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The Umbrella Arts Center, in Concord MA, seeks applicants for its 2026/27 Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program. Active artists looking to join a vibrant arts community in Greater Boston and further their careers are encouraged to apply. For the 2026/27 season, The Umbrella seeks one (1) Ceramics AiR.

• Residency Dates: September 14, 2026 - August 31, 2027
• Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2026
• Decision Announcement:  By May 29, 2026

The Umbrella Arts Center is an active and vibrant interdisciplinary art center with 50+ Studio Artists, an independent ceramics studio and a fully equipped woodshop, robust education programs, multiple galleries with year-round exhibition, and a performance program encompassing an award-winning Stage Company and celebrated Concert Series in the historic center of Concord, MA.

 

The Umbrella’s AiR program brings together a cohort of artists participating in The Umbrella’s residency programs in Visual Arts, Education, and Performing Arts. The cohort is encouraged to support each other and their projects throughout the year, and The Umbrella will provide professional development and networking opportunities.

 

The AiR program is for emerging artists. We define an “emerging artist” as someone who, within approximately the last five years, has either…

•  Completed an advanced degree program (such as an MFA).
• Become an early career artist. For example…
  • “I worked as a non-arts or arts-adjacent professional for many years but have now decided to turn my professional focus to my artistic practice.”
  • “I am not interested in pursuing an advanced degree, but I am dedicated to building a career as a full-time artist.”

 

If your experience does not fit either of these definitions, but you still define yourself as an emerging artist, please apply and let us know why you identify as such as part of your application.

 

Applicants are expected to be working primarily in ceramics and are expected to participate in the educational operations of the studio through teaching classes and/or workshops.

The Umbrella is particularly interested in ceramic artists who will…

●  Use their residency as an opportunity to explore, experiment with, and elevate contemporary art practices and conversations.

●  Foster internal and external collaborations and partnerships. 

●  Engage our local and broader community in The Umbrella’s mission to promote creativity, learning, personal growth, and cultural exchange through accessible arts programming.

Residency Requirements: We are looking for artists interested in active engagement with The Umbrella community in Concord and beyond. As part of the residency program, the Artist-in-Residence (AiR) is expected to…

 

• Make regular, active, and productive use of the studio space (minimum of 20 hours per week) for the length of the residency.
• Present at least one Artist Talk, and any additional public program of any format with the goal of engaging The Umbrella community in your work.
• Participate in The Umbrella’s Winter Market (December 4 - 6, 2026) and Open Studios (May 1 - 2, 2027).
• Participate in any AiR cohort events and programs.
• Make efforts to attend monthly Artist Meetings and other formal and informal artist events throughout the year. 
• Maintain communication with Umbrella staff and participation in program evaluations,

Interest and experience in teaching is a plus.