ACA introduced the Five Pillars of a Healthy Residency framework, developed by ACA President & CEO Lisa Funderburke, as a tool for artist residencies to assess and strengthen their organizational foundations. This framework outlines five critical domains that contribute to sustainable, equitable residency environments:
1. Identity – Residencies must define their purpose, brand, and cultural impact to align their mission with their public identity.
2. Program Design – Understanding who residencies serve and how helps create programs that are meaningful, artist-centered, and inclusive.
3. Operations – Residencies need effective infrastructure, tools, and processes to ensure strategic goals are met efficiently.
4. Resource Development – Securing funding, partnerships, and human resources is essential for long-term sustainability and growth.
5. Stewardship – This pillar prioritizes care for artists, staff, communities, and the environment, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.
By applying the Five Pillars, residencies can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, fostering greater inclusion, accessibility, and long-term success. The framework supports “equitable capacity”—a concept that underscores the need for systemic, organization-wide efforts in equity and inclusion.
With these guiding principles, ACA helps residency programs evolve into more just, accessible, and artist-centered spaces that support creative growth while driving broader change in the arts sector.