Summit Free Public Library
Artist-in-Residence 2027
Residency Overview
The Summit Free Public Library Artist-in-Residence Program, presented in partnership with the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, is a year-long residency program that supports artists while fostering meaningful engagement between artists and the Summit community.
Three artists will each be selected to participate in a four-month residency in 2027. Throughout the residency, artists will be provided a dedicated workspace within the Summit Free Public Library to develop their artistic practice while inviting the public into their creative process.
If Selected, Artists Will:
- Work regularly from their designated studio space within the Library
- Offer a minimum of three (3) two-hour Open Studio sessions where visitors may observe their creative process and engage in conversation
- Facilitate one public workshop for library patrons
- Present a culminating exhibition of work created or developed during the residency
- Participate as an active and welcoming presence within the Library community.
This residency is intended for artists who are excited about working in a public setting and who view community engagement as an extension of their creative practice.
Residency Environment
The residency takes place within an active public library. Artists should be comfortable working in a shared, public-facing environment and recognize that Library visitors will regularly observe and interact with them during designated Open Studio hours.
Applications will be reviewed for safety, appropriateness of materials, and compatibility with a shared public library environment.
The following are not permitted in the residency space:
- Open flames or combustible materials
- Hazardous or toxic substances
- Strong odors, fumes, or excessive dust
- Excessive noise or amplified sound
- Activities that create unsafe conditions or significantly disrupt Library operations
Applicants should carefully consider any technical or spatial requirements for their project and identify those needs within the application.
Program Focus
The Artist-in-Residence Program seeks artists whose work complements the Summit Free Public Library’s collections, programming, community interests, and surrounding environment.
Preference will be given to artists whose practice aligns with one or more of the following areas:
- Photography
- Book illustration
- Artwork incorporating natural materials
- Artwork exploring gardens and the natural environment
Artists working in other visual art disciplines are welcome to apply if they can demonstrate how their work aligns with the goals of the residency.
What We’re Looking For
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee representing Summit Free Public Library and the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- A strong and original artistic practice supported by high-quality work samples
- A thoughtful and achievable residency proposal
- An interest in engaging the public through Open Studio sessions, workshops, and exhibitions
- A project that is appropriate for a public library environment
- The ability to work independently while contributing to a welcoming community atmosphere
- A meaningful connection to Summit or a thoughtful plan for engaging with the Summit community throughout the residency
- The professionalism and reliability necessary to successfully complete all residency requirements
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee based on the following criteria:
- Artistic Quality & Work Samples-30 points
- Strength, originality, and overall quality of your artistic practice.
- Residency Proposal & Public Engagement-25 point
- Clarity and feasibility of your proposed residency project. Your plan to engage visitors through open studios, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Alignment with Program Focus Areas-20 points
- How does your work complement the Library’s collections, programming, community interests, and its environs? Preference will be given to artists working in photography, book illustration, or those who create work that incorporates natural materials and work exploring gardens and the natural environment.
- Feasibility & Space Compatibility-15 points
- Whether your project is appropriate for a public library environment. Consider technical needs, safety, space compatibility, etc.
- Community Connection-5 points
- Your relationship to Summit or your interest in building connections with the community.
- Professional Readiness-5 points
- Your ability to complete the residency and fulfill program expectations.
Total points available: 100
The selection committee may also consider the overall balance of residency cohorts, scheduling availability, and how individual artists contribute to the program as a whole.
Accessibility
The Summit Free Public Library and VACNJ are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible program environment. Reasonable accommodations will be available throughout the application and residency process if needed.
Direct Questions to:
Rachel Aponte
Director of Education & Community Engagement
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
raponte@arcenternj.org
908.516.5290
Submission Information
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026
Selected artists will be notified by Friday, October 30, 2026