Call for Artists for 2025–2026 

About the Residency

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is seeking a local artist to serve as our 2025–2026 Artist in Residence, exhibiting their work in UCI’s newly renovated Magnolia Office and UCPD spaces. This year-long residency supports UCI’s mission to answer the call for connection and community in Cleveland’s Circle of arts, culture, wellness, and learning.

Through this opportunity, the selected artist will:

• Exhibit their work throughout UCI’s office
• Engage the community through classes and public art activations
• Gain visibility via receptions, communications, and optional media feature

This residency highlights the value of local artistic voices and fosters meaningful interaction between artists and community members. Work should relate to UCI’s mission of connecting community through arts, culture, wellness, and learning — directly or through thoughtful interpretation.

Scope of the Residency

Exhibition:

• Duration: December 2025 – November 2026
• Installation: November 2025 (within a 2-week period)
• Removal: November 2026 (within 1 week of closure)
• Mediums: Open to both 2D and 3D works
• Sales: Artists may sell exhibited work and retain 100% of sales (replacement required within two weeks)

Community Engagement:

• Lead two seasonal community art classes (Fall & Spring — stipend provided)
• Participate in UCI public realm art activations (optional and to be determined in coordination with the artist— stipend provided)

Events:

• UCI will host both opening and closing receptions for the exhibit

Media & Promotion:

• Artists may be included in press releases, newsletters, social media, and email campaigns

Submission Requirements

Please email your submission between August 1–30, 2025, including:

• A short artist statement or letter of interest, highlighting your connection with UCI mission and any experience with community engagement, art instruction and public art installation, as applicable
• Images of at least 7 works created within the past 5 years
• Your CV or resume
• Contact information and links to website/social media

Send to:
Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer
sheffia.randall-nickerson@universitycircle.org

For questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.