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Our mission is to preserve, promote, and propel the right of all people to a place where they can live and prosper—a place to call home.

    Be Our Next Artist as Instigator

    Artist as Instigator Residency 2024 text graphic

    Open Call & Application Process

    Since 2022, we have invited artists and creative organizers to apply to the Artist as Instigator Residency through a nation-wide open call and application process. With the support of a diverse committee of museum staff and stakeholders, including current and former public housing residents, artists, activists, and cultural workers from across the country, the Museum invites one artist or creative organizer per year to participate in the Artist as Instigator Residency Program.

    Apply to Be Our Next Artist as Instigator

    Applications are closed. Our next Artist as Instigator Residency will run from Fall 2025 to Summer 2026. Stay tuned for further details and deadlines.

    Instructions for Prior Applicants

    Please contact Associate Director Tiff Beatty at [email protected] by Monday, July 8, 2024 for 2024–2025 Artist as Instigator, to express your interest in reapplying. We will review your previous application and work with you to determine whether or not you need to resubmit an application for this year or not.

    Instructions for First-Time Applicants

    Interested artists must complete the application form (via written and/or video submission) by 11:59pm on July 21, 2024 for 2024–2025 Artist as Instigator. For those completing a written application, we recommend using a separate document to write out your answers to the questions and then copy/paste responses into the application form. It is not possible to save and return to the form. If you prefer to complete this application via video submission, please use the form to respond to each of the first (13–14) questions prior to the video submission section, then upload a video of yourself answering the remaining questions.

    Please also include timestamps for each question, as requested. You may also choose to submit your application via both (written and video) formats to give reviewers the option to review their preferred format. Estimated application completion time: ~3 hours

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why “arts, culture, and public policy”?

    Through our work with compelling artists, we aim to educate, enlighten, and rally people to unleash our radical imaginations in pursuit of social justice, in housing and related issues.

    Do I have to live in Chicago?

    Applicants do not need to live in Chicago to apply. Projects supported by the residency may take place anywhere within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Is the residency open to any art form?

    Yes, the residency is open to all art forms and media!

    Does the residency provide live or work space?

    No, not in the traditional sense. Chicago-based artists may have limited access to the National Public Housing Museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

    Is there a chance I can still work with the National Public Housing Museum, even if I’m not selected for this residency?

    Yes, we’re especially interested in working with people who have meaningful connections to public housing.

    What is the application process for returning applicants?

    Please contact Associate Director Tiff Beatty at [email protected] to express your interest in reapplying by Monday, July 8. We will review your previous application and work with you to determine whether or not you need to resubmit an application for this year or not.

    What is the application process for first-time applicants?

    Interested artists must complete the application form (via written and/or video submission) by 11:59pm on July 21, 2024. For those completing a written application, we recommend using a separate document to write out your answers to the questions and then copy/paste responses into the application form. It is not possible to save and return to the form. If you prefer to complete this application via video submission, please use the form to respond to each of the first (13-14) questions prior to the video submission section, then upload a video of yourself answering the remaining questions. Please also include timestamps for each question, as requested. You may also choose to submit your application via both (written and video) formats to give reviewers the option to review their preferred format. Estimated application completion time: ~3 hours

    What is the application review process?

    Our review process includes a committee of National Public Housing Museum staff and board members, as well as public housing residents, artists, activists, and cultural workers from across the country. With input from this diverse group of stakeholders, the Museum invites an artist to become the next Artist as Instigator.