OPEN CALL: Applications for 2023 Residencies at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Since 1981, Bemis Center has provided artists from around the world with dedicated time, space, and resources to conduct research and to create new work across conceptual, material, performative, and social practices. Bemis offers artists-in-residence unmatched technical guidance, access to interns, and an established network of resources. Participants have the opportunity to create networks, collaborate, and share their work with fellow artists-in-residence, organizational partners, and the public. The Bemis Alumni Program extends artist support beyond their Bemis residency through Alumni Residencies, an annual Ree Kaneko Award, and Alumni Convenings.

Studios and facilities
Located in the historic Old Market, Omaha’s arts and culture district, Bemis Center’s campus accommodates a broad range of artistic activity. Selected artists-in-residence enjoy generous sized, private live/work studios complete with a kitchen and bathroom and have 24-hour access to expansive installation and production spaces within Bemis Center’s 110,000 square-foot main facility and the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility, a 9,000 square-foot large-scale sculpture fabrication space and workshop, and a Sound Studio for rehearsing and recording. A Bemis residency also includes complimentary laundry facilities, utilities, wifi, and access to an on-site research library.

Financial support
US-based artists-in-residence receive a 1,000 USD monthly stipend and an additional 750 USD travel stipend. Due to the limitations of B2 visas (touring/visiting), international artists-in-residence are eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, and meals. Selected artists are responsible for organizing travel to Omaha to attend the residency. Additional stipends for studio supplies or materials are not available.

Eligibility
Residency opportunities are open to national and international artists 21+ years of age showing a strong professional working history. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to, visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, music composition, and choreography.

Bemis residency alumni are allowed to re-apply after a five-year hiatus from the program. Alumni seeking residency must submit a complete application including recent work samples and current resume. Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended. Learn more about our Alumni Program.

Artists enrolled in an academic program during the time of the residency opportunity are not eligible to apply. Small collaborative groups are eligible to apply. Please note, if selected, Bemis Center is only able to accommodate two members of a collaborative group to attend the residency and live on-site.

Bemis welcomes international artists to apply. Working knowledge of English is helpful as Bemis Center is unable to offer an interpreter.

Accessibility
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. In striving to create accessibility for all, Bemis welcomes inquiries from applicants with specific questions to ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of any resident. Please direct residency accessibility questions to Holly Kranker, Residency Program Manager, at T 402 341 7130 x 12 or hollyk@bemiscenter.org.

Spring 2023 residency session
January 18–April 14, 2023
Deadline: April 8, 2022, 11:59pm CST

Summer 2023 residency session
May 17–August 11, 2023
Deadline: April 8, 2022, 11:59pm CST

Fall 2023 residency session
September 13–November 10, 2023
Deadline: August 16, 2021, 11:59pm CST

Fees
A 40 USD non-refundable application fee is due at the time of submitting an application through SlideRoom paid via credit card or by PayPal. Submission of completed applications is only accepted online here. Fees related to visa processes or passport acquisition are the responsibility of the awarded artist.

Application review process
SlideRoom will confirm receipt of your submitted application. Residency applications are reviewed by a rotating panel of artists and arts professionals, such as curators, academics, and/or critics. The application review process consists of an online review followed by an on-site panel meeting. The review process takes 12–14 weeks from the application deadline. Notifications to all applicants will be sent via email after the selection panel has made its final decision. If an artist is selected for more than one session, the artist will select one session to attend.

Apply online here. More information.