Savannah Artist-in-Residence Program

Artist-in-residence (AIR) programs have become a vital part of the global art community, with over 500 programs in the U.S. and more than 1,500 worldwide. These programs support tens of thousands of artists annually, fostering some of the most innovative and promising creative work today. They provide artists with dedicated time and space to create, learn, and live alongside peers, while also encouraging networking and collaboration.

With the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) enriching Savannah’s art scene, there is a unique opportunity to introduce emerging artists to the public by offering them a space to showcase and sell their work created during their residency. The goal of this project is to design a space that balances public and private areas, fostering both socialization and introspection. Energizing spaces will encourage artists to connect and network, while recovery spaces will provide quiet areas for reflection, work, and meditation.

The Vision:
The design aims to create a flexible environment that accommodates varying artistic styles and the number of hosted artists. It will feature meditative spaces that allow artists to find peace and reflect during their residency. The program seeks to bring outside artists into the community, celebrating creativity, experimentation, and the exploration of new ideas. By recognizing the role artists play in shaping culture, the space will foster a community environment that values the creative process and its impact on society.

The Balance:
The building will encourage artists to strike a balance between their creative work and personal time. While it’s easy for artists to immerse themselves in their work, the design will incorporate garden spaces and quiet areas to remind them to pause, recharge, and enjoy moments of stillness. These spaces will serve as a sanctuary, offering a respite from the intensity of the creative process.

This project envisions a space where artists can thrive—both creatively and personally—while engaging with the community and sharing their work with the public. It’s a celebration of art, creativity, and the transformative power of the creative process.