Visiting Artist Program
Mural by Maya Hayuk (long-term Visiting Artist, 2011) and ISU students
Illinois State University’s Visiting Artist program was founded in 1996 to bring diverse artistic practices and fresh voices to the School of Art. Visiting Artists contribute to the dialogue of our students and faculty, and present lectures that are free and open to the public.
Long-term Residencies & Short-term Speakers
Each semester, the School of Art at ISU hosts a number of distinguished national and international visiting artists for long-term residencies which last up to four weeks, and short-term engagements of up to two days. The Visiting Artists Program showcases artists who work in various media and processes including: photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, video, new media, performance, and interdisciplinary practices. In addition, the short-term program presents curators, critics and art historians, ranging from emerging to established professionals and scholars.
Long-term Visiting Artists
Long-term visiting artists give a one-hour public lecture on their work and teach a two hour weekly seminar on the topic of their expertise. The seminar, which may engage studio practice and/or theory, is open to both graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Art. Additionally, visiting artists develop their own creative research in a studio located in the Center for the Visual Arts. The artists maintain an “open door” policy and are available to students who wish to engage in dialogue. They also meet with each of the students individual for critique/discussion sessions on the students’ work and ideas. Visiting artists may be invited by art faculty to give talks in various classes, and are encouraged to engage in the College of Fine Arts´ community life and activities.
Short-term Visiting Artists/Scholars
Short-term artists/scholars present a one-hour public lecture and meet with interested BFA and MFA students for one to one or group feedback sessions about their work.
What We Offer
Short-term Visiting Artists/Speakers
The School of Art may provide short-term speakers with a stipend, air fare and hotel accommodations.
Long-term Visiting Artists/Speakers
The School of Art provides long-term visiting artists with studio space located in the Center for Visual Arts building. It is a private, Internet enabled 12′ x 40′ space, intended for work on new or on-going projects. A private, fully furnished, internet enabled, apartment on campus within short walking distance of the Center for Visual Arts and uptown Normal is available to incoming artists throughout their stay. In addition, they are remunerated with a stipend. Travel and other expenses are the responsibility of each visiting artist.
- Are you interested in being a long-term visiting artist? Learn more about the selection process.
Program Coordination
The Program is coordinated by rotating members of the School of Art faculty with the assistance of a graduate student who acts as liaison to various aspects of the program. For further information, please contact the current program coordinator at: visitingartists@ilstu.edu.
