The UAFS Art & Design Artist In Residence (AIR) program, made possible by the generosity of the Windgate Foundation, offers visual artists and designers the opportunity to take up residence in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to meaningfully participate in the creative culture of the UAFS Art & Design Department. Recipients will be active professionals in their respective fields and will contribute to the growth and development of the UAFS curriculum. This program enriches our students' experiences, breadth of knowledge, and connection to creative communities of the University while providing meaningful support for our residents’ creative practice. Residents will have access to and can participate in developing interdisciplinary initiatives and interdepartmental programs across the UAFS campus. The AIR program at UAFS seeks to proactively uphold the value of diverse perspectives, identities, expertise, and experience; members of marginalized and historically excluded populations are encouraged to apply.
The UAFS Art & Design AIR program will support residents’ practices through material support for developing new work, while emphasizing meaningful connections to students, educational programs, and the campus community.
The 2025-2026 program will host one artist or collaborative team, bridging the Fall and Spring Semesters (November 3, 2025 - March 27, 2026). Residents will be provided workspace and access to studios and equipment in the Windgate Art & Design Building, private family-friendly living accommodations near campus, a generous stipend of $20,000, and a materials budget. Residents will conduct artist-led workshops and programming, public lectures, scheduled engagements with relevant courses, and open studio hours. Additionally, residents will be asked to donate work to the UAFS Art Collection, in consultation with the UAFS Gallery Director. Residents should anticipate spending approximately 70% of their time on their own creative production, and 30% of their time engaging directly with students and community members.
UAFS Art & Design Department houses undergraduate programs in Studio Art and Graphic Design. Applications that propose connections between these disciplines are welcomed. Collaborative practices may be considered.
To learn more, please visit: https://uafs.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/resources/air.php
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Residents in Graphic Design: Bachelor's Degree, and Master's Degree or five years of in-the-field experience.
Residents in Studio Art: Master's Degree preferred; active record of exhibitions or comparable public engagements required
**In extraordinary circumstances, significant professional experience may stand in lieu of academic credentials.
**Applicants who have experience working with post-secondary students are preferred.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via Slideroom: https://uafsartdesign.slideroom.com/#/login/program/84121/km30R8e7Ti
Required Application Materials:
A bio (less than 300 words)
A single pdf containing your CV
A portfolio of 10 - 15 works
Links to your website & social media channels
Contact Information for three (3) Professional References
Three proposals:
Creative Work Proposal (<500 words)
Please describe the work you plan to execute, and how this work contributes to your field or would benefit an academic community. Please also include a general a production timeline.
Student Engagement Proposal (<300 words)
Please define: Courses, disciplines, and/or curriculum relevant to your proposal (both disciplines within and outside of the Dept. of Art & Design)
Studio Resources (<150 words)
Please describe the equipment, materials, and nature of studio space you will need to execute your proposed work. Include any desired studio/production assistance.
Application Deadline
07/20/2025
Application Fee
$10.00
