ACA offers a range of program types throughout the year—here’s a look at what's coming up this season.

Affinity Groups + Regional Meet-Ups

Peer gatherings designed to spark new connections, mutual support, and shared problem-solving. These groups bring together residency practitioners connected by region, programmatic focus, or organizational role. Interested in starting an affinity group? Reach out to members@artistcommunities.org.

#ResidenciesConnect

Peer networking sessions organized around timely themes and shared challenges. Each gathering begins with a strategy share from field leaders, followed by facilitated, active discussion with colleagues from across the network.

Wisdom Wells

Focused, practical breakouts led by field experts, centered on on sustaining healthy residency programs. Bring your specific questions, exchange tools with fellow practitioners, and expand your professional circle.

#ResidenciesConnect: Partnerships that Extend Impact

Event Date and Time
October 1, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm ET

Virtual Event

How can artist residencies expand their reach, deepen their impact, and open new possibilities—without expanding their budgets? In this virtual session, hear from Vermont Studio Center, SFAI, and Hyde Park Art Center about the partnerships that strengthened individual artists’ careers and stretched what a residency can make possible.

ACA Member Orientation + Networking

Event Date and Time
October 13, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

Virtual Event

A gathering for members new to ACA or looking to deepen their engagement with the network. We begin with member introductions—come ready to share what makes your program unique!—followed by an overview of ACA’s resources and offerings, plus time for questions and peer connection. 

Free + open to any staff of ACA member organizations. Learn more about membership here. 

Diversity + Leadership Affinity Group

Event Date and Time
October 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm ET

Virtual Event

A quarterly call holding space for staff and practitioners in the ACA network who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color. Each meeting is an opportunity to gather with other network members, supporting and uplifting one another in this work.

Even if you cannot make this meeting, please fill out the registration form if you are interested in joining future calls. The survey also includes an opportunity to identify topics or questions for discussion.

Dance + Performance Residency Affinity Group

Event Date and Time
October 20, 2026 12:00pm - April 17, 2026 1:00pm ET

Virtual Event

A quarterly call connecting practitioners to share resources, challenges, and approaches specific to time-based and performance-driven practices. Each meeting is an opportunity to meet with other network members, hear from leaders sharing a common context, and uplift one another in this work.

Even if you cannot make this meeting, please fill out the registration form if you are interested in joining future calls. The survey also includes an opportunity to identify topics or questions for discussion.
 

Emerging Program Institute 2026

Event Date and Time
October 22, 2026 12:00pm - October 30, 2026 4:00pm ET

Virtual Event

The Emerging Program Institute (EPI) is ACA’s foundational training curriculum for new and emerging artist residencies interested in launching, developing, or strengthening their programs. For more than 19 years, ACA has offered the only professional development program specifically for founders and staff of early-stage artist residencies.

Paid program—advanced registration required.

Rural + Small-Town Residency Affinity Group

Event Date and Time
November 5, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

Virtual Event

A quarterly call holding space for staff and practitioners working in rural and small-town settings. Each meeting is an opportunity to meet with other network members, hear from leaders sharing a common context, and uplift one another in this work.

Even if you cannot make this meeting, please fill out the registration form if you are interested in joining future calls. The survey also includes an opportunity to identify topics or questions for discussion.

ACA Member Orientation + Networking

Event Date and Time
November 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

Virtual Event

A gathering for members new to ACA or looking to deepen their engagement with the network. We begin with member introductions—come ready to share what makes your program unique!—followed by an overview of ACA’s resources and offerings, plus time for questions and peer connection. 

Free + open to any staff of ACA member organizations. Learn more about membership here.