Artist Residency
August 26 - October 20, 2024
Call to Artists:
Dirtbaby Farm is seeking a solo artist to join us this summer and fall to research, experiment, and create artistic work in conversation with our shared outdoor space. We welcome site-specific projects as well as process or practice that forges relationship with place.
We are open to artists working in any medium who are pursuing a practical application of their work in a farm setting. We are most excited by innovative, purpose-giving projects that are in direct conversation with Dirtbaby, with the majority of the artistic practice happening on site. For examples of previous residency projects click the link below!
The Farm Space:
As farmers, our primary purpose is growing food! So, your work as an artist must accommodate and respect our farm labor. At the start of the residency, we will work with you (the artist) to determine a schedule and a strategy for sharing the space that can support your interests too.
Artists will have to adhere to all general community garden agreements, which we will detail in the artist residency contract. Some of these provisions include prohibiting the use of synthetic materials, fire, building large structures, etc. Dirtbaby Farm operates on leased land and is in close quarters with many different neighbors on all sides. The resident artist should expect to not only be in community with our farm but the larger entity of the Schuylkill Community Gardens as well.
Accessibility:
Our farm is accessible by car, bike or public transit. It is a 12 mile bike ride from downtown Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River trail. This is a generally flat bike ride except that the farm sits on top of a big hill so the road from the trail to the farm is incredibly steep and uphill. The closest bus and train stops are roughly a 15 min walk from the farm.
There is limited shelter from the elements; here we are exposed to sun, rain, wind, as well as other nearby farmers. The cultivated ground is uneven and not wheelchair accessible. We move through our space along pathways (about 10-12in wide) between the garden beds. We share a portapotty with our neighbors (cleaned weekly). We have drinking water but no electricity.
Please reach out with any questions you may have about the space — both getting to the farm and navigating around inside of it.
Exchange:
Artists are expected to be present at the farm up to 8 hours each week, during daylight hours. One of the Dirtbaby farmers must be present during your residency time which we will coordinate with you if selected.
In addition to using our space to work on your artistry, we can also offer a chance to engage with our growing practices. We will coordinate at least 2 hours per week for us to share some of our skills in growing food. This may include practices such as prepping beds, readings about seeds or plant growth, planting, watering, and harvesting.
One culminating work in progress showing is expected by the end of each residency. This can exist in any artistic medium and does not require an audience. If desired, we would happily help document your work with basic, unedited footage.
Compensation:
The artist in residence will receive a $500 stipend for their time in residence. In addition to monetary support, the artist will receive a weekly CSA “Half Share” of veggies beginning September 4th. Each week will vary based on what veggies we have to harvest!
To apply, please email dirtbabyfarm@gmail.com!
Please submit applications by May 17, 2024. In your residency application email please be sure to include the following:
Your name, your pronouns
Email, Phone number
Tell us about the project or practice you want to work on during this residency
What excites you about engaging with Dirtbaby Farm? How do you imagine your work connecting to ours as farmers?
How can we support your work during this residency?
What physical materials will you be working with, if any? How flexible are you about your materials if we have concerns about how they’ll impact our space?
Please share with us a sample of your work
Applicants will hear back from Dirtbaby by May 31st.