The North Louisiana Arts Interchange is open to visual artists in the United States with preference given to artists based in Louisiana and surrounding states. Each year’s cohort is made up of a unique mix of artists who are lead through various exercises and conversations that lead them to a summer of collaboration, ultimately ending in an exhibit in Ruston, LA.
In its current form, Arts Interchange is described as a “baby residency,” allowing artists to step out of their regular practices and explore new experiences without significantly disrupting their daily lives. The program accommodates practicing artists, educators, students, and aspiring full-time artists, enabling them to fit the activities into their weekly schedules while maintaining their other commitments. For emerging and younger artists, Arts Interchange offers an opportunity to expand their practices and build valuable connections with fellow artists. For more seasoned participants, the program provides a refreshing break, allowing them to explore new ideas and collaborations that can reinvigorate their creative practices.
At its core, Arts Interchange brings together eight artists to talk, play, and collaborate, fostering a deeper understanding of one another and themselves. Through this experience, the program aims to leave participants with new friendships, innovative ideas, and a renewed relationship with their art.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Your application will include: A head shot/portrait Your resume/CV Your artist statement A statement (max 2 pages) about your desire to participate in the North Louisiana Arts Interchange In your statement, please explain what you hope to gain or learn in this experience and what your hope to share with the other participants Submit images/videos/audio of 5-20 examples of your artwork, file names should include title and creation date for each work submitted Payment of the application fee, $25 (which will be applied toward the program fee of $75 if accepted). Scholarship funding is available for artists who are not able to pay more than the application fee. There will be an option to request support within the application form.
The North Louisiana Arts Interchange is open to all U.S. based visual artists. Special emphasis is being given to North Louisiana artists and those from surrounding areas (East Texas, South Arkansas, Central Mississippi, and South Louisiana). While the bulk of the program is virtual through Zoom, there are multiple in-person meetups that are important that every participant is present for. The events are in Ruston, Louisiana or within a day trip of Ruston (other locations depend on each year's participants locations to best accommodate travel times). Applicants must also be 18 years or older, proficient in English, and have access to reliable internet.
The program has a cost to artists of $75 ($25 application fee and $50 program fee). These fees directly fund a portion of the program's stipends, activity costs, and speaker honorariums with RLCF's operating budget and sponsors making the difference and covering other expenses like staff pay and admin expenses.
Scholarship funding is available for artists who are not able to pay more than the application fee. There will be an option to request support once accepted.