Artist-in-Residence Program

Access Arts School of Service, a nonprofit organization in Columbia, Missouri, was founded in 1971. Our mission is to provide creative learning experiences for everyone, regardless of income or ability.

At Access Arts, our teaching-intensive Artist‐In‐Residence program offers artists the opportunity to hone their craft among a community of other creative individuals while our students gain access to the unique insights and talents of a working artist.​ BA, BFA, MFA or equivalent is required.

Image of our Moss Street studio glaze room which also houses many of our dry materials.
Image of our Moss Street studio glaze room which also houses many of our dry materials.
Our McAlester Street communal resident studio.
Our McAlester Street communal resident studio.
Image of the living room of our resident housing.
Image of the living room of our resident housing.
​Residencies Offered

The program offers both live‐in and non‐live‐in residencies with contracts typically lasting one year from August to August, with the possibility of a second year. We have space and resources for three live-in residents and a some non-live-in residents. To see our current residency opportunities, please visit the links at the bottom of this page.

Studio Space

Residents have 24-hour access to a personal studio space, as well as our community studios. Some materials and tools are included as part of the residency, as outlined in the description for each medium.

Housing

Housing is included for three live-in residents. Each resident is provided with a private bedroom and access to a shared kitchen, bath, and living space in our on-site resident home. WiFi is included, and residents provide their own devices. Housing is partially furnished; residents provide their own bedding and other linens. Transportation and meals are not provided, and we strongly encourage residents to have their own transportation (vehicle, bicycle, scooter) as public transport options are limited.

Monetary Stipend

Upon submission of a monthly timesheet and verification that the resident has completed the designated amount of service hours, residents receive a $200 cash stipend. Studio-only residents are expected to serve 35 hours per month (8.75 hours per week). Live-in residents are expected to serve 64 hours per month (15 hours per week).

Service and Responsibilities

In return for studio space and housing, artists perform 8-15 hours of service per week through teaching, outreach, and property maintenance.

Education

We are a teaching-intensive residency. Resident responsibilities include teaching classes, creating workshops, and assisting others in their teaching. The majority of the 8-15 service hours per week will be spent on teaching-related activities. Class sessions run for six weeks with a two-week break between sessions. Residents should be self‐directed and able to engage with students in a positive and professional manner.

Outreach

Outreach is an integral part of promoting the identity of the organization and engaging with the community. Residents will become familiar with programs and classes offered in order to answer questions and participate in community events.

Maintenance

Art can be messy. Maintenance of both public and personal studios is a necessary part of resident responsibilities. Residents are expected to help sustain a clean and professional atmosphere through various activities. Aside from making sure classrooms are clean and safe after each class, general cleaning, studio maintenance, and groundskeeping are also possibilities for service hours.

Apply Today

Review specific requirements and information about becoming an Artist-in-Residence and learn how to apply at these links: