Focussing on In Residence Programmes

In-residence programmes are set up to benefit not only the organisation who is welcoming the expert, but also to give the expert an opportunity to push their own boundaries within a new area of work.

Residency opportunities usually begin with an invitation to an artist, academic, curator or other creative person to join an organisation for a set period of time. This can be for years, a season or just for the duration of one event.

During this time they will meet new people, perhaps experience a new sector and explore how their knowledge can find solutions to the problems faced by the host organisation.

A resident can be found through an open call, application process or through a personal invitation.

You are most likely to find a creative person ‘in-residence’ at a university, gallery, museum or theatre, but sabbaticals away from traditional jobs can be found in all professions.

There is no set model and the relationship between resident and host can be outlined prior to the position being accepted.

While most residency programmes are set up by an organisation in need of new talents, there are specific organisations that are there to solely support exchange programmes.

The Exploratorium’s Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR) has grown to include hundreds of artists and performers. The museum is particularly interested in artist groups who are keen to try to work collaboratively to find new working methods. Their projects have involved everything from walking tours to film making and theatrical performances.

The Exploratorium encourages the artists to get involved in the culture. Residencies through this programme usually last for two years.

Academically and the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program assists U.S. higher education institutions in expanding programs of academic exchange.

They support non-US scholars with grants for teaching at institutions that are lacking a strong international component, to allow the institution and the grantee to benefit.

These are just a few examples of in residence programmes from around the world.

To keep up to date with the Techies in Residence programme, or to get involved check the website or follow the programme on Twitter - @TechInRes