About the Open Call

The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is seeking proposals for a site-specific immersive gallery installation piece, culminating after a 4-week in-person artist residency. This residency encourages proposals from artists, crafts persons, and designers for the production of an original, temporary, site-specific installation for the university's primary exhibition space. International artists are eligible, but visa sponsorships are not provided. The selected artist (or artist team) will receive $10,000, which must cover all material and labor costs, including materials, manufacturing, meals, advanced tech items, transportation, housing, and all artist fees and honoraria. No additional funding will be provided beyond this stipend. The residency aims to connect working artists and students in the creation of an immersive space, with artists expected to explore collaboration opportunities within Kutztown University and the local community. Kutztown is located in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, one hour north of Philadelphia and two hours west of New York City, with an enrollment of over 6,000 students. The College of Visual and Performing Arts awards numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees in various art fields. Institutional Support: The Marlin and Regina Miller Art Gallery and Kutztown University will produce and distribute press releases, coordinate press appearances, publicize the project on web sites and local media, publicize and coordinate a public lecture by the selected artist, host a public reception, provide access to student assistants, provide installation tools and assistance, provide vinyl wall text, offer access to limited tools and machines, and oversee the publication of a catalog. The artist is solely responsible for all creative and technical aspects of their project. Criteria for Selection: Proposed artwork can be realized in any medium; there are no restrictions on form or content. Proposals demonstrating innovation and deep, nuanced understanding of contemporary art, craft, or design are preferred. Proposals must be for a site-specific installation and significantly differ from a solo exhibition. Preference is given to proposals with a strong student involvement component. Previously completed artwork may be incorporated but should not comprise the majority of the exhibition. Applications involving water, soil, live objects, advanced tech, or exceptionally heavy items require additional discussions. The selection committee comprises seven representatives from the Visual Arts departments, who individually rate proposals. 3-5 top-rated artists are chosen as finalists for further discussion, leading to contract negotiations. Proposals are reviewed for overall artistic merit, impact on students and community, feasibility within the timeframe and budget, artist's ability to complete the project, and relationship to the gallery's mission. Other considerations include the artist’s education, professional background, history of solo/group exhibitions, experience with large-scale projects, and experience in an academic environment. Gallery Space Description: The gallery is 59’10.5” long by 39’8” wide, with bamboo over concrete slab flooring (no drilling or sanding). Outer surrounding walls are 10’5” high (drywall over plywood nail base). The maximum ceiling height is approximately 15’ with I-beams at 6’ intervals for heavy-duty anchors (20 lbs capacity each). Six modular wall units (8’h x 8’w x 2’d) can be positioned. The entrance includes a 25’ drywalled hallway with floor-to-ceiling windows (UV filtered), highly visible to pedestrians, where artwork is encouraged. Tech available includes two 55” Roku Digital TVs and one digital projector. A loading dock is available. 3D tours and floor plans are accessible online. Other Details: Student collaborations are a core part of the curriculum; artists are expected to interact and involve students. Transportation details: Allentown airport 30 minutes away, Philadelphia or New York are closest large cities. Housing details: Artists are required to be on campus Monday-Friday (flexible). Dorm housing is available (private bathroom, small kitchenette). A public lecture is required, covering the artist’s background, inspiration, past work, and career insights. Sales inquiries for artwork are directed to the artist; the university takes no fee. Kutztown University will request image courtesy credit for any future use of installation images by the artist. KU students can assist with professional photography and documentation, and the artist will receive proofs for the catalog.

What is Offered

The selected artist (or artist team) will receive a $10,000 stipend, paid in installments, which covers all material, labor, transportation, housing, and artist fees. Institutional support includes press releases, publicity on gallery/university websites and local media, coordination of press appearances, hosting a public lecture and reception, providing access to student assistants and installation tools, vinyl wall text for the exhibition, access to limited tools and machines, and overseeing the publication of a catalog. Dorm housing (private bathroom, small kitchenette) is available.

Requirements

This opportunity is open to artists, crafts persons, and designers. International artists are eligible, but the university cannot offer visa sponsorships. Proposals must be for a site-specific immersive gallery installation piece that demonstrates innovation and a deep, nuanced understanding of contemporary art, craft, or design. Proposals must differ greatly from a solo exhibition. A strong student involvement component is preferred. Artists are expected to be on campus Monday-Friday for the 4-week residency. The artist is responsible for their own appropriate personal or commercial liability insurance. Proposal requirements include: a description of the proposed installation project, collaborative possibilities, images of the imagined installation, an installation budget proposal, a production schedule, an artist's resume (including past installations and exhibitions), and examples of past work.

How to Apply

Applications open on November 20, 2025, via Slideroom. There is no application fee. Proposals must include: 1. Description of proposed Installation project. 2. Description of collaborative possibilities. 3. Images of your installation imagined in the space (hand-drawn or digital). 4. Installation Budget proposal. 5. Production schedule for Installation. 6. Artist resume including past installations and exhibitions. 7. Examples of past work. Access Slideroom via: https://kuva.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/87173