3Arts supports artists working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts in the Chicago metropolitan area. 3Arts partners with Artist Communities Alliance to provide one month residency to 3Arts awardees.
Only 3Arts Awardees are eligible to apply for this program. If you are unsure of your eligibility, read below, or please reach out to your Awardee contact at 3Arts. For more information about how to apply, read the 3Arts Residency Program Guidelines on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 3Arts Residency Program?
A: The 3Arts Residency Program is a partnership between Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) and 3Arts, designed to support the creative practices of eligible 3Arts artists. This opportunity offers 3Arts awardees a residency experience at a host site selected from ACA’s membership organizations.
Q: Tell me about the residency being offered to 3Art Artists.
A: Through the 3Arts Residency Program, eligible 3Arts awardees are eligible for a three to five week residency at one of a cohort of partner residencies. Artists will receive a residency stipend and travel stipend to support this opportunity, funded by the 3Arts Foundation and administered by ACA.
Q: Who is eligible for a residency experience through this program?
A: To receive this opportunity, artists must be a recipient of any of the following: 3Arts Award (2008-2024), 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency (2014-2024), and/or a 3Arts Make a Wave Award (2017-2024).
Q. Can I reapply to this opportunity if I’ve participated in this program before?
A: Artists must wait two years to reapply if you participated in this program previously. If you’ve applied before and not been invited to participate, and are still within the range of eligible artists, we encourage you to reapply.
Q. How long is the duration of the residency?
A. Selected artists must be able to commit to a residency of between three weeks to one month.
Q: What is the timeline for this program?
A: Artists should expect to hear from ACA about six weeks after the close of the application. Successful applicants will be notified and put into contact with the residency host site staff to coordinate scheduling their residency. Residencies usually take place in the year after being selected (i.e., if placed in 2025 artists will attend a residency in 2026).
Q: What residencies are participating in this program?
A: The list of this year's participating residencies will be posted on the website in advance of the application. Each year, we choose host sites from ACA's member network to offer a selection of residencies which serve the broad range of disciplines represented by 3Arts artists. As such, the slate of residencies changes slightly from year to year.
Q: What facilities or amenities will I have access to while in residence?
A: That depends on the residency program you’re placed with! While each residency program will offer you a different experience, all participating residencies will be prepared to provide you with housing and space in which to work for the duration of your stay. You can see a list of the previous year’s host sites on our website.
Q: Can I choose to attend any residency site in the ACA Network?
A: No, you cannot. Residency sites for this program are selected in advance of the application. Successful applicants will be placed in one of the selected sites.
Q: What is the criteria for artist selection, and who selects the artists?
A: Successful applicants are selected by staff at the participating residency sites (in collaboration with ACA and 3Arts staff), who use criteria that align with the selection process of their own programs. Central to the decision is to ensure that their program can support the needs of the artist and their creative practice. Residency host sites are chosen by the ACA and 3Arts team to ensure that they are best suited to support the diverse practices of eligible 3Arts artists. Once an artist is selected, they become a resident of that host site organization, and can take advantage of all the opportunities provided.
Q: Is there a stipend provided to the selected artists?
A: Yes. Each artist will receive a $2,000 USD stipend, and $500 USD towards domestic travel and $1,500 USD towards international travel, as applicable. The total amount is an unrestricted award, and you will not be required to submit receipts. ACA will send you the funds six weeks prior to the start of your residency.
Q: What if I have accessibility needs that affect my ability to attend a residency?
A: There is space for you to communicate your access needs during the application process. We take access needs very seriously, and are prepared to advocate on your behalf for anything you may need in order to thrive in your residency. If you have a question or concern, please reach out to grants [at] artistcommunities.org.
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, the ACA grantmaking team will work with the residency staff to make arrangements that can accommodate this. We encourage you to include this information in your application. 3Arts and ACA are dedicated to supporting disabled artists and ensuring that everyone has what they need to take advantage of this opportunity. 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: Will I be expected to present my work publicly while in residence?
A: Each residency host site has different artist expectations and opportunities. For the most part, artists are welcome to use their time in residence however they like. That being said, some residency sites do have some cohort expectations. Once the host sites are announced, more information about each program will be available.
Q: Who do I contact if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
A: All questions about the 3Arts Residency Program can be directed to grants [at] artistcommunities.org.