Hamline Midway Coalition (HMC)
HMC is an action-oriented, neighborhood-based community engagement organization serving the vibrant Midway area of Saint Paul. HMC is dedicated to making our neighborhood a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
We support resident-led initiatives in community building, environmental justice, public space placemaking, economic vitality, and neighborhood identity.
Saint Paul, MN
United States
TO APPLY
Interested artists should submit the following materials to Lisa Nelson, Executive Director at director@hamlinemidway.org:
- Artist Statement & Interest Letter (Max 1.5 pages): Explaining your creative practice, your connection to the Midway, and how you approach environmental justice, placemaking, community outreach, and/or local business support.
- Resume or CV
- Work Samples: 5–10 images or video links, or project documentation highlighting community-engaged or public space initiatives.
Applications will be reviewed beginning on Tuesday July 7, 2026; after that date applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled.
Hamline Midway Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.
Position Overview
HMC is seeking a creative, community-engaged, and collaborative individual to serve for one year as our Artist-in-Residence (AiR) supporting the Midway area of Saint Paul. The Artist-in-Residence will engage the Midway community by using creative practices to translate environmental data, support local businesses, and create accessible structures for public placemaking and neighborhood advocacy.
- Supervisor: Lisa Nelson, Executive Director
- Position type: Temporary, part-time (15–20 hours/week). W-2 Non-Exempt (Hourly) position running from September 2026 through August 31, 2027. Highly flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Hybrid/remote work is possible for some tasks.
- Salary Range: $25.00 – $32.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.
- Benefits: Dedicated project materials and event production budget (the artist is not expected to fund community projects out of their hourly wage). Generous PTO and holidays and eligible for 401k with 1% HMC match.
- Location: 1600 University Ave W. #301, St. Paul. Work also requires travel within the Midway neighborhood.
- Position duration: One year, September 2026 – August 2027. Exact start and end dates flexible.
Responsibilities
Environmental Justice & Air Quality Support (75%)
- Creative Data Translation: Work alongside staff to translate hyper-local air quality monitoring data and environmental justice concepts into creative, accessible public installations, pop-up exhibits, or storytelling formats.
- Community Engagement: Assist in designing and running community workshops or listening sessions that empower Midway residents to share their environmental health stories.
- Campaign Collaboration: Support ongoing advocacy efforts by creating visual aids, interactive toolkits, or community-led demonstrations.
Placemaking & Neighborhood Support (25%)
- Commercial Corridor & Business Support: Partner with Midway-based small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business associations to design and/or implement creative activations (e.g., storefront displays, art walks, pop-up markets) that drive foot traffic and highlight local economic vitality.
- Public Space Activation: Design, plan, and implement temporary installations or community events that transform public or underutilized neighborhood spaces into vibrant hubs of connection.
- Event Leadership: Assist staff with the logistics, creative programming, and on-the-ground management of community gatherings, block parties, or open-streets events.
- Co-Creation Facilitation: Ensure community members—particularly business owners and residents historically underrepresented in neighborhood planning—are active co-creators of the placemaking activities.
Required Qualifications
- Community-Centered Practice: A demonstrated portfolio showing a commitment to social practice, public art, economic development, or community-engaged art.
- Medium-Agnostic: We welcome artists of all disciplines—including visual arts, social practice, design, performance, or multidisciplinary formats.
- Project Management: Ability to self-direct creative ideas while working collaboratively with nonprofit staff on strict timelines and event logistics.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate weekday evening meetings and weekend events.
- Collaboration: Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Language skills in addition to English a huge plus! (particularly Spanish, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Karen, or Hmong).
- Strong connection to, or deep understanding of, the Midway neighborhood and its diverse cultural and business communities.
- Experience in community organizing or outreach
- Experience or interest in working effectively with diverse populations.