About the Open Call

The Echo Artist Residency Program invites two artists each quarter to experiment and create site-specific projects for our galleries and the greater Cleveland community. Each season, SPACES selects one local artist from Northeast Ohio—defined as Cuyahoga County and its contiguous counties: Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Lake—and one artist from outside the region. These two artists form a peer cohort, fostering the exchange of ideas, techniques, and networks. While collaboration is not required, the selection committee seeks artists with complementary or intersecting themes to enhance dialogue and impact. SPACES encourages applicants to propose projects that push the boundaries of their artistic practice, and share an authentic connection to this region. SPACES is located in Cleveland’s historic LGBTQIA+ neighborhood, a walkable area near downtown with easy access to public transportation—and even a SPACES artist bike for getting around the city. Benefits: Each Echo artist receives comprehensive support to ensure a meaningful and productive residency experience. Participants will have access to: An artist honorarium and production budget; Full use of SPACES’ production facilities and A/V equipment; Access to offsite maker spaces at no cost; Research support and curatorial guidance; On-site lodging in the gallery; A dedicated local artist ambassador to help foster genuine community connections; Opportunities to engage in local cultural experiences; Marketing and Press support, including a press release; An exhibition preview night with community arts leaders; A public exhibition opening reception; A one-year SPACES membership, which includes free access to SPACES professionalization workshops and ArtsPass —a cross-organizational artist membership with Zygote Press, The Morgan Conservatory, and Praxis Fiber Workshop. ArtsPass members enjoy workshop discounts and open studio access across all three organizations. ELIGIBILITY: This call for proposals is open to artists and cultural producers who are 21 years and older. We accept applications from creative professionals at all stages of their careers who engage experimental practices with strong conceptual foundations. Selected artists cannot be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree granting programs during their program year. SPACES prides itself on an ADA compliant building, with space for individuals and families alike. We will work with selected artists to find a residency plan that works for them. EVALUATION: Applications are reviewed once each year. They are evaluated by a selections committee of artists, community members, board members, and SPACES staff living and working within and outside of Cleveland. The selections committee members change yearly. Applications are scored based on compatibility with SPACES programming goals, demonstrated organizational and/or conceptual rigor, clarity of proposed methods, and quality of past work samples. Select applicants will be invited to participate in a video interview. Finalists will be asked to confirm their availability. 2027 Selection Committee: Anna Arnold, Leila Khoury, Thea Spittle and Antwoine Washington. PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES: SPACES is the resource and public forum for artists who explore and experiment. Below are some of our programming objectives: Supporting bold and timely projects, new commissions; Providing opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere; Supporting work that could not be made elsewhere; Considering and supporting diverse perspectives; Presenting work that is challenging, complicated, or not easily summarized; Expanding gallery viewership and/or public engagement; Working with artists that consider new projects, new techniques, or new directions in their practices; Making use of the resources, connections, and unique assets of NE Ohio.

What is Offered

Each Echo artist receives comprehensive support to ensure a meaningful and productive residency experience. Participants will have access to: An artist honorarium and production budget; Full use of SPACES’ production facilities and A/V equipment; Access to offsite maker spaces at no cost; Research support and curatorial guidance; On-site lodging in the gallery; A dedicated local artist ambassador to help foster genuine community connections; Opportunities to engage in local cultural experiences; Marketing and Press support, including a press release; An exhibition preview night with community arts leaders; A public exhibition opening reception; A one-year SPACES membership, which includes free access to SPACES professionalization workshops and ArtsPass —a cross-organizational artist membership with Zygote Press, The Morgan Conservatory, and Praxis Fiber Workshop. ArtsPass members enjoy workshop discounts and open studio access across all three organizations.

Requirements

This call for proposals is open to artists and cultural producers who are 21 years and older. We accept applications from creative professionals at all stages of their careers who engage experimental practices with strong conceptual foundations. Selected artists cannot be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree granting programs during their program year.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit proposals through the SPACES' online platform. Applications are evaluated annually by a selection committee, with finalists invited for video interviews to confirm availability.