Industry, Labor & Community Artist in Residence (AIR) 2027 – West Virginia University Libraries

The West Virginia University Libraries’ Art in the Libraries Program announces the 2027 Artist in Residence (AIR) program themed “Common Threads: Industry, Labor & Community.” Selected artists will spend 5‑7 days in March or April 2027 at the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) in Morgantown, conducting at least two full days of archival research on industry, labor, and community collections. The residency supports visual, performance, literary, and digital media practices, offering a $1,000 honorarium, $1,000 in material/supply funding, and up to $3,500 in travel, lodging, and per‑diem reimbursements. Artists will culminate the residency with a public exhibition at the WVU Downtown Library and a 20‑minute presentation. The program is open to U.S. and Canadian‑based artists aged 18+, with preference for WVU alumni and creators focusing on under‑represented narratives or West Virginia’s working‑class heritage. Applications require a PDF portfolio (abstract, statement of interest, budget, CV, and 5‑10 work samples) submitted by November 30, 2026. The residency emphasizes community engagement, archival activation, and the creation of works that reinterpret labor history for contemporary audiences.

Honorarium, supply funding, travel/lodging/per diem reimbursements, exhibition space at WVU Downtown Library, public presentation slot, digital promotion, access to WVRHC archival collections

Open to U.S. and Canadian artists, ages 18+. Preference for WVU alumni and projects highlighting under‑represented narratives or West Virginia labor history.