The TWIG Artist Residency Application is now CLOSED.

TWIG is a competitive, juried, 6-month artist studio residency program offering emerging and established artists the opportunity to engage the Milwaukee arts community and its public in critical dialogue about contemporary art.

Located at the Mitchell Street Arts’ new 12,000-square-foot facility on the near Southside, TWIG provides workspace, creative community, exhibition opportunities and professional development for Milwaukee-based, contemporary artists.

MiSA strongly encourages and welcomes emerging and established artists of color and/or LGBTQ+ to apply to the residency program. We believe that the arts are essential to leading a full and productive life. We affirm our support of those with physical limitations, by committing to ongoing improvements of our space's accessibility. Contact info@mitchellstreet.org with accessibility inquiries.

As a commitment to equity, inclusivity and accessibility, the TWIG residency is entirely free. Please note: a refundable security deposit of $150 will be required to confirm participation.

Eligibility

TWIG is open to visual, sound, or interdisciplinary artists based in the city of Milwaukee.

• Artist Collectives may apply for a shared studio

• Ideal candidates show significant promise and dedication to their work as a vocation.

• Artists are at a moment in which access to a studio and supportive environment will be particularly meaningful to their practice.

• Artists can make the time commitment to be in their studio 15+ hours a week.
  

Application checklist

Completed online application form, including:

• Current resume

• Artist Statement

• Description of goals for Residency

• 5 samples of recent work, including short descriptions
  

Important Dates in 2023

April 13: Applications opens

June 23: Applications close

July 14: Finalists are notified via e-mail

August 25: Studio move-in. All studios are work-only (non-residential)

TWIG studios

• The studios range from 100 to 170 square-foot private, non-residential, workspaces

• Each studio has plywood backed walls for easy mounting

• 24/7 secure access, except for during private events inside MiSA

• Free access to MSAC’s 3000 square foot makerspace workshop

• Free storage, slop sink, lockers, kitchen and common areas

Types of Disciplines

We accept artists who work on paper, print, mural, sculpture, painting, photography, new media, installation and sound. Multidisciplinary artists who are unsure if they are eligible are encouraged to reach out to info@mitchellstreet.org

Program Expectations

• Artists must commit to participate for the duration of the whole program

• Artists are expected to use the studio for 6 months for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

• Residents are expected to lead at least 3 workshops/ lectures / classes during their entire residency

Creative Community

• Open-plan makerspace to inspire dialogue, collaborations and the development of new ideas

• Work with your peers to creatively shape the residency according to your needs

• Exhibition Opportunities

• One shared exhibition in a dedicated, 600-square-foot gallery space

• MiSA marketing support, including press releases, website announcement and social media

• Opportunities to work with national/international NEST artists (program pending)

Professional Development

• MiSA works closely with you to develop a customized professional development plan based on your vision and personal goals

• MiSA staff offers occasional private tours of your studio to potential collectors

• One-on-one studio visits with prominent members of the greater arts community

• For residents that are interested, we enjoy working with artists to explore how they can re-contextualize their work for public spaces.