Sci-Fi and the Human Condition Thematic Residency

Residency Dates: September 7 – November 18, 2016

Application Deadline: January 8, 2016

Artists-in-Residents Selected: 9

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is now accepting applications for the 2016 Sci-Fi thematic residency. This is an international open call and contemporary artists from all backgrounds and areas of practice are encouraged to apply. This is a process-based residency; there is no obligation or expectation to complete and/or exhibit a body of work. This residency aims to put into conversation artists who work in like-minded subject matter and interests. Through this call, the Bemis Center will construct a cohort of artists interested in the human condition when exploring issues of race, class, and gender through futuristic lenses.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the research, development, or execution of work that explores the theme of science fiction, defined or identified through its motifs and relationship to past sci-fi film and literature, magical realism, dystopian and utopian futures, robots, alternate timelines, transhumanism and bodily transformation, space opera, afrofuturism, futuristic identity as explored by costume and dress, the post-apocalyptic world, threats to territory and frontier, outer space, and investigations in artificial intelligence.

The Bemis Center provide vast installation space for experimentation, 24-hour access to the Okada Sculpture and Ceramics Facility, a woodshop, introductions to other area partnerships and organizations, and the Clare Haas Howard Research Library including over 2,500 art books and periodicals.  Live/work studio spaces range from 820–2,400 square feet complete with a private kitchen and bathroom.

Eligibility
Residency opportunities are open to national and international artists 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to, visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, music composition, and choreography.  Bemis welcomes internationally based artists to apply. A working knowledge of English is helpful for international artists as an interpreter will not be provided.

Bemis Alumni are allowed to re-apply for residency after a three year hiatus from the program. Alumni seeking residency must submit a complete application including recent work samples and current resume. Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended.

Artists applying to Bemis Center should not be enrolled in an academic program or currently teaching, adjunct or otherwise, during the residency timeline.

Applications consisting of small collaboratives (2-3 total members) are eligible to apply. Each artist included in the collaborative must submit a resume.

Artists-in-residence are encouraged to participate in the Bemis Center Open House/Open Studios program, where artists open their studio doors to provide the public a glimpse into their process. Artists may be invited to participate in other public engagement programs such as a workshop, talk, or live performance.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability.

Applications are due via SlideRoom: bemis.slideroom.com

FAQ’s available HERE

Fees and Stipend
A $40 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application paid via credit card or by PayPal. Submission of applications are only accepted online through http://bemis.slideroom.com.

Selected artists-in-residence will receive a $1,875.00 stipend for the ten-week session.

Bemis Center is not responsible for artist’s travel to Omaha to attend the residency.

Application Checklist
1.    Resume
2.    Are you a collaborative group? If yes, include resumes of all members
3.    Artistic Discipline
4.    Website
5.    Are you a Bemis Alumni?
6.    Please list two references
7.    Up to 10 Image/Media Samples
8.    Artist statement (250 words)
9.    Residency Objectives (250 words)
10.  Specific resources you may require while in residency necessary to your studio practice

For more information, contact Holly Kranker, Residency Program Manager, at 402.341.7130 x 12 or at hollyk@bemiscenter.org.

http://www.bemiscenter.org/residency/