The Fresh, Innovative, Non-stop Expression (F.I.N.E.) Artist Residency Program is Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s longstanding, bold experiment to intentionally connect visiting children and youth to authentic and innovative art experiences developed by and with working artists in the community.

This year the museum is commissioning 14 artists to create an art object with the same set of parameters. The pieces should be representative of each artist’s unique style and practice,  and will be displayed together as a collaborative collection. The goal is to present a diverse array of artworks consisting of a wide range of stylistic elements and media that is also a cohesive, visually engaging collection. 

In addition, the program invites working artists to connect with the museum’s visitors by presenting authentic art techniques in workshops, demonstrations and open exploration. Artists often use the residency as a way to push themselves and/or interpret their art in new and interesting ways that allow younger audiences to enjoy the artist’s process through hands-on interaction.

Artists work with our Creative Experiences Department to co-design and implement activities appropriate for learners of all ages and abilities. 

Artists will be in residence with the museum and work collaboratively with museum staff to:

• Create an individual artwork that is included in a larger collaborative installation
• Attend at least 1 of 4 artists meet-ups to convene and discuss the project, share progress and get feedback from museum staff and fellow artists
• Optional– Artist that are interested can develop a public program to share with museum visitors to explore their artistic practice through a hands-on art making activity. The goal is to have at least 8 selected artists participate in this aspect of the residency.

All activities will occur between November 2024 and March 2025. Artworks will be installed April/May 2025.

$500 artist stipend per artist

$200 materials budget per artist

Artists who are conducting programs for museum visitors will receive additional funds of $100/hour and materials for the program.

Artists working in all forms of fine art are encouraged to apply. Those with demonstrated capabilities in their medium will be considered.  You must be 18 years or older to apply. 

Each artist is responsible for picking up their substrate/frame from the museum and delivering their artwork to the museum 100% complete. Artists residing anywhere in the United States may apply, but are solely responsible for any/all delivery or necessary shipping expenses. 

The project is intended to create a collaborative artwork with various styles and media. It also strives to share artist’s process and craft with museum visitors through hands-on art experiences. 

Apply Here

Application Deadline:  

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
11:59 pm

Selected artists will be notified by Monday, October 14, 2024.

If you have questions about the F.I.N.E. Art residency, please email submissions@pittsburghkids.org

Additionally, there will be a virtual information session about call for artists held via Zoom on September 19, 2024 at 8 pm EST. This is a space for artists interested applying to communicate with the project manager and ask any questions they may have about their application and/or the process. If you are interested in attending, email submissions@pittsburghkids.org to obtain a Zoom link.