AIR Program
What is the Artist in Residence Program?
The AIR program is a highly selective, intensive, seasonal artist residency at the Department of Safety. The aim of this program is to give emerging artists the opportunity to live in Anacortes at the Department of Safety for three months and produce artwork. The DoS supports this program for the mutual creative enrichment of both Anacortes and the selected artist.
At the end of the residency, the artist will exhibit his or her completed work in some way, be it in the art gallery, performance space, or other DoS locale. The artist will also be expected to deliver an artist talk to contextualize and elaborate their work.
How Is The Decision Made?
A jury of keen and discerning artists reviews the AIR applications and selects their favorite proposal. Applicants are judged based on the artistic merits of their application and portfolio. The extent to which the artist plans to be involved in the community is also weighed in the selection process. 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.
What Does The Residency Entail?
When chosen, the artist will live and work in the Department of Safety for three months toward the goals set out in their application. Bedroom and studio space and other living amenities are provided. 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. At the end of the residency, the artist is expected to exhibit their work in some manner. The artist will acquire undeniably positive experience organizing and promoting his or her art show/performance. The artist will be expected to deliver an artist’s talk during their tenure at the DoS.
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. 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, screen printing facilities, and personal studio and office spaces. 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.