2023 FELLOWSHIP RESIDENCY

• Fellows receive a $7500 stipend to create a finished work to be installed at Franconia Sculpture Park for up to two years.
• Online studio visit with a curator.
• 10% discount at the Franconia Commons Gift Store
• Access to the Twin Cities arts community
• Able to return as an Alumni member

• Fellows are encouraged to fabricate work in advance before arrival. 
• Artists may stay 2-6 weeks on-site for installation/presentation. 
• Stipend use should include budgeting for travel and accommodations in Miami. 
• Artists give a public talk.
• Fellows are responsible for the de-installation of work in consultation with the organization and by arrangement with the site manager.

THE ARTIST HOUSE

• The artist stays on-site at the 4500 sq. ft. artist house. 
• Each artist receives a private bedroom and shares 2.5 shared bathrooms, two kitchens, and indoor common spaces for gathering. 
• WIFI + laundry facilities
• Office space
• Parking for personal vehicle

THE WORK PAD

• Artists work outside and share space at a partially-covered 10,000 square foot work pad. 
• Each artist receives a work shed to store work or personal tools.

OUTDOOR SPACE

There are outside spaces to gather such as:

• a large green lawn and walking paths placed throughout 50-acres of prairie made up of plants native to the region. 
• an extended wrap-around porch at the front of the house
• an outdoor community gathering space with granite slab tables and benches for meals or workshops

FRANCONIA SCULPTURE PARK

FAQ – RESIDENCY 2022

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Where is Franconia?

Approximately one hour from the Twin Cities, Franconia Sculpture Park is located in East Central Minnesota, in the Saint Croix River Valley. It is currently surrounded by farmland and prairie. 

What’s the weather like?

Visit Accuweather for up-to-the-minute weather. Minnesota weather tends toward the dramatic – it can change every five minutes. There could be sun, clouds, hot, cold, rain, hail, sleet, snow, ice, etc. Be prepared! Franconia is located in the northern Midwest and east-central area of Minnesota. We experience a range of temperatures throughout the year, so be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. 

MINNESOTA CLIMATE BY THE MONTH

(Fahrenheit)

How is Franconia addressing the COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

Based on advice that has been circulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health, we have put preventative measures in place to the best of our ability to ensure that we respect six-foot social distancing, mask-wearing, strategic scheduling, handwashing, and sanitizing surfaces. Residents receive a private room and share 2.5 baths. Artists will work primarily outside during the day. At any given time, there will be up to ten people sharing a 4500 sq. ft. house. Even though we are taking the utmost precautions, we want to be transparent and explicit in acknowledging that we can’t guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. We will ask you to sign a COVID-19 waiver acknowledging that some risk is present.

Franconia Sculpture Park does not take any of the decisions mentioned above lightly. These

actions are being taken to protect the health and welfare of all residents of this community. It is also necessary for residents to take this situation seriously and do their part to minimize risk exposure. We highly encourage you to review safety guidelines and look for updates from the CDC, the local health department, and the World Health Organization.

How do I stay informed of upcoming opportunities? 

Sign up for our newsletter https://www.franconia.org/subscribe/ and follow us on social media. 

THE APPLICATION

Is there Barrier-Free Access? 

Yes, for the first two weeks the application is open, it is FREE to apply! 

Can I apply for more than one application? 

Yes. You must pay an application fee and apply individually for each residency you apply for. In the instance that you are accepted to both, the panel will select one opportunity for you.

Can I defer my residency once I have been accepted? 

Unfortunately, Franconia does not allow deferrals.

How long are residencies? 

Emerging Artist Residencies last between 8 to 10 weeks depending on scheduling. Start and End dates are firm and everyone must arrive and depart on the same day. 

Fellowship Residencies last between three weeks to three months depending on their schedule.

Artist Family Residencies last for one week, the length of a Youth summer camp at Franconia.

Writer Residencies last either two or three weeks. 

I am currently a student. Can I apply? 

Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for the Emerging Artist program if they are on a school hiatus or break. We can’t accommodate artists who will be actively attending classes while in residency.

How do you select artists?

Artists are selected by an outside panel of curators, arts administrators, and artists based on top-scoring applications in accordance with our criteria. We also ask that the panel consider a diversity of lived experiences. 

Do you provide Financial Aid?

No. At this time, we provide residency stipends only. 

Can I mail or email an application? 

No. Franconia will only look at applications submitted correctly at Submittable.com. 

Is there a Waiting List? 

Residents are selected as well as Alternates from that year’s applicant pool. 

I’m an alumni member. Can I reapply? 

Yes, you may reapply at a discounted application fee of $15. This will not give you priority to being accepted again, however.

Need help putting together an application Budget?

WHILE IN RESIDENCE

Is there a typical day?

