Violet Institute Criticism Residency
Violet Institute Criticism Residency
The Violet Institute invites applications from from emerging, mid-career and established critics residing in the United States for our inaugural criticism residency. We especially welcome critics with an interest in public scholarship and trans media. The residency will take place in Portland, Maine between October 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026, with the exact dates to be selected by the accepted applicant. The 2026 critic-in-residence will spend 4–6 weeks researching and writing towards the question: what is the contemporary trans canon? Given the contested nature of “the canon,” the resident is invited to engage with well-known and under-examined works across disciplines, media, and origin.
The critic-in-residence receives a $4,000 stipend (paid in two installments during the residency) and free accommodations for the length of their stay, with up to $500 toward the cost of travel from anywhere in the United States. The Violet Institute Criticism Residency is generously funded by the Rabkin Foundation and the Maine Humanities Council.
Find out more at theviolet.org.
Residency Program Information
Residency Structure
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Thematic
Community-engaged
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
4 weeks - 6 weeks
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
1
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Criticism
Nonfiction
Philosophy
Social Practice
Writing
Country of Residence
Only open to artists based in country the program is located
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Give artist talk or presentation
Lead workshop for the public
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Unstructured time
Unrestricted funding
Restricted funding
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Application Information
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Full description of accessibility on campus
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Additional Accessibility Information
The provided accommodations are reached by a staircase with six steps. Please reach out if this is a barrier.
Accessibility Contact Name
Aubrey Calaway
Accessibility Contact Email
aubrey@theviolet.org
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
Private housing off campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Accessible Communal Spaces
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
WIFI available in housing
Air Conditioned Housing
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Additional Meals Information
Studio & Facilities
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
