2026 minnesota artist-in-residence

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture (GCAC) is pleased to announce our artist residency program for the calendar year 2026. We are inviting guest artists to apply for a residency with the opportunity to use our Cellar Press studios — letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding — to create works of art or as an integral part of their artistic practice. Residencies last two–three weeks, and while artists are not required to live in New Ulm, they are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the studios gaining skills and producing work.

Artists-in-residence are expected to:

• Immerse themselves in a new or continuing body of work.
• Work independently in the GCAC Cellar Press studio.
• Lead a public (virtual and/or in-person) community project. Examples include public demonstrations; teaching a class on printmaking or book arts; presenting an activity for public engagement at a farmer’s market or festival; a public art installation or performance; leading a workshop at one of our summer Kid’s Creativity Camps; designing and carving a series of linoleum blocks for The Grand’s use at events, demonstrations, etc. Feel free to propose an idea other than what is listed here!
• Provide The Grand with at least two works produced during the residency for The Grand’s exclusive use.
• Maintain a safe and clean working area.
• Complete an exit interview upon the completion of the residency.

The earliest residency may begin in January 2026 (residency dates to be negotiated with artists). Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid-late December, 2025.

GCAC STUDIOS AND EQUIPMENT

The Cellar Press artist studio at The Grand is well equipped with both state-of-the-art and vintage presses and other letterpress tools, including: an SP-15 Vandercook press (non-motorized), a Vandercook 215 (motorized inking), a Vandercook 1 proofing press, Showcard Press, several small Platen presses, a 1938 Kluge, and a Takach 24’ by 36’ etching press. We have a large collection of vintage metal and wood type, as well as printing ink for use in the studio. Our bookbinding equipment includes a variety of hand tools for leather tooling, a board shear, Advance guillotine paper cutter, Kwikprint foil stamper, finishing press, nipping presses, and job backer.