Artist Ambassador
Artist Ambassador Program (2027 Pilot)
The SPACES Artist Ambassador Program is a paid professional development opportunity for Northeast Ohio artists to serve as peer guides, collaborators, and creative connectors for artists participating in SPACES' Echo Artist Residency.
Rather than acting as assistants, Artist Ambassadors become collaborators in building meaningful relationships between visiting artists and Northeast Ohio's vibrant creative community.
Each Ambassador is paired with one visiting Echo Resident for a 4–6 week residency. Together they help create a residency experience that extends beyond the gallery—introducing artists to studios, maker-spaces, museums, artist-run spaces, cultural organizations, and fellow creatives throughout the region.
Artist Ambassadors receive:
- Honorarium
- Professional networking opportunities
- Behind-the-scenes access to residency development
- Introductions to regional arts leaders
- Collaborative relationship with a nationally or internationally recognized artist
- Recognition on SPACES website and publications
- Invitations to professional development gatherings with the Ambassador cohort
The program strengthens Cleveland's creative ecosystem by connecting artists with one another while positioning Northeast Ohio as a destination for ambitious, experimental contemporary art.
PROGRAM GOALS
The SPACES Artist Ambassador Program was developed in direct response to feedback gathered during artist listening sessions and surveys conducted as part of SPACES' 2026 Strategic Planning process. Artists identified a need for stronger regional connections, greater opportunities for collaboration, increased visibility for Northeast Ohio artists, and more support for ambitious, experimental practices.
The Artist Ambassador Program advances these priorities by embedding local artists into the Echo Artist Residency as peer collaborators and cultural connectors.
Program goals include:
- Welcoming visiting artists into Northeast Ohio's vibrant creative community
- Strengthening relationships among regional artists while expanding professional networks
- Encouraging artistic experimentation through peer support, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
- Increasing the visibility of Northeast Ohio artists within national and international artistic conversations
- Fostering meaningful relationships and long-term collaborations that extend beyond the residency experience
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- Reside in Northeast Ohio and have access to reliable transportation to and from SPACES
- Be an active visual, interdisciplinary, or socially engaged artist
- Have a minimum of three years of professional artistic practice (or equivalent experience)
- Be available to participate in residency activities throughout the assigned residency period
- Demonstrate a strong interest in community building, collaboration, and peer engagement
- Have experience with or an understanding of complex exhibition, installation, or project-based artistic practices
- Be a creative problem solver who is comfortable adapting to evolving ideas, troubleshooting logistical challenges, and supporting innovative approaches to exhibition design, production, and artistic presentation
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and personalities.
- No degree required
AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Ambassador will:
Before Residency
- Attend orientation
- Meet virtually with resident artist
- Help develop residency itinerary alongside SPACES Staff
- Coordinate introductions
During Residency
Attend:
- AIR Opening Exhibition Reception
- Studio visits
- 3–5 residency activities
- Installation support (optional depending on project)
- Artist dinners/community gatherings
Introduce resident artists to:
- Local artists
- Maker-spaces
- Fabricators
- Arts organizations
- Neighborhood resources
- Share residency experiences through social media (optional but encouraged).
Time Commitment
Approximately
20–30 hours over six weeks
Compensation
A $750 honorarium in recognition of their time, expertise, and contributions to the residency experience.
A one-year SPACES ArtsPass Artist Membership. Current SPACES Artist Members will receive a one-year extension to their existing membership.