The McKnight Artist Residencies consortium is a partnership between the Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) and the McKnight Foundation. The consortium provides McKnight Fellows with residency opportunities at partner residencies.
Eligible artists will be contacted directly by ACA staff with more information about participating in this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the McKnight Artist Residencies consortium?
A: The McKnight Artist Residencies consortium is a partnership between Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) and the McKnight Foundation. Designed to support the McKnight Fellows’ artistic practices, the consortium offers McKnight Fellows a residency experience at a partner residency. Partner residencies receive access to dedicated training and cohort networking to support residency administrators and strengthen their capacity to host artists.
Q: Tell me about the residency being offered to McKnight Fellows.
A: Through the McKnight Artist Residencies consortium, McKnight Fellows are eligible for one- to two-week residencies at one of a cohort of 10-15 partner residencies. Artists will receive a residency stipend and travel stipend to support this residency, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by ACA.
Q: What residencies are participating in this program?
A: ACA will publicly announce partnering residencies in early April. You can view lists of past program participants here (2022-2023 residencies) and here (2021-2022 residencies).
Q: How will I know what residency I’m going to?
A: ACA has designed a matchmaking process that pairs you at partner residencies, taking into account your artistic practice, needs, and preferences. McKnight Fellows will fill out a matchmaking profile indicating your residency preferences, accessibility needs, priorities, etc., which will then be shared with participating residencies and ACA staff. Your input is weighed against the residencies’ program and facilities, with the intention of making a match that is mutually beneficial. While we aren’t always able to place artists at their first choice residency, we aim to offer you a residency at a program that is compatible with your needs, desires, and intentions for your time in residence.
Q: Who is eligible for a residency experience through this program?
A: All McKnight Fellows in the 2022 cohort will be eligible for a residency taking place in 2023-2024. There is no application process - this opportunity is automatically granted to interested McKnight Fellows.
Q: What is the timeline for this program?
A: 2022 McKnight Fellows will hear directly from ACA in early 2023, with an informational + listening session in early March. ACA will announce the program partners in early April, followed by eligible McKnight Fellows receiving information about the matchmaking process and a brief profile to fill out. Artists will then hear about their residency matches in mid-to-late June, and ACA staff will connect artists directly with residency staff to begin scheduling. Residencies will take place before the end of 2024, and artists will receive their residency and travel stipends directly from ACA approximately 6-8 weeks before their scheduled residency start date.
Q: Why a one- to two- week residency?
A: The shorter residency length allows us to offer a residency to more artists, and also provides flexibility for artists for whom a longer residency is less manageable - for instance, artists with caretaking responsibilities, artists with access needs that make it difficult to be away from home, or artists who work a full-time job. We recognize that this is a short residency, and encourage you to think about how you might be able to make the most of this opportunity while also being realistic about what you can achieve within this timeframe. A shorter residency is a great opportunity to explore or refine a new technique, advance your research, or simply rest in a new environment!
Q: Can I extend my residency stay to longer than one to two weeks?
A: If it’s mutually agreeable for both you and the residency program, absolutely! That said, we aren’t able to increase your stipend in proportion to the increased residency length. If that’s ok with you and with the residency program, feel free to stay longer than two weeks.
Q: What facilities or amenities will I have access to while in residence?
A: That depends on the residency program you’re placed with! We work with a diverse cohort of partner residencies with the intention of meeting the needs of all our McKnight Fellows. While each residency program will offer you a different experience, all participating residencies will be prepared to provide you with housing for the duration of your stay.
Q: Can I bring a partner/collaborator/caretaker/child with me to the residency?
A: If you have an access need that necessitates bringing a caretaker with you, we will make arrangements at a residency that can accommodate this. In terms of collaborators or family, we make assessments on a case by case basis depending on your situation and what our residencies are able to accommodate. If bringing a partner, family member, or collaborator is the difference between you being able to have a successful residency, let us know! We make every effort to set you up with a situation that is beneficial, within the parameters of the program. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Q: What if I have accessibility needs that affect my ability to attend a residency?
A: We provide space for you to communicate your access needs during the matchmaking process. We take accessibility very seriously, and are prepared to advocate on your behalf for any modifications you may need in order to access your residency opportunity. If you have a question or concern, please reach out to ACA’s Grants + Development Administrator, Zooey, at zaconner@artistcommunities.org.
Q: Who do I contact if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
A: All questions about the McKnight Artist Residencies consortium can be directed to ACA’s Grants + Development Administrator, Zooey, at zaconner@artistcommunities.org.