sƛ̓x̣etkʷ Artist-in-Residence Program

The SFCC Fine Art Gallery introduces the sƛ̓x̣etkʷ Artist-in-Residence Program with the opening of sƛ̓x̣etkʷ Fine and Applied Art Building 32 on the campus of Spokane Falls Community College. The fully funded annual three-month residency will provide state-of-the-art studio space within the newly constructed building to an Indigenous artist for the duration of spring quarter, April 1-June 18, 2026. The selected artist will explore creative expression through educational and professional development opportunities that connect them with students and the wider Spokane community.

As a college situated on the traditional and sacred lands of the Spokane Tribe and providing services in a region that includes the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, and Schistu'umsh (Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Indians), the program will prioritize applicants from these tribes and tribes of Washington state. The three-month residency includes a $2,500 monthly stipend (three payments total), off-campus furnished housing, studio space, and travel reimbursement up to $800 to and from Spokane. Applications are open to all Indigenous artists from any visual art discipline with some previous experience creating in their preferred medium. The Fine Art Department supports ceramics, drawing, sculpture, metals/jewelry, painting, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. The 60,000 SF building includes a 680 SF Fine Art Gallery, classrooms, labs, offices, studios, and specialty equipment including a bronze foundry.

The residency provides access to studio space, fine art classroom instruction, professional development opportunities including open studio hours, technical demonstrations, artist talks, and mentoring through art critique participation. An apprenticeship is available from the Gallery Program Director in art exhibition, curatorial processes, and art installation. The artist will receive a public reception with food and beverages, connection to a community liaison/Tribal representative, and any artwork exhibited may be available for purchase with all profits directed to the artist. Applications accepted October 10-December 5, 2024. Selected applicant will be notified by January 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a diverse committee including three Tribal representatives, two SFCC faculty members, and an enrolled SFCC student body member. Applicants must submit 5-10 current visual artwork samples (JPG, JPEG, PDF, or PNG format, max 30MB total), artist statement (no more than two pages), tribal affiliation documentation, prior art experience list or CV, image list with titles and details, description of intended artwork, creative disciplines and techniques, professional development interests statement, two professional references, and agreement to be present on campus 35 hours per week during the residency term.