the belger glass annex residency
This residency program is open to emerging glass artists looking to further their artistic and professional careers and gain experience teaching and working with the public. This residency is ideal for artists looking to develop a body of work who thrive in a shared, communal space and are preparing for the next step in their professional pursuits.
Be a part of Kansas City’s vibrant art scene while enjoying a set weekly schedule, a monthly stipend, and a weekly allotment of free studio time. Grow your art practice in a spacious state-of-the-art facility equipped for glassblowing, kiln forming, sandblasting, and coldworking. Work alongside nationally recognized artists throughout the year and help develop and inspire beginner glassblowers. Teach a class of your own design, plan and lead public glassblowing demonstrations, and engage with the public during hands-on glassblowing experiences.
Work Week Hours:
- Set schedule, 30 hours a week
Status:
- Resident Artist
Term:
- 11 months, (mid-August 2026 to mid-July 2027), plus a possible additional one-year renewal with review (max two consecutive years per artist)
Responsibilities:
Participate in weekly studio clean-ups and maintain a clean and tidy studio
Operate and maintain studio equipment, including lighting up the studio and shutting down
Lead and assist with glassblowing and fusing classes and experiences
Design and teach a class based on your skillset
Give an artist talk
Aid and advise Belger Glass Annex community members with inquiries
Participating in monthly First Friday demos and other special events throughout the year
Greet visitors and answer questions with enthusiasm and a high level of customer service
Keep studio supplies organized and report any issues or needs to the BGA Program Coordinator
Help unload annealers and process finished work
Gaff and assist with BGA commission projects and production lines
Donate a small work to the Belger Glass Annex collection (at end of term).
Requirements:
Available to work weekends, evenings, and First Fridays
Comfortable working in an active, creative, and dynamic public setting
Able to lead tours for visiting groups
Ability to be conversational with visitors and have a willingness to engage the visitor in conversation
Reliable, punctual, and respectful to studio members, staff, students, and visitors
Daily cleaning and organizational skills
Work well on a team and independently
Self-motivated
Proficiency with Google Workspace Suite (including Google Docs, Calendar, Sheets, etc.) and Shopify
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Willingness to step in where needed