Enoch Pratt Free Library Artist & Writer in Residence

The Enoch Pratt Free Library Artist & Writer in Residence Program is an 11-month residency (August 2025 – June 2026) designed to support creatives in developing their practice while fostering community engagement. Selected residents will create, exhibit, and teach through monthly public programs, collaborating with library staff to design inclusive, educational, and inspiring activities.

This year, the residency seeks artists creating two-dimensional art only, including drawing, painting, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, illustration, and printing with water-based inks. The Writer in Residence will focus on poetry, offering workshops, readings, and other literary programming. The resident artist will have access to a dedicated studio space within the library; the resident writer will work from various locations in the Central Library and neighborhood branches. Both positions offer a $30,000 stipend.

Eligibility: Open to Maryland-based artists and writers 21 years or older who can commit to monthly programming throughout the residency. Preference is given to applicants with experience in community-based projects, public workshops, previous residencies, classroom teaching, or other demonstrated public engagement. Current Pratt Library staff are not eligible. Application requirements include a completed application form, artist/writer statement, biography, resume/CV, portfolio (10-15 images for artists; three previously published poems for writers), a proposal outlining your vision for monthly public programs, and two professional references. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 23, 2025. In-person interviews will be required for finalists.