Introduction

Imagine...

• People of all ages, abilities and backgrounds finding personal fulfillment through engagement in the arts throughout their lives.
• Learning environments that excite imaginations, foster creativity and emphasize quality.
• Communities deepening their understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage and diversity.
• Citizens using creative approaches to address the complexities of living in the 21st century to bring about a better future.

The Ohio Arts Council believes its investment in the arts is crucial to achieving our desired future. Working in the arts and with artists develops the skills, knowledge and ways of thinking that allow us to address complexity and foster creative approaches to living. Working deeply in an art discipline is an important way to understand the power of the arts.

Artist residencies are one way to discover that power. Residencies sponsored through the Office of Arts Learning are designed to:

• reveal connections across disciplines
• inspire reflection and refinement about developing artistic work
• connect to human values
• tap the unique expressive qualities of the arts
• rejuvenate the human spirit

The Handbook for a Successful Residency: For Schools, Community Organizations and Artists is organized to take you through the entire process of conceiving, preparing for and conducting a residency. The sponsor's or applying organization's guide is presented first; the artist's guide follows. We hope it helps sponsors and artists understand how their individual efforts contribute to producing a successful residency. Creating a residency is a collaborative process. It is important that those involved in the residency build a broad base of support to share the learning, excitement and workload.

Many hands have shaped our handbook. Over the years, artists and sponsors have offered advice on what is needed to conduct a successful residency through stories, final reports, phone conversations, and grant panel review meetings. The handbook lays the foundation for effective communication among all parties involved in planning and implementing artist residencies.

Because each residency is unique, we may not have answered all your questions through this publication. Remember that we are just a phone call or email away. Feel free to contact Arts Learning Program Coordinator Chiquita Mullins Lee at 614/466-2613 or by email at chiquita.mullinslee@oac.state.oh.us. We look forward to working with you throughout your residency experience.