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Idea Lab

Maker in Residence

The Maker in Residence program focuses on supporting and celebrating creators working in digital mediums including but not limited to digital illustration, graphic design, photography, music production, and 3D modeling. Eligible applicants are either adults or teens in grades 6-12. Each residency is four months long and will feature one adult and one teen artist.  

If an artist is not selected, their application will be kept on file with the possibility of being selected in a future residency cycle. We welcome applications from professionals, hobbyists, and newcomers.  

Questions? Contact the selection committee at [email protected] or call us at 269-553-7826. Thank you for your interest in the Maker in Residence Program!

Expectations 

Idea Lab: The Maker in Residence will have access to the Idea Lab during all regular open hours in addition to exclusive time outside of public hours. The times when the Idea Lab is not open to the public include Monday-Thursday from 9AM-12PM and 6PM-8PM, Friday from 9AM-12PM, and Sunday during the fall, winter, and spring. Each chosen artist will coordinate set times to use the Idea Lab outside of public hours.  

Art Exhibition: The Maker in Residence is required to display their work in the Idea Lab with preference given to work created in the library. The work will be displayed during the duration of their four-month residence.  

Art Education & Advocacy: By the completion of the four-month residency, the Maker in Residence is required to teach at least one art program at the library. A program is typically 1-2 hours in length and is developed by the artist. Library staff will assist with preparing and facilitating the program (materials, advertisement, staffing, etc.).  

Additional Benefits: In addition to having artwork displayed and having additional access to the Idea Lab, artists will enjoy a reception for friends and family to celebrate their art, a letter of recommendation to include in a portfolio, a professional headshot, and ongoing connection with the library and Kalamazoo community following their residency. 

By submitting this application, you understand the library may choose to share your work and artist’s profile on social media.  

 

Application Form (Adult)

Complete this application form if you are interested in being selected as a Maker in Residence at the Kalamazoo Public Library. The Maker in Residence program is an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work, teach others about their craft, and contribute to the cultural conversation of Kalamazoo.  

If selected, you will be contacted to arrange a time to meet, tour the Idea Lab, and schedule exclusive use of the Idea Lab. Expectations and requirements are listed below.  

Questions? Contact the selection committee at [email protected] or call us at 269-553-7826. Thank you for your interest in the Maker in Residence Program! 

Name(Required)

List a few goals you hope to achieve during or shortly following your residency
Help us understand your work by describing your processes, thematic elements, or by providing any relevant insight into your art.
Are there any materials, devices, software, or tools we can provide to support your residency and artistic vision?
Please describe what type of art program you would like to organize. It should relate in some way to your work. Also, indicate the target age demographic for this program (child, teen, adult, or all ages).
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, gif, Max. file size: 32 MB.
    Please upload 3-5 examples of your work (in JPG, PNG, GIF, or PDF format). These examples can be part of what is used for your residency display, or they can be other art you feel represents your body of work.
    Please include a link to your website or portfolio if you have one

    Application Form (Teen)

    Complete this application form if you are a teen in grade 6-12 and are interested in being selected as a Maker in Residence at the Kalamazoo Public Library. The Maker in Residence program is an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work, teach others about their craft, and contribute to the cultural conversation of Kalamazoo.  

    If selected, you will be contacted to arrange a time to meet, tour the Idea Lab, and schedule exclusive use of the Idea Lab. Expectations and requirements are listed below.  

    Questions? Contact the selection committee at [email protected] or call us at 269-553-7826. Thank you for your interest in the Maker in Residence Program!

    Name(Required)

    List a few goals you hope to achieve during or shortly following your residency
    Help us understand your work by describing your processes, thematic elements, or by providing any relevant insight into your art.
    Are there any materials, devices, software, or tools we can provide to support your residency and artistic vision?
    Please describe what type of art program you would like to organize. It should relate in some way to your work. Also, indicate the target age demographic for this program (child, teen, adult, or all ages).
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, gif, Max. file size: 32 MB.
      Please upload 3-5 examples of your work (in JPG, PNG, GIF, or PDF format). These examples can be part of what is used for your residency display, or they can be other art you feel represents your body of work.
      Please include a link to your website or portfolio if you have one