Develop New Skills with our Digital Fabrication Artist Residency!
Digital fabrication tools have become more accessible over the past decade, but unfortunately, the amount of training required to operate them is still a barrier to entry. Digital fabrication tools can also be intimidating for an artist coming from an analog background, especially since these tools primarily serve the engineering and manufacturing industries. We created the Digital Fabrication Artist Residency program to overcome these barriers and empower makers and creators in our community.
The Digital Fabrication Artist Residency program provides two local artists with the opportunity to learn how to use our suite of digital fabrication equipment alongside fellow makers, engineers, and artists. Upon completion of the program, residents will be allotted a $500 budget and have the opportunity to use their new skillset to create a project using our tools. Projects will be showcased at Troy's annual Victorian Stroll celebration.
Eligibility restrictions do apply to the Residency (see below), but all classes are available to the public.
Applications for the 2024 Residency are no longer being accepted. We anticipate running the program again in 2025, provided funding is found. Keep an eye on our social media or newsletters to be notified about the status of the 2025 Residency program.
This program is made possible thanks to The Arts Center of the Capital Region.
Not a Resident? Don't worry, the classes are all open to the public! Financial assistance is available to those who need it. Please visit our Classes and Events page to learn more.
Why apply?
- LEARN! Attend a carefully curated series of Digital Fabrication classes, get one-on-one mentorship and get access to all of our events and trainings for FREE. The Digital Fabrication class series includes:
- Fundamental Vector Design & Vinyl Cutter Operation
- Laser Cutter Operation
- Intro to CAD for Additive Manufacturing
- Intro to 3D Scanning
- Operation Training: Stratasys F270 & Formlabs 3B 3D Printers
- Fundamentals of Fusion360 CAD & CAM
- CNC Router Operation
- CNC Mill Operation
In addition to the class series, Residents will receive a $200 Maker Mentor credit, which can be used for on-one hourly training, as-needed to fill in concepts not fully grasped in the classes. Residents will also have access to all Zone Orientations, Zone Office Hours and up to 75% discount on all TVCOG classes during their residency, if they would like to take advantage of those optional offerings.
- CREATE! Design and build a new work using your newly-developed skills.
- Receive a complimentary 6 month Super Maker Membership & project storage space; this includes 24/7 access to the space and all equipment
- $500 materials budget for your signature project
- Work on your own personal projects! All equipment in the facility is available for your use.
- SHARE!
- Display your completed project during Troy's annual Victorian Stroll event. Along with their signature work, artists will also be given a complimentary vendor table in our annual Makers Market during the event.
- Inspire others to try something new by showcasing what's possible. Give a behind-the-scenes look into your project's development, sharing digital fabrication techniques and lessons learned. This can take the form of a workshop, presentation, seminar, video essay etc.
Upon completion of the Residency, the artists will be able to produce original designs on the laser cutter, 3D-printers and other tools. In addition, they will have completed a project of their own design (using the $500 materials budget) which will be exhibited at TVCOG during Troy's annual Victorian Stroll and had a chance to connect with our Maker community.