mf residencies

The Mattress Factory is an artist-centered museum, international residency program and renowned producer of installation art. Founded in 1977, the Mattress Factory produces site-specific installations created by artists working in residence. Since then, the Museum has commissioned and presented new installation and performance works by more than 650 artists. The Museum supports established and emerging artists through a program that provides guidance, leadership, resources and opportunities to create artwork that is unconventional, challenging and thought-provoking. The Museum’s flexibility and inventiveness allow artists to respond to developments in technology, explore audience interaction and challenge traditional artistic ideals and practice.

Artists are supported throughout the development of their project, from initial conception through production and installation. Over the 18 to 24 month period before their on-site residency, artists are invited to work closely with the Mattress Factory to develop and plan each project: cultivating ideas, brokering relationships with researchers and collaborators, finding resources and solving technical challenges. The Museum enhances artists’ projects through public and educational programming developed in collaboration with the artist throughout their process.

During the residencies, The Mattress Factory provides technical support before and throughout installation, photo and video documentation, marketing and publicity for the artists.