The Enoch Pratt Free Library Artist & Writer in Residence Program is designed to support creatives in developing their practice while fostering community engagement. This year-long residency provides a platform for artists and writers to create, exhibit, and teach through monthly public programs. The selected artist and writer will collaborate with library staff to design inclusive, educational, and inspiring activities that reflect diverse artistic disciplines and community interests.

This year, the residency encourages proposals from artists creating two-dimensional art ONLY. Examples include (but are not limited to) drawing, painting, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, illustration, and printing (with water-based inks only). Additionally, the Writer in Residence will focus on poetry, offering workshops, readings, and other literary programming to engage the community in creative writing.

The program emphasizes community, connection, creativity, and accessibility. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and amplifying the voices of historically underrepresented communities. We deeply value all forms of diversity and strive to ensure that each resident’s experience at EPFL is both enriching and enjoyable.

Work Space:

• The resident artist will have access to a dedicated studio space within the library for the duration of the residency.
• The resident writer will work from various locations in the Central Library and neighborhood branches.

Notification of applicant status will be made by May 23, 2025. 

Timeline:

• May 1st - Application deadline
• June: Jury panel meets
• June: Three finalists offered in person interviews (Zoom interview is not an option.)
• July: Finalist announced

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Artist/Writer Statement
• Biography
• Resume/CV (Include exhibition history for artists. Writers with experience in the publishing industry should also include relevant details.)
• Portfolio of Work
  • Artists: 10-15 images
  • Writers: Three poems (totaling no more than 10 pages)
    • Poems must have been previously published (in print or digital format).
    • Please provide publication details for the poems on a separate page.
    • Self-published work will not be accepted.
• Proposal outlining your vision for the residency, including a plan for monthly public programs.
• Two professional references

Eligibility Criteria

• Location & Age: Open to Maryland-based artists and writers 21 years or older.
• Residency Commitment: Must be able to commit to monthly programming throughout the 11-month residency (August 2025 – June 2026).
• Artists: Only two-dimensional art is accepted, including drawing, painting, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, illustration, and printing with water-based inks.
• Writers: Must specialize in poetry.
• Experience: Preference will be given to applicants with experience in:
  • Community-based projects
  • Public workshops
  • Previous residencies
  • Classroom teaching
  • Other demonstrated experience working with the public
• Artists and writers at different points in their practice are encouraged to apply.
• Current Pratt Library staff are not eligible to apply.
• Notification of applicant status by May 23, 2025