A green banner with yellow and white text that reads "EPI: Emerging Program Institute, Oct 22 + 23 / October 29 + 30, 2026"

The Emerging Program Institute (EPI) is ACA’s foundational training curriculum for new and emerging artist residencies interested in launching, developing, or strengthening their programs. For more than 19 years, ACA has offered the only professional development program specifically for founders and staff of early-stage artist residencies. 
 

This year, EPI has been newly updated and re-designed for the 2026 cohort. 

Thursday, October 22 + Friday October 23, 2026
Thursday, October 29 + Friday, October 30, 2026

All sessions are offered virtually. 

Over the course of four days, participants will hear from experienced field practitioners about the organizational, governance, financial, and operational necessities that support an effective artist residency program. Virtual sessions combine facilitated discussion, small-group work, and exercises and prompts for individual and group reflection, supported by a workbook of templates, checklists, case studies, and additional resources. 

Through four online sessions (16+ hours) facilitated by residency leaders, funders, artists, and arts consultants from around the world, participants will be well-prepared to: 

  • Articulate their mission, values, program structure, and artist selection processes;
  • Build sustainable funding strategies through diverse revenue streams, compelling case-making, and productive partnerships; 
  • Create an artist-centered residency experience that supports the creative growth of residents; 
  • Design evaluation frameworks, community engagement strategies, and compelling narratives that support long-term sustainability and resilience; and
  • Engage with a cohort of peers from across the residency field who are collectively building the next generation of artist residency programs.
     

Registration will be launching on August 24! Space is limited—early registration is encouraged. 

Screenshots of a presenter and 20 participants in a virtual program

Learn more! 

Full details will be announced in September. In the meantime, subscribe to our Workshops + Trainings newsletter, or reach out to programs [at] artistcommunities.org with questions. 

Read our FAQ about EPI
Explore Registration + Pricing