JSP’s Artist-in-Residence program provides artists the career-boosting opportunity to make new work on a large-scale, with the physical space and technical and financial support to succeed. 

Up to 2 artists will be selected for the 2025-2026 residency program through this competitive national call reviewed by JSP’s Curatorial Committee. Artists will be primarily visual artists working in sculpture as well as the mediums of sound and performance as responsive experiences to sculpture and the natural environment.

Residency details will be tailored to each artist’s proposed artwork and are designed around 3 main components: 1) artwork creation, installation and exhibition; 2) informal public interaction with JSP visitors; and 3) participation in at least one community engagement event determined by the artist and JSP staff (i.e. community workshop, artist talk, etc.).

In 2025, the selected artist(s) will visit Frankfort and work with JSP staff to collaboratively plan their 2026 residency. This 1- to 3-day site visit will include meeting with staff, discussing their proposed artwork, determining site location, and solidifying community engagement plans. It will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date July-October 2025.

In 2026, the selected artist(s) will be in residence at JSP for up to 10 weeks, the duration depending on the scale and scope of the proposed artwork. The program is designed to be intentionally flexible to allow artists to submit large-scale proposals that may take the full 10 weeks to create. In the RFP submission materials, artists should suggest an appropriate residency duration (number of weeks) and date range for their proposed artwork.

Artists-in-Residence create artwork at JSP, a raw outdoor environment, offering a quiet space for artists to fully immerse themselves in nature, diving deep into their process and research, which is essential for true innovation and excellence. Residencies typically do not overlap, allowing artists to focus on personal and professional growth, creative practice, and risk-taking without distraction. Artists are encouraged to challenge themselves and push beyond their comfort zones, supported by experienced artistic staff and specialized equipment to create large-scale works on-site. Artists receive technical support from staff, hands-on assistance from community volunteers, material support, and access to a robustly equipped studio and outdoor work pad. The artwork is intended to be on exhibition for 2 years at JSP.

“This residency \[was\] an incredible opportunity to challenge myself and expand the work beyond the limits of what I thought was possible, and I felt so incredibly supported and encouraged at every step of this project while working at JSP,” reflected 2021 Artist-in-Residence Clare Koury, “It’s hard to overstate the impact of that kind of support as a young artist, and I feel really grateful for my time here and the trust put in me to execute this vision.”

This program provides direct benefits to each artist as well as intrinsic value to the community at-large. A supportive environment inspires artists to create new work and advance their careers by fostering courageous artistic growth and providing opportunities to experiment and try things they’ve never tried before with professional technical and artistic guidance. The exhibition of new artwork provides an immediate audience to the artist and artistic inspiration to the public.

JSP believes in the power of artist residencies to positively transform artists’ careers and build community. This program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects. JSP programs are subject to modifications as a result of funding changes. 

  
**PROJECT TIMELINE**

* 1- to 3-day pre-residency planning visit to JSP and Frankfort community (ideally between July-October 2025)
* Up to 10 weeks in residence, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed artwork (ideally between May-Sept 2026)
* Artwork is intended to be on exhibition for 2 years at JSP. Artist will sign an exhibition contract as part of the Residency Agreement that outlines mutually agreed upon duration, maintenance and decommissioning of the artwork.
* The Curatorial Committee and JSP staff will review proposals May - June. We expect to make final decisions and notify all applicants by July 1.

  

**LODGING, TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION**

Artists are responsible for securing their lodging, although JSP will provide a lodging stipend of $500/week for up to 10 weeks. There are a variety of hotels, AirBnBs, and short-term rental accommodations in and around Frankfort, KY. 

JSP’s truck may be available to Artists aged 25+ who have provided a copy of valid driver’s licence, strictly for local material pick up. Truck use must be scheduled in advance and is not guaranteed. 

  
**STUDIO, EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES SAFETY**

Studio 

The JSP studio, the “Art Barn,” is a 2,000 sq. ft. studio with wood working, metal fabrication, ceramic kiln, and kitchenette (sink, microwave and refrigerator) plus a 2,000 sq. ft. outdoor work pad with gantry. Studio is available to artists-in-residence, interns, volunteers, and staff conducting work for JSP every day from dawn to 10pm. Artists must agree to follow all studio rules and safety guidelines.

Equipment & Facilities 

Please see PDF located in "site plan" that describes equipment and materials available for use by Artists-in-Residence. Artist must plan to bring or acquire any additional needed materials, supplies, tools and equipment while in residence. 

JSP will provide Artist access to a small, lockable trailer near the studio that can serve as storage and office space. Wifi is available in and around the studio and park office. Cellular phone service is available throughout the park. JSP can accommodate basic printing requests. 

Public restrooms are available on site.

  
**ARTIST BENEFITS & BUDGET**

The benefits outlined are all inclusive. If the artist’s budget is greater than the benefits outlined, it is the artist’s responsibility to secure any additional funds.

2025

* Site Visit stipend: $1,000 (_paid upon arrival, pending signed Residency Agreement and cleared background check, if applicable)_

2026

* Residency stipend: $2,000/week for up to 10 weeks
* Materials stipend (plus access to some materials on-site): up to $2,500
* Lodging stipend: $500/week for up to 10 weeks
* _20% paid 1 month prior to residency start date, 30% paid upon arrival, and 50% paid upon successful completion of residency_

Staff Support

* Up to 10 hours/week studio assistance and training from JSP Park Manager on a mutually agreed upon schedule
* At least one 60-minute mentorship session or meeting with JSP Executive Director & Chief Curator
* Pre-residency planning, weekly check-in while in residence, and post-residency communication support from JSP Director of Programs & Partnerships.

  

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