Residency Opportunity: 2027 Cellar Press Minnesota Artist Residency

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture (GCAC) is pleased to announce our artist residency program for the calendar year 2027. We are inviting guest artists to apply for a residency with the opportunity to use our Cellar Press studios — letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding — to create works of art or as an integral part of their artistic practice. Residencies last two–three weeks, and while artists are not required to live in New Ulm, they are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the studios gaining skills and producing work. Applications are open June 1 – August 14, 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Grand will host up to eight residents during the 2027 calendar year, with priority given to early career artists. To be considered “early career,” artists must have been generating work in their medium for 2-10 years outside of a degree-granting program. Students, recent graduates, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply, as well. The selection committee may choose to award one residency to an out-of-state artist, however, our priority is supporting Minnesota artists.

Please note that we cannot accommodate pets during artist residencies. A spouse, family member, or friend may visit for a short time during the course of the residency (maximum of two nights stay).

BENEFITS

• Materials Stipend
• Grand Membership: a $100 value
• All-hours access to Cellar Press during residency period
• Free lodging at The Grand Apartment (food not included)
• Stipend of $300 per week paid to individual artists
• Storage space for supplies and consumables
• Participation in the Artist Residency Gallery Show held annually
• Profiles in GCAC print and online communications

EXPECTATIONS

Artists-in-residence are expected to:

• Be a current resident of Minnesota.
• Have some technical skills in the medium they pursue (GCAC staff will introduce artists to the specifics of Cellar Press equipment and available materials, and artists will complete a virtual equipment training).
• Immerse themselves in a new or continuing body of work.
• Work independently in the GCAC Cellar Press studio.
• Lead a public (virtual and/or in-person) community project. Examples include public demonstrations; teaching a class on printmaking or book arts; presenting an activity for public engagement at a farmer’s market or festival; a public art installation or performance; leading a workshop at one of our summer Kid’s Creativity Camps; designing and carving a series of linoleum blocks for The Grand’s use at events, demonstrations, etc. Feel free to propose an idea other than what is listed here!
• Provide The Grand with at least two works produced during the residency for The Grand’s exclusive use.
• Maintain a safe and clean working area.
• Complete an exit interview upon the completion of the residency.

GCAC STUDIOS AND EQUIPMENT

The Cellar Press artist studio at The Grand is well equipped with both state-of-the-art and vintage presses and other letterpress tools, including: an SP-15 Vandercook press (non-motorized), a Vandercook 215 (motorized inking), a Vandercook 1 proofing press, Showcard Press, several small Platen presses, a 1938 Kluge, and a Takach 24’ by 36’ etching press. We have a large collection of vintage metal and wood type, as well as printing ink for use in the studio. Our bookbinding equipment includes a variety of hand tools for leather tooling, a board shear, Advance guillotine paper cutter, Ideal Kutrimmer, Kwikprint foil stamper, finishing press, nipping presses, and job backer.

APPLICATIONS

Apply via online form on The Grand’s website by 3 PM CST on August 14th, 2026. More information about the application process is available on our website. No fee to apply.