WVU Libraries Artist in Residency 2027: Common Threads: Industry, Labor & Community

About this call

The 2027 Artist in Residence cycle of the Art in the Libraries Program at West Virginia University Libraries connects artists with the Industry, Labor, and Community Collections at the West Virginia & Regional History Center, in Morgantown, West Virginia, United States. These collections range from union records and company town archives to oral histories and grassroots community papers. The selected artist commits to five working days in residence in March or April 2027, spends at least two full days researching in the archives, creates a work in response to that research, and gives a 20-minute community presentation. Project outcomes are shown mainly at the WVU Downtown Library, with a public program and exhibition launch in April 2027. Ownership of the finished work stays with the artist.

Who can apply

• Limited by country or region
• Medium: Mixed Media / Painting / Drawing / Photography / Sculpture / Ceramics / Textile / Installation / Performance / New Media
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to artists, curators and creators aged 18 or over. The application section says applicants must be based in the United States; the introduction on the same page says the residency is open to all U.S. and Canadian-based artists. WVU alumni and underrepresented artists are especially encouraged. Submit one combined PDF with clear subheadings by email to Curator Sally Brown (sally.brown1@mail.wvu.edu): abstract (up to 150 words); statement of interest (up to 500 words) naming the WVRHC collections you intend to research and your ideas for the public presentation; estimated timeline and budget (up to 500 words, supply costs up to $1,000) with your availability for the residency and the public program in March to April 2027 (one week or two trips); artist statement (200 words max) including any connection to Appalachia; CV of up to 2 pages with your location and website; and 5 to 10 images (.jpg, 300 dpi minimum) or web links. The selected artist commits to five working days, spends at least 2 full days in the archives following WVRHC rules for researchers, creates the work by the agreed deadline, gives a 20-minute community presentation, provides high-resolution images, portfolio links, a written project description and help with marketing, and signs a contract and completes a W-9 form. The $1,000 materials fund is paid on signing the contract; the honorarium and remaining reimbursements are paid after the program is completed.