The New Gallery
Studio Residency / Solo Exhibition
The New Gallery at Austin Peay State University invites applications for its Artist-in-Residence program, an opportunity for contemporary artists to develop ambitious new work within a supportive academic and creative environment. Building on the success of previous residencies, the program provides a studio space, professional resources, and the chance to culminate the residency with a public exhibition of work produced on site.
Designed to foster experimentation, research, and artistic growth, the residency brings practicing contemporary artists to Clarksville and the Middle Tennessee region, creating meaningful engagement with the university and broader community. Artists are encouraged to explore new ideas, expand their practice, and take creative risks in a setting that values innovation and dialogue.
The residency is hosted by The New Gallery, a 1,500-square-foot contemporary exhibition space featuring 120 linear feet of wall space and 36 feet of movable walls, offering exceptional flexibility for installation and presentation. The program is generously supported by the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) and the Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University.
The submission deadline is July 31, 2026, and works in all media will be considered.
Eligibility: Artists who live within a 300-mile radius (+/- 10 miles) of Clarksville, TN. Submission materials should demonstrate professional experience and preparedness for a solo exhibition. Artists must be at least 21 years old.
Residency Dates: Friday, September 25 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
Exhibition Dates: Monday, October 19 - Friday, December 4, 2026
The Artist in Residence will receive:
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$2500 artist fee
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$2500 for travel, shipping, food and incidentals
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Housing provided on campus in APSU’s Visiting Scholar’s residence (5-min walk to gallery/studio). The spacious residence has a full kitchen and laundry.
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Access to a secure gallery/studio space
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Studio visit(s) with regional curator(s)
As well as exhibition design and production to include:
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Collaborative exhibition design and installation with the curator and director of The New Gallery and student assistants.
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An exhibition catalogue documenting their exhibition. The artist will receive five complementary copies.
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An exhibition essay. The New Gallery invites the artist to identify and contract a writer to compose an essay for the exhibition gallery guide and catalog.
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Press releases, posters, and other media. The artist will receive five posters for their archives, and their residency and exhibition will be documented and promoted through press releases and social media posts. Present an evening Artist Lecture as part of the CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series.
Expectations:
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The artist must create new artwork(s) in during the residency for exhibition in The New Gallery at the end of the residency term.
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The artist may bring existing artwork to expand upon, build context or conceptual frameworks, and exhibit in tandem with the newly created work(s).
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Direct Interaction with students such as studio visits or a workshop with selected undergraduate students.
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The artist must be present to meet with the community during two open studio events.
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Present an evening Artist Lecture as part of the CECA Visiting Artist Speaker Series and other engagements:
First Thursday Art Walk: (Open Studio)
Thursday, October 1
Thursday, November 5
4 – 7 p.m.
The Gallery Workroom, 105, Art + Design Building or (108 Gallery; Trahern Building)Gallery Talk & Reception:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
noon – 1:30 p.m.
The New Gallery, 101, Art + Design BuildingLecture:
TBD
6 p.m.
Sara and Mike Gotcher Theatre, Trahern Building
Application Process:
To apply, please upload the following via Submittable
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Artworks: 20 images and/or videos of artwork
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A brief bio (max 300 words)
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Current CV/resume
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website
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project description/prospective goals
No application fee. As an artist-centric institution, CECA is covering all administrative costs.
Jurying Process:
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A committee comprised of the Curator/Director of The New Gallery and APSU Art + Design faculty will conduct the first round of jurying to narrow down to the top 10 candidates.
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A committee comprised of the Director of The New Gallery, APSU Art + Design faculty, and the Director of CECA, will conduct a second round of jurying to narrow down to the top 3 candidates.
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The top 3 candidates will have a one-on-one studio visit via Zoom or Facetime with the Curator/Director of The New Gallery.
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Notice of 1st round decisions will be by Monday, August 10, 2026
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Notice of 2nd round decisions will by Monday, August 17, 2026
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Final notification to be made by Friday, August 21, 2026
