2023-2024 Artist in Residence Program
The Artist in Residence program at Unity Church-Unitarian (aka Unity) seeks to cultivate generative relationships between the church and creatives across diverse art forms, to undertake a period of focused work with artists over a period of years that amplifies the congregation’s vision of becoming a multicultural, antiracist Beloved Community. Through the exchange between the artist(s) and church community, presenting and sharing both the creative work and process, the program seeks to activate our imagination, foster relationships among and beyond our church walls, inspire spiritual and emotional growth, and open the church community to larger dimensions in the work of making cultural change.
Program Specifics
During the 2023-2024 church year, Unity’s Artist in Residence program is seeking one musician or one musical group. This artist or group will perform in worship services on select Sundays, and may also collaborate with Unity’s choral program, religious education program, or other community programming.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and may not be enrolled in a full time degree program. Applicants must be residents of the Twin Cities 7-County Metro Area. Applicants may be at any stage in their career, but must be able to demonstrate achievement in their artistic field and have a history of public presentation or community contribution in music. If applying as a group, all members must be individually eligible.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and may not be enrolled in a full time degree program. Applicants must be residents of the Twin Cities 7-County Metro Area. Applicants may be at any stage in their career, but must be able to demonstrate achievement in their artistic field and have a history of public presentation or community contribution in music. If applying as a group, all members must be individually eligible.
THE WORK
The selected artist or group will receive $3,000 to create, prepare, and perform music for services and/or other church programs between January 1-May 30, 2024. These funds should cover the artist(s) payment, payment for any collaborators or guest artists, access to any sheet music, rights to perform certain pieces, or payment to composers, and any necessary equipment or instruments that the artist or group does not already possess. Please note that if a group is selected, payment for each group member must come out of this $3,000 budget.
Applicants will be asked to propose a series of musical performances and activities that express Unity’s values of “wonder, open-hearted engagement, and courageous action,” that align with Unity’s ends, and that create meaningful connections between community members within and outside the walls of the church. Please visit browse this website to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, who we are, our mission and values, and current programs. Proposed projects may find alignment with existing programs and enhance or add dimension to an area of interest at the church. It is up to the applicant to describe how their work may fit with the church’s programs and/or interests.
The selected artist or group will develop their planned musical performances in conversation with Unity Church ministers, Director of Music Ministry, and Worship Associates as part of the worship planning process, and will collaborate on creating worship services that are cohesive and aligned with each month’s theme. The music will be one element—along with text, prayer, personal reflections, and sermons—of a larger service.
Please send questions to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 17.
The selected artist or group will receive $3,000 to create, prepare, and perform music for services and/or other church programs between January 1-May 30, 2024. These funds should cover the artist(s) payment, payment for any collaborators or guest artists, access to any sheet music, rights to perform certain pieces, or payment to composers, and any necessary equipment or instruments that the artist or group does not already possess. Please note that if a group is selected, payment for each group member must come out of this $3,000 budget.
Applicants will be asked to propose a series of musical performances and activities that express Unity’s values of “wonder, open-hearted engagement, and courageous action,” that align with Unity’s ends, and that create meaningful connections between community members within and outside the walls of the church. Please visit browse this website to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, who we are, our mission and values, and current programs. Proposed projects may find alignment with existing programs and enhance or add dimension to an area of interest at the church. It is up to the applicant to describe how their work may fit with the church’s programs and/or interests.
The selected artist or group will develop their planned musical performances in conversation with Unity Church ministers, Director of Music Ministry, and Worship Associates as part of the worship planning process, and will collaborate on creating worship services that are cohesive and aligned with each month’s theme. The music will be one element—along with text, prayer, personal reflections, and sermons—of a larger service.
Please send questions to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 17.