feminist activist collection artist in residency

The Art in the Libraries Program at WVU Libraries, will expand the connections between the West Virginia & Regional History Center’s (WVRHC) West Virginia Feminist Activist Collection (FAC) and the public. This collaborative pilot residency program aims to expand the use of and build upon the archival collection by offering awards to support projects that use the collection in new and creative ways.

The WV FAIR Program supports artists in the creation of artists' works, small exhibitions, publications, or other creations that imaginatively study, experiment with, and/or build upon the collection materials.

Timeline:

• January: Travel plans coordinated with Art in the Libraries and the WVRHC with administrative assistance
• February: Funds delivered to artist for materials purchasing
• March 24-28, 2025: Residency: 2 days minimum exploring archives. Promotion coordinated by WVU Libraries. Last day shall include the awardee’s presentation of their project with public program.
• Honorarium and Reimbursement Funds awarded after residency

Guidelines for Artist in Residence:

• Commit to AIR for five working days.
• Spend at least 2 days in the West Virginia & Regional History Center examining the Feminist Activist Collection.
• Expect to follow all guidelines and procedures for researchers using the WVRHC collections and open hours.
• Create a work in response to your research in FAC. Examples include but are not limited to: an exhibit with archival materials in cases1 and/or reproductions, create an artwork(s) inspired by/collaging reproductions in a unique way, write a publication about the collection or another experimental creation by that Friday (see more examples below) using designated workspace.
• Present to the community that Friday about your process, creation and intention (20 minutes).
• Attend a lunch and/or dinner with Feminist Activist Collection committee donors.

Selected as Artist in Residence will be asked to provide:

• Digital copies of select works to be used when promoting WV FAIR events
• Links to any websites or social media pages they use for promoting their work, so that the library can tag posts and event co-hosts
• Description of their project and assistance with marketing events
• A W-9 form for tax purposes
• Ownership of the completed final artwork or project will be with the artist.
• Signed Contract.