Not really. All artists prepare their own breakfasts and lunches. Dinners are prepared by all artists, often scheduled by the Program Assistant, and is served at 6 pm nightly. Emerging Artists clean house on Monday mornings 9 am -10 am. Emerging Artists work 16 hours a week plus 2-3 public events a month. Fellowship Artists are required to meet for dinner at 6 pm.

Is there Cleaning Staff for the Artist House? 

No. All artists staying and eating at the house are responsible for cleaning their dishes and countertops immediately after eating. Emerging Artists perform house cleaning weekly. Fellowship Artists clean up after themselves. Visiting Artists clean up after themselves. Writers perform light housekeeping duties as well. Everyone keeps social spaces tidy and free from personal items. 

Can I continue to go to my job while in residence?

Unfortunately, no. We want to provide an immersive experience for the artists and build community between cohort members. The residency is intended as a gift of time and space away from your day-to-day responsibilities. Leaving the residency can interrupt the experience.

What is the work area like?

Franconia’s studios and work areas are outdoors. Most of the work area is not under shade. All artists share the work area – this means everyone needs to maintain a respectful and considerate environment. Additionally, because of the exposed nature of the workspace, artists’ schedules are dependent on the weather. 

There is a covered bridge crane in the work area that can be used based on availability. We recommend allotting at least one week of extra time to work on your project because of the weather (i.e. if the project should take you 3 weeks in perfect conditions, expect it to take at least 4). 

You will be provided with a work shed to store your personal tools, which you should plan on bringing. These spaces are not temperature-controlled or leak-proof. 

There are three 18’ – 20’ gantries with chain hoists, a covered bridge crane, and steel & wood worktables. Also, there is a 10-ton forklift, 3-ton crane truck, MIG & stick welders, an air compressor & hoses, torches, metal chop saw, drill press, band saw, landscaping equipment (rakes, shovels, post hole diggers, loppers, etc.) 

We also have a Skutt kiln with Zone 10 capability.

Do I need to bring my tools and safety gear?

Yes! Bring your tools and safety gear. 

Franconia does not have small hand tools or safety gear for artist use. Plan to bring your own equipment or other necessary tools. For example, you might bring your own hand tools (vice grips, clamps, wire brush, etc.), electric tools (grinder, drill, saws, etc.), measuring (tape, ruler, T-square, etc.), marking (grease pencil, chalk, sharpie, etc.), misc. (X-acto, staple gun, scissors, chisel, etc.), heavy-duty extension cord, outdoor work light, chemicals (WD-40, patinas, etc.), toolbox, safety glasses/goggles, leather gloves & welding jacket, lightweight work gloves, ear protection, face shield, welding helmet, cap/bandana, respirator/dust masks, digital camera for documentation, tripod, flash drive, headlamp, flashlight, and work lights.

It is advised to bring a toolbox, which will help protect your tools and supplies from the elements, as well as a locked container, which will prevent any unwanted borrowing. 

Can I ship my tools and materials to Franconia? 

Many people choose to send personal tools or materials to Franconia via UPS or FedEx before their arrival. Please remember that all Franconia tools and equipment are communal and get frequent use. If excess luggage is a constraint, you can ship your belongings to Franconia ahead of time. Please contact ellina@franconia.org for more information.

Most common regret? Not bringing a grinder or hand tools.

Are meals provided? 

Franconia staff shop for groceries weekly for standard cooking items (meat, milk, bread, cheese, produce, coffee, sugar, flour, etc.). Every resident is responsible for preparing their own breakfast and lunch, as well as cleaning up after themselves. Cooking and cleaning for evening meals are done in pairs, according to a schedule prepared by Franconia staff, and the meal is served family-style at 6 pm weekly. Special dietary needs will be accommodated, to the best of our ability. If you are in need of more than basic food items you will need to provide them. 

How long does the work stay at FSP?

For Emerging Artists, the work stays for a minimum of eight months. For Fellowship Artists, the work stays for a minimum of two years. At this time there is no maximum duration that a single work can stay in the exhibition. It is largely influenced by how it stands up to the elements and how it fits within the exhibition. 

Can the work be for sale? What is the commission if work sells?

Yes, the work can be for sale. We do not list it on signage or the website. If the work is purchased, Franconia Sculpture Park retains a 30% commission. 

How are the residencies funded?

The residencies are funded through grants and donations.

Can I have overnight guests?

Currently, we allow overnight guests of residents for up to three days. Guests pay a fee of $15/day. Overnight visitors are permitted on a case-by-case basis and need to be approved ahead of time by the Residency Director with at least two weeks’ notice. COVID-19 has impacted the number of people we have in the Artist’s House, so this must be approved. 

What if I don’t finish my project by the time I need to leave?

