2021 BIPOC Residency

The IPRC’s mission has always been about access and empowering alternative paths to publishing for vital work & unique voices. To fulfill our mission better, we’re introducing this residency program that is designed specifically to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists and writers to develop and create their art, and to share with the wider community.

We want to give artists and writers time, financial (in the form of $3k stipends) and community support, as well as resources to create.

To us, being a BIPOC residency means that artists and writers who identify as Black and/or Indigenous will receive priority as applicants. However, all Artists of Color are encouraged to apply. We’ve chosen this focus because, through surveys and conversations with community members, we learned that this is where we (organizationally and the Portland literary, publishing, and arts communities in general) have the most room for improvement. This Program, in its first form, will benefit 15 writers, visual artists, and small groups over three years (supported in large part by the Meyer Trust, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation). We hope to continue it beyond then.

There are two ways to apply: as an individual or as a small group. Through a juried selection process (that includes community members of color, not IPRC staff), two writers, two visual artists, and one small group (2-4 people) will be selected each year. We’re especially interested in individuals who cross disciplines, are unafraid of experimentation & collaboration, and whose work exhibits a strong perspective or vital message. The small group can include artists, writers, activists, or people who identify as both.

These residencies are primarily for Portland Metro Area residents (as we don’t provide housing), though it is open for anyone in Oregon.

Join us for a Q & A informational session via Zoom on Wednesday March 24th,  from 6-7pm. RSVP Here

You can also sign up for remote 1:1 application work sessions with IPRC Community Projects and Membership Coordinator Emmeline Eao between March 29th and April 7th. Email eao@iprc.org with interest.

ARTISTS & WRITERS WILL RECEIVE . . .

ACCESS & SPACE **Note: The IPRC is currently open by appointment only to keep our community safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Residents will be given priority as we adapt to state re-openings.

Residents will:
*Be encouraged to coordinate with staff to access the space anytime, even when the studio isn’t open to the public.
* Have access to the IPRC’s letterpress, risograph, and screen printing studio, supplies, computer lab, copiers, and other equipment.
* Receive galleys, cubbies, and print drawers for storage of in-progress work.
* Be encouraged to use the space for community meetings and events when safe to do so.

SUPPORT
* Each resident receives a $3,000 stipend. There are no restrictions on how the award can be used.
* IPRC staff are available to counsel and assist the residents throughout their project (and beyond); to work with residents to schedule meetings, events, and workshops in the space; and to support with grant-writing and proposals. 

RESOURCES
* Enrollment in IPRC workshops is free and encouraged.
* Inks, paper, and other materials in the studio are free to use.
* Printing credits provided.
* Volunteers and studio stewards are available to share their expertise and support the residents.

COMMUNITY
* Residencies happen at the same time to encourage collaboration.
* Shared studio time during open hours means that residents will get to know IPRC volunteers, members, and studio stewards. There will also be frequent skill-shares. COVID has changed this but we’ll be organizing virtual and socially distanced time to share space!
* Complimentary year-long IPRC studio membership is provided at the end of the residencies.

THE IPRC REQUIRES THAT RESIDENTS . . .

* Make frequent and active use of the IPRC studio and/or classroom during the residency period July, August, September 2021).

* Organize at least one exhibit, workshop, performance, event, or artist talk to take place in the space, a partner space, or virtually at some point during the residency period or directly after (in October 2021-January 2022). We also encourage ongoing engagements with the IPRC community.

TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS BY TUESDAY, 4/13 VIA THIS FORM :

* Artist or Group Statement

* Project Proposal (for the work that the artist will be engaged in during the residency; we don’t require that projects will be completed during the 3-month residency period but want to get a good sense of what you’ll be working on)

* Public Component Proposal (for the exhibit, workshop, performance, event, or artist talk you will present during your residency or directly afterwards)

* Email five work samples to info@iprc.org (Files should be JPEGs, PDFs, or TIFFs; please send videos as links; under 25 MB) ** Please read the IPRC Member Handbook ahead of time, so you come in with a good idea of how the IPRC studio works (link to the PDF is halfway down the page).