Join us in Morganton, NC! This Artist in Residency (AiR) opportunity gives visiting artists the space, support, and funds they need to complete a community-based project highlighting circularity in textiles.

Overview

We are thrilled to introduce Circularity at Play, our AiR opportunity for 2026, illuminating the circularity in textile manufacturing in Western North Carolina.

Team up with The Industrial Commons to highlight our ecosystem partner Material Return (MR), a platform for textile sustainability, based in Morganton, NC. After an orientation, site visits to MR, and a period of research, the artist will develop a series of three, fiber-based works of art to display at The Industrial Commons (Hopewell Campus or the Innovation Campus). The resident will also demonstrate their technics and share their process through one student workshop and two community workshops. The work will be exhibited in an end-of-term event and then permanently gifted and displayed at The Industrial Commons.

The objective of this project is to communicate the vision of a circular economy to our region, impacting at least 200 individuals through the display and presentation of a creative, place-based project.

What is Circularity?

Circularity here is not just about environmental sustainability. It’s about systems change rooted in participation and possibility for people and the planet. It offers a compelling counter to rural brain drain by showing that meaningful, creative careers can grow right here.

About The Host

This residency is sponsored by TOSS, a program of The Industrial Commons. Located in Morganton, NC, this residency experience is embedded in the Western Piedmont region, historically known as the textile capital of the world. Along with this rich tradition of furniture and textile production comes the steep decline of prosperity when NAFTA  was ratified in the 1990s; Rural, southern communities such as Morganton face many challenges including population decline and poverty due to disinvestment: The median household income in Burke County is $42,516, one in five people have not graduated high school, and our poverty rate is 18.1% (as compared to the 13.1% national average).

When challenges arise, opportunities for innovation are always present and we are thrilled to introduce this residency to illuminate the remarkable work being done in Burke County to introduce reinvigorate textile manufacturing, transforming our entire community.

Residency Details

Application Details

Program Coordinator: Hannah Thrower
Contact Email: support@tosstudio.org
Call Type: Fiber art
Eligibility: International
Age: 21+
On-site/Virtual: On-site
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Application window: Feb 10th-March 15th
Selection Announcement: April 1st
Project timeline: June 8 - Aug 9th or Nov 2-Dec 6

Application Requirements

1. Cover Letter: In 500 words or less share a statement of your qualifications, project proposal, and three references (including their email and phone). This cover letter should demonstrate 1) Why you might be a good candidate for this residency based on our eligibility criteria (below) and 2) How you would approach this project.

2. Resume or CV including 3, professional references and their phone numbers (we will be calling these references)

3. Portfolio of 10 works in fiber art

Eligibility
We are seeking someone with a passion for art, creative placemaking, rural communities, students, and teaching. A good candidate:

• Must have a driver's license

• Must pass a background check (for working with children)

• Must have excellent, proactive communication and problem-solving skills

• Must be able to manage project to completion

• Must be motivated, open, and willing to share their art with others

• The following would be a plus: bilingual in English and Spanish, 3-5 years of work experience as a fiber artist, experience working with students, proficiencies in social media and documentation strategies.

Selection Priorities

Selection will be made by the TOSS Advisory Board in accordance with our selection priority areas:

Values Alignment: Applicant expresses an understanding of circularity and sustainability practices within textile production.

Artistic Skill: Past work demonstrates excellence in deploying the methods and materials of fiber art production.

Student Engagement: Applicant has experience and enthusiasm for working with students (elementary students and adult community members).

Organization: Artist demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively and organize information clearly.

Work Ethic: Exhibits a strong work ethic and capacity to execute a complicated project

TOSS does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, religion, creed, national origin, age, and/or disability.