Working in an outdoor studio presents challenges – your schedule will be largely dependent on the weather. We encourage all artists to allow for one to two weeks of extra time to finish their proposed project. If an artist is nearing the end of the residency and fears they will not finish, they should schedule a strategic meeting with the Residency Director and Site Manager to problem solve. If unable to finish the project, artists can work with the Residency Director and Site Manager to come up with a solution. This may be scheduling a time to come back or finding contractors to help finish. If an agreement cannot be made and the work cannot be finished, the work may not be included in the exhibition.

Will extra help be provided to complete my project?

Franconia staff is on-hand to provide technical support and respond to the studio needs of our residents. Often, the community of artists-in-residence comes together to help with brief large tasks. Fellowship Artists will have the occasional assistance of Emerging Artists as scheduled by the Production Manager. Typically, 25% of Emerging Artist’s work hours are devoted to helping Fellowship Artists. Any additional help will be the responsibility of the artist to procure.

Do I need to have a vehicle? How do I get around?

Artists do not need to have a vehicle during their stay at Franconia, but in most cases we recommend it. The rural location means all stores are at least a 15-minute drive. That said, one doesn’t need a car. We will work with any artists needing to arrange for pick up and drop off at the airport, and artists can carpool with other artists-in-residence. If needed, staff may be able to help run close and quick errands. Not having a vehicle just requires more planning and communication!

Please keep in mind that Franconia is located in a rural area, at the intersection of two highways. Almost every place you will want to go (grocery and convenience store, hardware store, etc.) requires a vehicle. The nearest large town is 25 miles away, and the Twin Cities are 50 miles away. If you will not have a vehicle during your residency, you will need to coordinate errands with Franconia staff or other residents with vehicles.

Am I responsible for the de-installation of my work?

Artists will work together with the Production and Site Managers to determine the process of deinstallation. Typically, the Site Manager, along with Emerging Artists, de-install the work. The artist is responsible for picking it up and transporting it away. Should an artist need to deinstall it prior to when it is scheduled to happen, they will need to do it themselves, making the proper arrangements to do so, and paying for the resources needed. Additionally, if deinstallation will be difficult and requires a lot of resources, the artist will be asked to be present.

If I live locally, do I have to live at Franconia Sculpture Park? 

Local Fellowship Artists do not need to live on-site during their residency period. If a Fellowship Artist chooses to live off-site they are required to work on-site for a minimum of 16 hours per week. Fellows will still be responsible for costs associated with meals, and may need to help with Franconia events.

8 artists will be selected for Fellowship residencies and are asked to select residency session:

Spring 2023 Session

April 6, 2023 – June 15, 2023 

Application Open: June 1, 2022 – August 1, 2022, 11:59 PM CST

Fall 2023 Session 

September 7, 2023 – November 23, 2023

Application Open: June 1, 2022 – August 1, 2022, 11:59 PM CST

FEES 

• $25 non-refundable application fee via the Submittable platform. 
• FREE to apply for the first two weeks the application is open.
• Alumni pay only a $15 application fee. 
• Collaboratives of two submit one application and pay one fee.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Artist Statement (150 words)
• Project Proposal (250 words)
• A one-sentence summary of the project (25 words)
• Connection to Franconia’s site? (150 words)
• How do you envision your work engaging local communities? (150 words)
• How does your work relate to Franconia’s theme (150 words)
• Project Budget
• Current CV/Résume.
• (2) References
• (8) work samples

• 8 media samples of work completed within the past five years, accepted formats:
• Images (1MB each)
• Videos (250MB each)
• Audio (up to 30MB each)
• PDF (up to 10 MB each)
• Image Size: 1MB each, .jpegs, mp3, .mov, or .pdfs are preferred. 
• Each time-based work sample should be 3 – 5 minutes in length.
• Text-based media samples should be submitted in .pdf format, approximately one page in length. 
• Works in progress are allowed. 
• Omit multiple-page pdfs as one media sample. 
• Do not combine multiple images into one work sample. 

APPLICATION REVIEW

1. After you submit your application at Submittable.com, you will receive an email confirming your submission. 
2. Applications will be reviewed by a panel composed of paid arts professionals that may include artists, curators, academics, and critics and one Franconia staff member to represent organizational knowledge of the site and resources. The panel will be directed to consider a diversity of lived experiences and practices to represent the park. 
3. The application panel will create a top-ranking artist pool.
4. Applicants applying for more than one opportunity will only be selected for one residency, decided by the panel or administration. 

CRITERIA

Artists selected are scored for: 

• artistic merit 
• a demonstrated connection to the site 
• have an interest in engaging with the community 

Applications that relate directly to the curatorial theme may be prioritized.

PANELISTS

Forthcoming.