Join us in Morganton, NC! This paid 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

Our 2027 AiR opportunity creates a space to explore themes of circularity, creative placemaking, and textile and fiber innovation, all deeply rooted in place in Western North Carolina. 

The AiR is supported by The Industrial Commons and ecosystem partner Material Return (MR), a leader in transforming textile waste into recycled fibers and innovative research, to dive more deeply into the world of the circular economy and textile innovation. The artist is encouraged to let this work inspire their art and to incorporate reclaimed and recycled materials. 

The resident artist will also work closely with the community: they will share their process through one student workshop and two community workshops, and they are encouraged to draw inspiration and input from the community. The work will be exhibited in an end-of-term event and then permanently gifted and displayed at the Industrial Commons. 

The Industrial Commons and Material Return build towards imaginative visions of a circular, sustainable, and cooperative economy and a thriving and culturally-rich local community. The objective of this project is to help translate this vision through art.

What is Circularity?

Circularity is a concept that asserts nothing should be wasted and nothing should be created that cannot be repurposed, recycled, or reused. It exists in direct contrast to an economic system in which raw materials are extracted, processed, and eventually converted into landfill waste.

But circularity here is not just about environmental sustainability; it’s about systems change and creating new possibilities for people and the planet through innovation.

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. Alongside this rich tradition of furniture and textile production is also the steep decline of prosperity when production declined in the 1990s due to the ratification of NAFTA. Rural, Southern communities such as Morganton face many challenges including population decline and poverty due to this disinvestment. Now, 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 reinvigorate textile manufacturing and transform our entire community.

Residency Details

Application Details

Program Coordinator: Hannah Thrower
Contact Email: support@tosstudio.org
Call Type: Art incorporating fiber
Eligibility: International applicants are welcome, but must be eligible to work in the US (TOSS cannot provide a visa)
Age: 21+
On-site/Virtual: On-site
Location: Morganton, North Carolina
Application window: Summer (October 15th-January 15th); Winter (January 1st - April 1st)
Selection Announcement: Summer (February 1st); Winter (April 14th)
Project timeline: Summer (June 8 - Aug 9th) or Winter (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 (listed above) 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 of art, especially that incorporate fiber.

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 and willingness to incorporate the required and encouraged themes.

Artistic Skill: Past work demonstrates excellence; incorporates fibers.

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.