Founded by Nat Turner Project in 2023 with the belief that the tools and processes of printmaking should be more readily available to the public beyond institutional privilege, black whole Press’s Artist-In-Residence program is starting its first iteration in the heart of Portland. Support for Black, Indigenous, and POC artists has been a cornerstone of Nat Turner Project since it began in 2016 and the black whole Press AIR continues that tenet within the medium of print, specifically. The black whole Press AIR Program will provide unrestricted cash awards to emerging to mid-career BIPOC artists who exhibit a curiosity and proficiency in printmaking. Program sponsor organizations administer the funding that allows for artists to utilize supplies and equipment that may not otherwise be accessible to them. It is our goal that black whole Press is able to reflect the rich diversity of cultures and aesthetics found within Oregon.

The specific intent of the black whole Press Artist In Residency Program is to recognize and support emerging to mid-career artists living and working in Portland who demonstrate an impressive level of commitment and artistic proficiency in the field of printmaking.

Two selected artists will receive:

• An unrestricted $600 award

• Full access to black whole Press's studio print shop and equipment

• Technical support from the Residency Director

• Professional development opportunities

• Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies

• Group discussions and critiques with local printers

• black whole Press exhibition, Artist Talk, and reception

• Professional digital documentation of exhibited artwork

 Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a current Oregon resident.

• Must identify as BIPOC

• Are emerging to mid-career with a portfolio of work that demonstrates a sustained level of commitment and artistic proficiency.

• Artists must demonstrate aptitude in at least ONE traditional printmaking technique (relief, intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, or monoprinting).

• Residents will participate in an exhibition and Artist Talk at the close of the residency period

Residency Timeline

February 3, 2023; applications open

March 3, 2023 (Friday) @ 11:59pm; application deadline

March 4, 2023 - March 10, 2023; applications reviewed and residents selected

March 13, 2023; Residency #1 begins

June 30, 2023; Residency #1 ends

July 3, 2023; Residency #2 begins

October 31, 2023; Residency #2 ends

December , 2024; Residency Exhibitions and Artist Talks

Application Process

You will need the Following materials to complete your application:

Statement of Artistic Practice - 500-1500 words or 5 minutes spoken (video)

• What do you plan or hope to work on or achieve during the residency?

• What themes or processes do you want to explore? How do you make work (technique), what does the work look like/what is it about, and why do you make it?

• Can include biographical information, particularly if that’s an important aspect of the work you create. It can also note where your artistic practice has been, the direction it is headed, and your goals as an artist. 

Image Samples - 10 examples of artwork made within the last 10 years

• At least 10 of the images must incorporate one or more printmaking techniques

• Any work submitted must be printed by the applicant artist

• Applicants are allowed to submit up to 2 video links in their image sample

Image List - a document including information for each image submitted

• Provide title, medium, year completed, and dimensions for each image

• The information should correspond to the numbered images

Selection Process

A panel of two jurors will review applications remotely and select a group of finalists. Finalists may be contacted for additional questions, after which the jurors will make their final decision. 

Questions? contact Melanie Stevens, Residency Director: natturnerproject0@gmail.com