2026 Artist-in-Residence Program
TAC is launching an Artist-in-Residence program to begin in January 2026 and is seeking artist applications from Dane County-based BIPOC or queer artists working with fiber. Through this residency, TAC aims to actively foster a culture and community of inclusion that promotes, respects, and celebrates diversity. The residency will support an emerging artist with a well-funded opportunity for studio practice and meaningful community engagement. Read the full opportunity description below.
The TAC Artist-in-Residence program has been made possible through grants from Ruth Foundation for the Arts and the Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation.
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025
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About the Textile Arts Center of Madison
The Textile Arts Center of Madison (TAC) is a vibrant creative hub for fiber art, offering hands-on learning, collaboration, and inspiration in an inclusive environment through workshops, exhibitions of fiber art, on- and off-site free community programs, and sales of secondhand supplies. Programming engages fiber art makers and enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, and aims to foster a sense of belonging among its audiences as they explore new techniques, connect with others, and grow creatively.
About the Artist-in-Residence Program
The TAC Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program will provide a nurturing environment for artists who are both dedicated to advancing their own creative practice and passionate about community engagement. The residency—to include studio work, community outreach, and interaction with other makers at TAC—will culminate in an exhibition or special event. For its inaugural AIR cycle, TAC will select one artist from the submitted applications.
The selected artist will be supported with a monthly stipend, access to dedicated private studio space, and use of TAC’s equipment and tools. A budget for supplies will also be provided. Artists will be expected to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week to the residency, inclusive of time spent on their own work and on community engagement.
Engagement activities might include connecting with community partners, planning programs, and leading interactive activities on-site at TAC and/or out in the community. The artist will present at least three community programs during their four-month residency, at least one of which will be open to the public. Beyond this commitment, the artist will also have the opportunity to teach workshops at TAC for which additional compensation would be provided.
Program Goals
Welcome underrepresented artists, calling specifically for applications from emerging, Dane County-based BIPOC or queer artists working with fiber.
Support resident artist’s studio practice and creative growth.
Showcase fresh, innovative approaches to fiber art materials and techniques that excite and inspire audiences.
Provide a platform for selected artist to initiate and direct art-based community engagement focused on reaching underrepresented audiences and amplifying underheard voices.
Engage broad audiences with accessible opportunities to engage with resident artist and with fiber art.
Provide meaningful compensation to an artist that is commensurate with the value of their contribution to TAC and the community.
Timeline
August 15, 2025: TAC Artist-in-Residence application opens.
September 30, 2025: Application deadline.
October 6 - November 1, 2025: Applicants reviewed by jury; Finalists selected.
Week of November 3, 2025: Initial results will be shared with all applicants via email; Finalists will be contacted to schedule an in-person or virtual visit.
Week of November 24, 2025: Announcement of Artist-in-Residence.
January – April 2026 (16 weeks, approximately January 12 through April 30): Residency period. The selected artist must be able to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week to the residency.
Review Process and Notification of Selection
The selection process takes place with the help of a jury of three community members and one TAC staff member. Community jurors for the inaugural AIR cycle are:
Maria Amalia Wood: Maria Amalia Wood is a Honduran-born artist, educator, and community organizer based in Middleton, WI. Her work centers on storytelling through textiles, papermaking, and embroidery, creating spaces where Latina immigrants can share experiences, preserve traditions, and build community.
Juror 2: TBD
Juror 3: TBD
Our jury will prioritize:
Artists who reflect the diversity of Dane County’s BIPOC and queer communities.
Creative risk-takers whose work showcases fresh, innovative approaches to fiber art materials and techniques.
Artists interested in engaging community members and developing community partnerships as a core component of their vision.
All notifications and communications will be sent via email. Finalists will be contacted to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting and studio visit.
Compensation
The TAC Artist in Residence will be compensated with:
A monthly stipend of $2,500/month (for four months).
A private studio space at TAC (with daily access).
Access to the open studio space at TAC, including all equipment, tools, and supplies.
A budget to purchase residency-related supplies.
Access to other TAC resources, expertise, and infrastructure.
Additional paid contracts for workshops taught at TAC.
Application Requirements
1. Artist Information
2. Artist Residency Materials
Tell us about yourself as an artist. Share your artist statement and/or tell us about how your personal identities and/or experiences inform your work. – 300 word maximum
Tell us about your goals. What are the goals or intentions you have set for your art practice, and how might a residency at TAC align with those goals? – 300 word maximum
Tell us about what you’ll do. Describe your project and/or vision of completing a residency at TAC. – 300 word maximum
Tell us about who you’ll engage and how. What communities or individuals will you engage with through the residency? How will your project engage these groups? What will they do with you? – 300 word maximum
Tell us about any prior engagement work you’ve done. What types of community programming have you facilitated or been involved with in the past? Where? And, for what age groups? – 300 word maximum
3. Uploads
Share 10-15 still images or videos of your work.
Share up to 10 still images or videos of that illustrate your community engagement work (optional).
Share your resume, CV, or personal slide deck (optional).
Questions?
Please contact Elizabeth Tucker, Textile Arts Center Executive Director, via email at elizabeth@textileartsmadison.org.