IN THE WORKSHOPS
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WHO WE ARE
The Workshops
The Workshops at Billings Forge is an exciting initiative launched in May 2009 that provides a unique opportunity for emerging and established artists by fostering engagement with the community and providing an environment through which to share their artistic vision. The program selects artists in residence with the objective of providing meaningful interactions with the community through collaboration, outreach and innovative programming. Through the Workshops artist residency program artists offer community building projects and art classes that create community engagement, provide enrichment programming and promote leadership opportunities and civic empowerment to the youth of Frog Hollow.
The program offers free, non-residential studio space in an urban setting, for visual artists, writers, and performers in a residency program comprised of two six-month and two year-long residency periods for four artists annually. The artists of the Workshops program teach art classes to the youth of Frog Hollow, engage in community based projects and participate in programs that include artist’s talks and open studios.
The ideal candidates for this program are challenging, progressive artists who are effective in building meaningful relationships with the community and who are excited about interacting with the Frog Hollow neighborhood and working closely with fellow artists, residents, staff and volunteers. The Workshops artist residency program is an opportunity for artists/writers/performers to make a difference through their craft.
The Workshops at Billings Forge welcomes artists with strong, community based projects, or proposals for classes, that engage the Frog Hollow community that we serve. Artists are invited to submit proposals for a year-long or six-month residency in the Workshops program. Demonstrated experience working in similar community based settings with underserved youth is preferred. Proposals will be judged by the strength and innovation of artists’ work, the artists’ experience with community interaction, and the impact the project will have on the Frog Hollow community. Excellent interpersonal skills, conceptual thinking, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. We welcome applications from visual artists, writers, musicians, performance-based artists and filmmakers. Bilingual, Spanish speaking artists are encouraged to apply. All applicants must pass a criminal background check.
A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Frog Hollow neighborhood, community leaders, arts professionals and Billings Forge staff will review applications.
In preparing proposal materials, candidates are encouraged to visit the Billings Forge Community Works website at www.billingsforgeworks.org to learn more about the organization’s history, mission and values.
Also encouraged is a preliminary phone conversation with the Art Program Director to discuss your proposal and its relevancy and appropriateness for the program.
For further information please contact:
Cori Mackey
860.548.9877
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