RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM

Chicago Art Department’s Residency Program aims to support growth opportunities for artists. As part of the application process, artists are asked to identify goals for their practice, strategies for community engagement,  and plans for exhibitions and events. At the end of each term, Resident Artists revisit goals to identify areas of growth while defining next steps for their practice – at CAD or elsewhere.

Goals for Resident Artists
1) To create new steps and growth through connections with other artists.
2) To engage in learning opportunities led by CAD residents and hosted by CAD.
3) To reflect on process and practice, and improve as a creative professional. 

Requirements for Resident Artists
1) To develop new works through 12 months of studio practice.
2) To show new works in exhibitions, and interact with a public audience.
3) To participate in monthly meetings and critical discussions.
4) As of 2016 CAD shifted to also accept applications from small organizations who do not have a footprint anywhere else.

Subsidized Monthly Fees
If accepted for a 2020-21 residency, CAD resident artists pay subsidized, monthly fees of $300. In exchange for the monthly fee, artists have 24/7 access to CAD’s studio space, galleries to curate/host exhibitions, event spaces, and support to take home 75% of sales/profits/revenue from any resident-led programs.  

Residency Application Process
CAD’s next residency year begins August 1st, 2020 and runs until June 30th, 2021 (11 months).  Application is below, please contact CAD General Manager Carlos Flores with any questions at carlos@chicagoartdepartment.org.

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