Frequently Asked Questions
- Does ISU accept international applicants?
- Who is eligible to apply?
- What types of students are enrolled in the class?
- How many students are enrolled in the Visiting Artist course?
- What are the expectations of the Visiting Artist?
Visiting artists lead students in seminar or making-based projects over the course of several weeks (ideally six). Visiting artists are expected to have a well-formed curriculum. The class has two scheduled meetings: once a week for 1 hour and 50 minutes, and once a week for 50 minutes. Visiting artists complete 1:1 studio visits with enrolled students and interested graduate students, typically during the 50-minute class meeting. Visiting artists schedule the studio visits with students, with support from the visiting artist coordination and graduate assistant.
During the residency, visiting artists give a 45–50-minute public talk, usually at University Galleries, with a Q&A after. These talks are typically on Wednesday at noon. Visiting artists are encouraged, but not required, to visit other classes and share their work, give an informal talk, or teach a making process. Our program provides the space and time for artists to address whatever is urgent in their practice. Visitors have spent time using our library resources, making or working on a new project, writing, exploring regional areas of interest, or taking time to enjoy the diverse and engaged community around campus.
- Do I have to be on campus for the entire residency?
Visiting artists are generally expected to be around campus during the work week, Monday-Friday. Visiting artists are not expected to meet with students or be in the studio on weekends. An artist who only plans to be on campus during class meeting and studio visits is probably not a good fit for the residency.
- Do you accept late applications?
No. Please apply again next cycle.
- Will incomplete applications be considered?
No. Please apply again next cycle.
- Will I receive an individualized email confirming my application is submitted?
No. The application platform will confirm successful submission.
- How many applications does the program receive each year?
We receive between 40-100 complete applications each year
- How many residency spots are available?
An official letter of invitation is contingent on scheduling. We typically host between four and eight visiting artists each school year.
- I don’t have a website with my work, can I still apply?
Yes. Our application requires a PDF upload for work samples. You can submit work samples as a PDF that includes images and links to videos. We require ten work samples and you may submit multiple images for each work sample. If you do have a website, you may also upload a PDF with your webpage link and/or individual page links to work you’d like us to review. Create a free webpage here: WIX. Please do not send links to your Instagram profile.
- Outside of the Visiting Artist studio, what resources are available to Visiting Artists?
Visiting artists have access to our robust library. Access to studios in the Wonsook Kim School of Art may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact visitingartists@IllinoisState.edu to discuss potential availability. The School of Art building is open from 7:30am-11:00pm.
- Are there opportunities to exhibit my work while in residence?
We are unable to offer an exhibition to artists but dependent on existing scheduling in the Julian Hall gallery, we may be able to host a very short exhibition or pop-up exhibition. In the rare case where an exhibition time be available, we do not provide support for installation labor, documentation, materials/media equipment, or additional funding.
- Is the stipend negotiable?
No. The stipend listed online is set by the university; we are unable to offer additional compensation for the program.
- Can the VA program pay for my travel and supplies?
The Visiting Artist Program does not fund artist travel to/from the University, nor are we able to cover the cost of supplies for the artist's studio practice, or shipping work. We can help coordinate shipping of materials before and after the residency.
- My proposal requires materials for the students to use in class, does the VA program cover this?
Yes, the VA program typically can pay for the cost of materials that students will use in the course. We require a supply list in advance of your visit with links to purchase supplies. We cannot purchase specialized software, media equipment, or rent additional facilities.
- How do visitors typically get to Bloomington-Normal?
The regional airport is the Central Illinois Regional Airport.
The Amtrak station is located just a few blocks from the University.
- I want to meet with other centers and departments at the University. Is this possible?
Yes! We are happy to coordinate and connect Visiting Artists with other areas on campus and encourage you to do so. Please visit the University website to see the various offerings around campus.
- How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the course proposal, strength of the artist's portfolio, artist statement, and prior experience (cv). We are looking for applications that further diversify our student's experience. Be sure to check out current class offerings and the various departments in the School of Art. No previous teaching experience is required to apply to the program. However, experience in the classroom is looked upon favorably.
- Who evaluates applications?
Applications are reviewed by the Visiting Artist Committee, made up of School of Art faculty members, University Gallery staff, and an MFA graduate student.
- I have other questions, who can I contact?
Please send an email to visitingartists@IllinoisState.edu. We are happy to answer any other questions you might have and look forward to reviewing your application!