AIR Program Open Call for Entry

Enter through May 15

AIR Program Structure

The Artist in Residence (AIR) Studio Program at YAC offers a one-year Artist Fellowship.

The program cost is $250 monthly and includes a work table, central air, a micro gallery exhibition space, and a large community work / workshop room, recycling, complimentary access to the ceramics studio, audio studio and maker space. 

Artists are required to lead a minimum of one art workshop or lecture per year, participate in Open Studio and Micro-Gallery events typically held on the first Saturday of most months and meet with the Curator of Contemporary Art to discuss and share their work on occasion. 

At the end of the year, artists may apply to renew their fellowship.

No smoking is allowed in the building. Residents must text the Curator if they plan to stay late. 

Program Benefits

  • AIR studio fellows benefit from 7 am to 11 pm access  
  • Public programming opportunities
  • Professional exposure
  • Publicly promoted Open Studio events in tandem with First Saturday Downtown Frederick Partnership Programming
  • Exhibition spaces that are reserved solely for AIR Studio Fellows. 

Program Eligibility

Successful candidates possess a mature body of work that reveals a mastery of techniques and processes within a developed conceptual framework.

Successful applicants will also display a readiness to collaborate with the Director of Arts and Humanities and the Curator of Contemporary Art and engage with the public during open studio, micro-gallery and workshop events.

At the time of application, Artist Studio applicants:

  • Must be at least twenty-one years old
  • Must be a US citizen or legal resident of the US.
  • Must be willing to undergo and pass a background check and agree and sign our code of conduct.
  • Must live within a one hour driving radius of Downtown Frederick, MD. 

FAQs

Is there an application fee?

No.

Is there studio rent?

There is a program cost of 250 dollars per month, 

Are scholarships available?

Yes. One studio applicant per annum will be granted a studio fee waiver.  Any applicants whose total household income is less than 50K may apply for a scholarship. 

What tools and equipment will I have access to? Can I bring my own?

Each studio has a work table. Residents share a kiln with the ceramics instructor. The sound studio and maker space is also available. Artists can bring and store their own tools / furniture as needed. Any tools that are considered a fire hazard should be handled cautiously and with professionalism. 

Why do I have to go through a background check?

Everyone who works at the Y must go through this process. It is mandated to keep each other, patrons and children within our facilities safe. 

Can I have visitors to my studio?

Yes, as a professional artist you are encouraged to invite art professionals into your space to discuss your work and further your career. 

How do I apply?

Please send a letter of interest to gallery115@ymcafrederick.org detailing the following: Artist website, artist resume, and why you want a studio. Include 8 examples of work.