Echo Artists in Residence (Due Feb. 10)
Echo Artists in Residence
Deadline: February 10th, 2026
The Echo Artists in Residence Program invites two artists each quarter to experiment and create on-site projects for our galleries and the greater Cleveland community. Each season, SPACES selects one local artist from Northeast Ohio—defined as Cuyahoga County and its contiguous counties: Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Lake—and one artist from outside the region. These two artists form a peer cohort, fostering the exchange of ideas, techniques, and networks. While collaboration is not required, the selection committee seeks artists with complementary or intersecting themes to enhance dialogue and impact. SPACES encourages applicants to propose projects that push the boundaries of their artistic practice, and share an authentic connection to this region. Residencies typically last 4-6 weeks, resulting in an approximately 6 week long exhibition.
An echo is inherently site-specific, emerging from a point of origin, resonating outward and looping back—just as SPACES serves as a forum for ideas to be explored, shared, and reflected upon. By pairing artists with complementary or intersecting perspectives, the residency creates a dynamic “echo” of creativity, connecting artist, space, and audience.
Benefits
Each Echo artist receives comprehensive support to ensure a meaningful and productive residency experience. Participants will have access to:
An artist honorarium and production budget
Full use of SPACES’ production facilities and A/V equipment
Access to offsite maker spaces at no cost
Research support and curatorial guidance
On-site lodging in the gallery
A dedicated local artist ambassador to help foster genuine community connections
Opportunities to engage in local cultural experiences
Marketing and Press support, including a press release
An exhibition preview night with community arts leaders
A public exhibition opening reception
A one-year SPACES membership, which includes free access to SPACES professionalization workshops and ArtsPass—a cross-organizational artist membership with Zygote Press, The Morgan Conservatory, and Praxis Fiber Workshop. ArtsPass members enjoy workshop discounts and open studio access across all three organizations.
SPACES is located in Cleveland’s historic LGBTQIA+ neighborhood, a walkable area near downtown with easy access to public transportation—and even a SPACES artist bike for getting around the city.