LCAR Artist in Residence Program

Apply Here

LCAR A-I-R Program Overview 

The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion (LCAR) Artist-In-Residence (A-I-R) Program seeks to integrate the arts into theological education, and consequently into the life of the church. The particular structure of our A-I-R program as well as the diversity of artists and mediums represented is unique in the country, and possibly the world. Here, artists are given the opportunity to create in an environment rich in theological understanding, open to the diverse languages of the senses, and committed to collaboration between artists, scholars, and students. 

Learn more about our A-I-R Programs

Our A-I-R Programs

Check out which program fits your life-stage best.

    • Open to Wesley Theological Seminary students. 

    • Apply at least 1 month before proposed residency semesters (Fall & Spring) 

    Expectations and Opportunities

    • Minimum of 10 hours/week studio presence. 

    • Contribute through collaboration, critique, chapel services, exhibitions, workshops, performances, or other events. 

    Benefits

    • Stipend: $500 per semester. 

    • Shared A-I-R studio space with professional artists. 

    • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; residencies scheduled months to a year in advance. 

    • Residencies: 2 weeks minimum – 1 year maximum. 

    Expectations and Opportunities

    • Minimum of 15 hours/week studio presence (outside of teaching). 

    • Opportunity to mentor up to 15 students for one academic credit (30 hours class time). 

    • Participate in collaboration, critique, and informal instruction. 

    • Share work via chapel, exhibitions, workshops, or performances. 

    Benefits

    • Shared A-I-R studio space (38′ × 32′). 

    • Stipend starting at $1,000 depending on project scope and residency length.

    • Access to academic and cultural resources, including forums, lectures, concerts, and the seminary library.

    • Proximity to Washington, D.C. arts and cultural venues.

    • Participation in the ecumenical community at Wesley, located near the National Cathedrals.

    • On-campus housing may be available for out-of-state artists, subject to availability

    • One course audit may be available to full-semester A-I-R participants, subject to availability.

Apply to be an Artist in Residence

Application Requirements

Resume or Artist CV

1

Cover Letter

2

Explain why you want to work in a seminary context and how your art engages/challenges spiritual/religious dimensions. Include in zip file.

Artist Statement

3

Describe your process with reference to portfolio works. Include in application.

  • 15–20 recent works (digital images only; details/views accepted). Include in zip file.

    • File naming: LastName_FirstName_DocumentType

      (e.g., Smith_Jane_Portfolio.pdf). 

    • Image/video/literature list: file name, title, medium, date, dimensions.

    • Written materials: .doc, .docx, or .pdf 

    • Image files: .jpeg or .png 

    • Image list must correspond clearly to portfolio files. 

    • Video Documents: YouTube Link

  • Website link may be provided instead of individual portfolio files. Include in application.

Apply to be an artist in residence here

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Following review of your materials, you may be invited to participate in an online interview.


For questions: lcar@wesleyseminary.edu | (202) 885-8637

Submit everything to the Artist in Residence Application

4

Include in zip file.

Portfolio

4

Apply to be an Artist in Residence

Please note that, unfortunately, we are unable to process J-1 Visas for international artists at this time.
Send questions to: lcar@wesleyseminary.edu | (202) 885-8637