John Michael Kohler Arts Center: Arts/Industry Residency

Arts/Industry is an ongoing collaboration between the arts and industry, with hundreds of emerging and established visual artists participating since its inception in 1974. Participants are exposed to technical knowledge that enables them to explore forms and concepts not possible in their own studios and develop new ways of thinking and working.

Artists-in-residence may work in the Kohler Co. Pottery, Iron and Brass Foundries, and Enamel Shop to develop work in clay, enameled cast iron, and brass including murals and reliefs, temporary or permanent site-specific installations, and functional and sculptural forms. The program is open to all emerging and established visual artists working in any discipline. Applying artists need not be trained ceramists or metal sculptors but must have the capability of quickly mastering the industrial technologies. Artists may choose to work in either the Pottery or the Foundry/Enamel Shop or both, though space and personnel limitations may restrict working in both areas.

Applications require: twenty digital images in JPEG format (not exceeding 1920 x 1920 pixels or 1.8 mb per image), current resume/curriculum vitae, brief proposal summary (200 words maximum) with 1-3 correlating images/drawings/sketches, preferred area of concentration, preferred residency length (2-6 months), and four references. Selection is based on quality of work, potential impact of the residency, ability to work with Kohler Co. personnel and other artists, and technical capabilities. Artists-in-residence are asked to give one day per month to Educational Outreach activities such as lectures, tours, workshops, and video interviews. All artwork produced belongs to the artist; artists are asked to gift one work to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and one to Kohler Co.