AIR Program
What is the Artist in Residence Program?
The DoS Artist in Residence program gives emerging artists the opportunity to live in Anacortes at the Department of Safety for three months and produce artwork. A board of prominent community members and artists affiliated with the D.o.S. selects the artist based the merit of his or her application. The extent to which the artist plans to be involved in the community and their potential to volunteer is also weighed in the selection process.
The AIR program is a highly selective, intensive three-month artist residency at the Department of Safety. At the end of your residency your work will be shown in the Department of Safety’s art gallery, in the Department of Safety performance space, or in the greater Department of Safety space. You will also acquire undeniably positive experience organizing and promoting your art show/performance.
What It Entails:
When chosen, the artist will live and work in the Department of Safety for three months toward the goals set out in their application. The artist is responsible for bringing their own materials to use in the creation of their artworks. The workers of the Department of Safety will help locate – but are not required to provide – the artist in residence with materials. The Department of Safety Residency costs $50 per month. Again, Lodging, studio space and other amenities are provided.
Where is it?
The Department of Safety (DoS) is located in Anacortes, Washington (also known as the “gateway” to the popular San Juan Islands), 1 hour north of Seattle and 1.5 hours south of Vancouver, BC. Anacortes is surrounded by beautiful lakes, mountains, oceans, islands, Orca whales, and publicly-employed “safety personnel.” In addition to its beautiful location, the DoS is an amazing all-ages music venue, art gallery, recording studio and multi-purpose art space. Four artists founded the Department
of Safety in 2002. Due to the unique location, facilities, demographic and ideology, the Department of Safety continues to thrive as one of North America’s most intriguing live-in artist-run centers. The Department of Safety is not currrently a 501©(3) non-profit entity. It is funded entirely by those who believe in the project.
Facilities:
The Department of Safety is located in a previously abandoned fire and police station that was built in 1952. Multiple artists live in and use the facilities on a daily basis. Kitchen facilities, the interweb and other communication devices, showers, and “chill rooms” domesticate the space on the top floor. On the main floor there are recording studios, the large performance space, an art gallery, a small black & white darkroom and a personal studio and office. A floor plan of the art gallery is included with this application. Artists who are chosen as residents at the Department of Safety are encouraged to create work within the confines of the gallery in a site-specific installation and/or work in the adjacent spaces. Any thoughtful use of space will be considered and it is important for applicants to understand the context for which they are creating. This is not to discourage traditional art practitioners from applying either, but we want individuals to think about context.
Is It Free?
This is how we have made the Artist in Residency financially viable (notice no use of outside fancy grants or sugardaddies):
The AIR pays $50/month to cover their share of utility bills. x3 months = $150. That’s it.
How Is The Decision Made?
A jury of keen and discerning artists reviews the AIR applications and selects their favorite proposal. The jury’s recommendation is forwarded on to the Resident Workers of the Department of Safety to approve the decision. Once approved, the winning AIR applicant is invited to accept the residency.