museum conference room
  • Access to the museum’s private collections (restrictions apply, contact the Curator)  
  • Ceramics wheels, printing press, large worktables, easels, drawing benches, drying racks, jewelry benches
  • Wi-Fi, Scanner, computer, color copier, speakers, projectors, iPads, lenses, mounts 
  • The museum’s supply stock and supply stipend

Compensation 

  • Family Membership to the Trout Museum of Art 
  • Monthly Stipend: $300.00 
  • Supply Stipend: $500.00 maximum for the entire duration of the Residency (restrictions apply) 
  • Opportunity to sell artwork in the Museum Store (contact the Gallery Manager)  
  • Teaching opportunities include a $30.00 per hour stipend 
  • In Dialogue programs include a flat $215.00 stipend 
  • Free artist booth at the following calendar year’s Art at the Park (contact Curator)  

Are housing, mileage, and meals included?

The Museum’s Artist in Residency program is currently designed to support the professional growth of local artists, therefore we anticipate that artists will already have these accommodations nearby. Stipends for housing, mileage, and meals are not included.

What should I bring?

One to two months before each residency begins, we will invite artists into the museum for a tour of the studio spaces and to discuss materials. We will provide a private studio space for the artist that includes movable tables and chairs. Additionally, our classroom studio spaces are available to you when they are not being used. We keep a large supply closet stocked with materials (scissors, paper, glue, acrylic and tempera paint, etc.), and we will also order supplies for you before and during the residency. You are welcome to bring anything else you need.

Can my family and friends visit me?

Family and friends are welcome to visit you in your private studio during regular museum hours and must check in at the front desk of the main gallery. 

What is the studio environment like?

All classroom studios have large windows with ample sunlight. The Artist in Residence studio is located next to the classrooms and has one full wall of windows along the north side on College Ave. Each artist will be invited for an orientation and tour prior to their start day to see the space in advance.

What is museum culture like?

The Museum values creativity, inclusion, and empathy. We are committed to individual goal setting and recognize the contributions of everyone who enters our building. We’re an integrated team and rely on each other’s contributions and voices. Artists in Residence may be included in meetings and conversations to provide added value to large projects and planning.

What is the museum’s security like?

The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras that monitor all spaces and activities in the building 24/7. This helps us ensure the safety of the museum, artwork, and materials, and allows us to track any items moved or individuals in restricted areas. Artist in Residence will be given a card with access to their specific area of the museum. The museum Store and Drinkery spaces are only available during business hours.

Is there a dress code?

The museum asks artists to wear a shirt, shoes, and pants, but welcomes artists to dress as they usually do when working in public studio spaces. Aprons are available to prevent some damage to clothing if desired. For public engagement events and programs, staff will provide advance notice of any expectations.