The inaugural session of the SLV Social Practice Arts Residency will commence in the fall of 2019 and run through November 2020. We adopt the Alliance of Artist Communities’ definition of a social-practice residency as a program that primarily enables artists to engage in community-based work in significant ways throughout a residency. A social practice program necessitates residence because active community engagement and collaboration, and a local investment over time, are essential to deepen connections and address complex social issues in our region. The selected artists will be scheduled for 1 – 5 month residencies aligned with the university semesters. This will allow the guest artists the maximum benefit of university resources, such as facilities and student assistance, during their visit.

Alamosa, Colorado and ASU will serve as the artist’s host and creative home. Artists will be provided university housing and receive a stipend to cover project expenses. Upon arrival each artist will also receive an orientation to the SLV region, including meeting several project partners who will offer community connections to the artist, beyond the university, during their stay. The orientation is designed to introduce the artists and the community to each other, to help influence the development of their projects, and allow each artist exposure to, and feedback from the community.

The Social Practice Residency supports the creation of a wide range of projects through a philosophy of immersive discovery, discussion, creative thinking, and collaboration. The residency is designed to allow the artists as much freedom as possible to create projects that address our civic and social needs; therefore, the rotating position is not strictly tied to a specific discipline or form. However, it is our goal to select three individuals each with a background in either visual art, music, or theater. At the end of their session, each artist is responsible for organizing a capstone event. We are open to a wide range of project outcomes including those that could be fully realized within the community or those that are tied to a more traditional gallery or performance venue. All artist projects are required to involve close collaboration with the community, with participants directly involved in the process and result of projects.