Twin Cities Pride Artist in Residence Application - 2026 & 2027

About Twin Cities Pride  

Twin Cities Pride is the 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization that produces the annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival, March, and other year-round events. We seek involvement from Artists who affirm and support our mission. 

Purpose of Artists in Residence Program  

Twin Cities Pride desires to use our visibility and platform as an LGBTQIA2S+ organization to elevate the work and voice of local LGBTQIA2S+ artists and amplify their exposure in the community.  We seek a mutually beneficial partnership with Artists to represent their work and represent Twin Cities Pride to our community and youth showing what is possible when living as your true self and following the passion and artistic expression deep within all of us.  

Twin Cities Pride is committed to celebrating and uplifting LGBTQIA2S+ voices and talents within our community. We are excited to continue to grow Artist in Residence Program designed to empower and showcase LGBTQIA+ artists. This program aims to provide a platform for artists to express themselves, connect with the Pride community, and contribute to the vibrant culture of our annual Pride festival. 

Program Duration  

The program is a two-year residency from January 2026-December 2027.    

Artist Selection  

We will accept 4 LGBTQIA2S+ artists, selected through our application process. Our goal is to support artists located in the Twin Cities who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. We seek artists who affirm and support our mission, vision, and history of and purpose in holding a pride festival. 

Program Benefits for Selected Artists 

• Studio Space: Each artist will be provided with studio space at the Pride Cultural Arts Center for the duration of the 2-year residency.   

• Prime Placement at Rainbow Artist Alley: Artists will receive free prominent booth space at Rainbow Artist Alley during the Twin Cities Pride festival in 2026 & 2027, granting them high visibility to thousands of festival attendees.   

• Promotion on Twin Cities Pride social media, newsletter, website, and potential media opportunities.   

• Art Shows: Each artist will have one 2-month solo show at the Pride Cultural Arts Center along with two joint shows with the other cohort members.  These exhibitions will provide a platform for artists to display their creations to a broader audience. 

• Mentorship Component: As part of the Twin Cities Pride Artist in Residence Program, each artist will serve as a mentor for the yearly Youth Artist Cohort. This involves planning and facilitating one 2-hour learning session with young LGBTQIA2S+ artists under the age of 18 each year (2 total) and helping the Youth Artists prepare for a joint exhibition at the end of their program.  You will be provided with a budget for materials for your learning sessions. 

• Tabling Opportunities: Artists will be provided with free tabling space at TC Pride events when space is available   

• Networking and Exposure: Artists will have the chance to network at Pride events with other LGBTQIA2S+ artists, activists, and community leaders, fostering connections that can advance their careers.   

All participants should display experience, and an avid interest, in their media and a desire to work to further the mission and vision of Twin Cities Pride by engaging the local community through meaningful public programs year-round.  

Stage of Career  

Artists at any career stage may apply for this opportunity. This opportunity is ideal for early to mid-career LGBTQIA2S+ artists looking to elevate their visibility and impact within the community. Whether you are established in your artistic journey or seeking to expand your influence, Twin Cities Pride offers a platform to showcase your work prominently. This is also ideal for an artist who has experience vending at a larger festival. 

Eligibility  

This opportunity is open to permanent residents of Minnesota. Priority will be given to LGBTQIA2S+ artists (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit.) Artists must be 18 years or older to apply. 

Selection Process  

Applications are reviewed by an external committee of artists, academics, curators, and non-profit professionals. The committee considers the following metrics when viewing applications: the artistic merit of submitted work, the alignment of the application with organizational mission and values, applicant’s desire to be part of a community, applicant’s ability to work safely and independently and building a diverse cohort of makers.  

Twin Cities Pride is committed to diversity and inclusion. Twin Cities Pride does not discriminate with respect to the selection of the Artist in Residence because of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical limitations, or military status.  

Additional Expectations/Opportunities:  

-Participate in public programming, to include Twin Cities Pride Festival in 2026 & 2027. 

-Be a Twin Cities Pride Brand Ambassador representing the Program to the Community. 

-Attend monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7pm. 

-Facilitate one Youth Artist Meeting/Art Experience ($200 budget) yearly (2 total). 

-Curate one solo show over the course of the residency ($200 budget) 

-Participate in two joint AIR shows (opening and closing). 

-Support the curating of 2 community exhibits. 

-Jury applications for incoming 2028-2029 AIR Candidates 

-Participate in media interviews and social media posts. 

-Participate in artist talks, group meetings, studio visits, critiques, and exhibitions.