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About Twin Cities Pride 

Twin Cities Pride is the 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization that produces the annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival, March, and other year-round events. We seek involvement from Artists who affirm and support our mission.

Purpose of Artists in Residence Program 

Twin Cities Pride desires to use our visibility and platform as an LGBTQIA+ organization to elevate the work and voice of local LGBTQIA+ artists and amplify their exposure in the community.  We seek a mutually beneficial partnership with Artists to represent their work and represent Twin Cities Pride to our community and youth showing what is possible when living as your true self and following the passion and artistic expression deep within all of us. 

Twin Cities Pride is committed to celebrating and uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices and talents within our community. We are excited to continue to grow our year-long Artist Program designed to empower and showcase LGBTQIA+ artists. This program aims to provide a platform for artists to express themselves, connect with the Pride community, and contribute to the vibrant culture of our annual Pride festival.

Program Duration 

The program will run from January through December each year. Select artists will be invited to become advisors for the following year.   

Artist Selection 

We will accept 2-3 LGBTQIA+ artists annually, selected through our application process. Our goal is to support artists located in the Twin Cities who identify as LGBTQIA+. We seek artists who affirm and support our mission, vision, and history of and purpose in holding a pride festival.

Program Benefits for Selected Artists

• Prime Placement at Rainbow Artist Alley: Selected artists will receive prominent booth space at Rainbow Artist Alley during the Twin Cities Pride festival, granting them high visibility to thousands of festival attendees.  
• Design a Pride-Themed Art Piece: Artists will be provided a $500 stipend to create a piece of art in their chosen medium based on the theme for Pride that year. This artwork will be sold at the Grand Marshal Reception, at the festival, online, and at other events, with proceeds going to support our Art Program. This art will also be featured in promotional materials for the event.
• Collaborate on Program Art – Artists may also be given the opportunity to design promotional art for various events and initiatives throughout the year.
• Promotion on Twin Cities Pride social media, newsletter, website, and potential media opportunities.  
• Art Shows: Each artist may be provided the space for a month-long solo exhibit with an opening reception. At the end of the year, we will host an art show dedicated to showcasing the work of our selected artists. This exhibition will provide a platform for artists to display their creations to a broader audience.
• Mentorship Component: As part of the Twin Cities Pride Artist in Residence Program, selected artists will also serve as mentors for our Junior Artists in Residence. This involves guiding young LGBTQIA+ artists under the age of 18, sharing your creative expertise, and supporting their artistic development throughout the year. Mentoring will include collaborative projects, workshops, and helping Junior Artists prepare for a joint exhibition at the end of the program.
• Art Workshop for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Artists will participate in an art workshop day aimed at inspiring and mentoring LGBTQIA+ youth in our community. This workshop will encourage artistic expression, creativity, and self-confidence among young individuals.  
• Tabling Opportunities: Artists will be provided with free tabling space at TC Pride events when space is available 
• Access to artist space to create art, host artist gatherings, workshops, and art shows.  

Additional Program Perks 

• Mentorship Opportunities: When possible, we will connect artists with experienced mentors in the LGBTQIA+ art community to provide guidance and support. 

• Networking and Exposure: Artists will have the chance to network at Pride events with other LGBTQIA+ artists, activists, and community leaders, fostering connections that can advance their careers.  

• Professional Development: When possible, access to workshops and resources to help artists develop their professional skills, such as marketing, branding, and business management. 

All participants should display experience, and an avid interest, in their media and a desire to work to further the mission and vision of Twin Cities Pride by engaging the local community through meaningful public programs year-round. 

Stage of Career 

Artists at any career stage may apply for this opportunity. This opportunity is ideal for early to mid-career LGBTQIA+ artists looking to elevate their visibility and impact within the community. Whether you are established in your artistic journey or seeking to expand your influence, Twin Cities Pride offers a platform to showcase your work prominently. This is also ideal for an artist who has experience vending at a larger festival.

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to permanent residents of Minnesota. Priority will be given to LGBTQ+ artists (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit.) 

Selection Process 

Applications are reviewed by a committee of current artists in residence, program advisors, and non-profit professionals. The committee considers the following metrics when viewing applications: the artistic merit of submitted work, the alignment of the application with organizational mission and values, applicant’s desire to be part of a community, applicant’s ability to work safely and independently and building a diverse cohort of makers. 

Twin Cities Pride is committed to diversity and inclusion. Twin Cities Pride does not discriminate with respect to the selection of the artist in residence because of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical limitations, or military status. 

Additional Expectations/Opportunities: 

• Participate in public programming, to include Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 29-30, 2025.

• Participate in media interviews and social media posts.

• Participate in artist talks, group meetings, studio visits, critiques, and exhibitions.

• Participate in the Pride Artists in Residence Committee (4 meetings) to help develop the program.

• Be part of the 2026 Artists in Residence selection committee.

• Be a Twin Cities Pride Brand Ambassador representing the Program to the Community. 

Twin Cities Pride Junior Artist-in-Residence Program

As part of our continued commitment to fostering LGBTQIA+ creativity and supporting the next generation of artists, Twin Cities Pride is excited to announce the launch of the Junior Artist in Residence Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for aspiring LGBTQIA+ artists under the age of 18 to work closely with our Artists in Residence, develop their artistic skills, and collaborate on a final group exhibition.

Purpose of the Junior Artist in Residence Program

The Junior Artist in Residence Program is designed to:

• Mentor and Inspire: Junior artists will have the opportunity to shadow and collaborate with our Artists in Residence, gaining firsthand experience in creating, exhibiting, and presenting art.
• Foster Growth: Junior artists will participate in workshops and educational sessions aimed at developing their artistic skills and confidence.
• Create and Showcase Art: At the end of the program, Junior Artists will join their mentors to create a collaborative exhibition, showcasing their original works and those created through their residency experience.

Program Duration

The Junior Artist in Residence Program runs parallel to the main Artist in Residence Program, from January to December, culminating in a joint exhibition with the Artists in Residence.

Artist Selection

We will select 2-3 Junior Artists annually through an application process. Applicants must:

• Be under 18 years of age.
• Identify as LGBTQIA+ and reside in the Twin Cities.
• Show a passion for artistic expression, a desire to learn, and a commitment to the mission of Twin Cities Pride.
• Have guardian permission.
• Able to travel to Minneapolis and other Twin Cities metro areas for meetings/events.

Program Benefits for Junior Artists

• Mentorship: Each Junior Artist will be paired with a professional LGBTQIA+ artist from our Artist in Residence Program.
• Workshops: Participate in specialized art workshops led by experienced artists to learn techniques, skills, and professional practices.
• Art Exhibition: Junior Artists will participate in a group show at the end of the year, showcasing their work alongside their mentors.
• Community Exposure: Junior Artists will have opportunities to be featured in Twin Cities Pride's social media, newsletters, and website.
• Networking: Junior Artists will connect with local LGBTQIA+ artists, activists, and community leaders through Pride events and gatherings.

Eligibility

The Junior Artist in Residence Program is open to LGBTQIA+ youth under 18 who reside in the Twin Cities. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in visual arts and a desire to engage with the local LGBTQIA+ community through art.

Selection Process

A committee of current Artists in Residence, Junior Artist program mentors, and Pride staff will review applications. Selection criteria include artistic potential, alignment with the mission and values of Twin Cities Pride, and a desire to grow as an artist.

Application Requirements

• Artist Statement: A brief statement about your artistic practice and interests.
• Work Samples: 5-10 images of your artwork, demonstrating your creativity and potential.
• Goals for the Program: Describe your artistic goals and what you hope to learn through the Junior Artist in Residence Program.