residency

Requirements

• During their time in the program, the Resident will be asked to fulfill the following duties:
  • Be an active member of the TVCOG and Collar Works communities, and follow all set guidelines.
  • Complete the core element requirements of the Residency program, including attending the Digital Fabrication intensive class series and completing their signature project for Victorian Stroll.
  • Be an active media ambassador for TVCOG. This includes providing regular photographic, video and text updates to be shared in social media throughout their residency. 
  • Complete a new, physical work using at least one of TVCOG’s digital fabrication tools. 
  • Complete one shift of open studio hours at Collar Works
  • Complete an end-of-project presentation event at the end of the program.
  • Work with TVCOG staff to compile an end-of-residency summary video, to be shared on social media.
  • Set up a showcase of work for TVCOG’s Victorian Stroll event, and engage with the public as a TVCOG volunteer during the event.

Time Commitment & Scheduling

• This is an intensive program requiring around approximately at least 4-6 hours of work per week:
  • During the LEARN! portion (August – October), classes will occur once a week, with each class varying from 1 to 4 hours in length. Most classes are on Saturday afternoons or Thursday evenings.
    • During this time, residents will be asked to complete small independent projects using these tools and scrap materials. The time to meet this requirement varies depending on the independent projects and artist goals.
    • Artists will also be given recommendations for other learning sources and will have access to all other TVCOG equipment, safety orientations, clubs and zone office hours for independent work. These are benefits of the residency and not required.
  • During the CREATE! portion (November), we expect a project complex enough to require approximately 4- 6 hours a week of planning and on-site fabrication over the 5 week design and build period. Exact time commitment may be more depending on artists selected project.
    • Residents will be required to complete a project proposal and materials purchase list before the installation, which will be approved by TVCOG staff.
  • To complete the SHARE! portion, artists will be expected to do the following:
    • (1-2 hrs of installation/set up on December 6), and attend the event at TVCOG on December 7 (an all day event, exact times TBD)
    • Share regular photos, videos and text updates to TVCOG (approx. 1-2 hours per month) and work with TVCOG staff to create an end-of-residency summary video (1-2 hours)
    • Complete one 4-hour open studio shift at Collar Works (can be completed any time during residency)
  • Important program dates (subject to change):
    • July 25: Applications due.
    • July 30: Notification of awards
    • August 8: TVCOG Membership begins (online orientation required)
    • August 12th: Welcome Potluck and tour at TVCOG, 6pm
    • August 13-October 25: 10-part class series (one per week, Saturday afternoons/Thursday evenings); studio access to Collar Works begins (exact date TBD)
    • October 25-November 1: Project proposal consultations
    • November 1: Final exhibit proposals due, including materials purchase list
    • November 2-December 6: Project creation
    • December 7: Victorian Stroll
    • December 13: Access to Collar Works for individual projects ends
    • December 31: Access to TVCOG for individual project ends

Artists will also be expected to schedule regular check-ins with TVCOG staff (approx. 1 a month, scheduling flexible) for the duration of the program.

TVCOG strives to be as flexible and understanding as possible regarding scheduling, but some class and event dates are fixed. In addition, TVCOG works with contract instructors and volunteers for most classes and events, and their availability can be limited. This program is not a good fit for those who do not have schedule availability on Saturdays afternoons and/or Thursdays evenings and those who can’t commit to independent work time.

This program is the perfect fit for any traditional or emerging artist who wants to learn new techniques and broaden their horizon. Any local, underserved artist who is enthusiastic about, but perhaps intimidated by, incorporating digital fabrication techniques into their repertoire (2D and 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing) is encouraged to apply!

The ideal candidate is friendly, community-oriented, and passionate about making, innovation, and education. There is no restriction on artistic medium- makers and creators of any kind are welcome to apply, from traditional artists to entrepreneurs, engineers to crafters, and more.

This program is intended to provide digital fabrication training and other resources to local underserved artists who may not otherwise be able to access these resources, so eligibility requirements do apply; this program is open to Capital Region residents ages 18+ with demonstrated financial need.

• Capital Region Residency: To be considered a Capital Region resident, you must live in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren or Washington county.

Not eligible? Don’t worry! All classes and membership (which includes access to the space and all tools) are available to the public, as is participation in our Victorian Stroll Maker’s Market.

• Financial Eligibility: This residency is only open to LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income) individuals, as defined by HUD. Income limits are based on household size, see the chart below.

• TVCOG uses HUD’s definition of being Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area and tiered income database to decide eligibility and determine demonstrated financial need. The chart above is the current maximum income limit by household size. Those who make over this income level are not eligible. Applicants will be asked to self-certify income range and household size as part of the application. Income amounts and household sizes should be based on 2024 tax documents.

While this residency is open to all applicants who meet the program’s financial and residential eligibility requirements, additional priority will be given to individuals from communities that have historically been underrepresented or marginalized in the arts. For the purposes of this program, TVCOG adopts the New York State Council on the Arts’ definition of underserved communities, which includes (but is not limited to) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; low-income individuals; immigrants and refugees; and individuals from rural, remote, or disinvested urban communities. Demonstrated financial need is also considered in the application evaluation process.

Not sure if you’re a good fit? Questions about eligibility? Please contact us via email at info@tvcog.net. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.