chicago mopd artist in residence program

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) seeks an artist/arts organization to participate in the inaugural Field Office Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR Program).

During the nine-month (October 2022-June 2023) residency studio space will be provided and the artist or arts organization will utilize their unique talents to develop and lead cultural programs for and by persons with disabilities & seniors, help inform a strategic plan for the future of the facility’s spaces and uses and revitalize the public’s understanding of the space.

At the end of the residency the Field Office Artist-in-Residence will produce a final project created with constituents throughout the residency. The artist will also be asked to submit documentation of the activities completed during the residency and will complete an exit interview to identify recommendations that will help inform future art programming at the Field Office. The MOPD Artist in Residence program aims to provide space for an artist to develop and lead cultural programs for and by persons with disabilities and seniors, help inform a strategic plan for the future of the facility’s spaces and programmatic uses and facilitate the public’s understanding of the space.

Artist will have access to a designated storage area, carpeted room for movement rehearsal/work, desk space, kitchen (shared space, available based on schedule), outdoor garden (needs development), free parking at the building and wall space for displaying art.

Artist in Residence will: -Create accessible arts programming to increase engagement between the space and Chicago’s disability communities, senior citizens and veterans​ and raise awareness of resources available at the Field Office -Conduct research into past programs and models in a manner true to the artist’s creative process, to develop exemplary, accessible arts & cultural programs for diverse audiences, primarily Chicagoans with disabilities and seniors. Submit a plan with clear program deliverables and a schedule for activities that activate the Field Office. -Attend monthly, and additionally as needed, meetings with DCASE/MOPD/DFSS staff, held via Zoom, over the course of the residency to review plans and measure progress toward goals/outcomes. -Execute community programs in the Field Office in the form exhibitions, workshops or other formal or informally scheduled events that engage the public in an educational or participatory art making experience. -Ensure accessibility needs for program participation are met. -Maintain a regular schedule of onsite, creative hours in the studio to make art and engage with staff and visitors. -Track program attendance, participant input on the programming and the physical space, and participants desires for future arts & culture engagement in the space. -Present a final project created with constituents and provide data collected throughout the residency*. *An evaluation consultant will provide the community engagement surveys or other data collection tools to the artist and will complete the data analysis needed post residency.

​​​​At the conclusion of the residency, MOPD, DCASE and DFSS staff will conduct a thorough evaluation of the project to review successes and challenges and make recommendations about next steps and scalability for continued Filed Office residencies.