TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image is an artist-focused institution rooted in Philadelphia that supports the study, production, and exhibition of contemporary photographic practices for a diverse audience.
Overview
TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image invites artists to submit applications to our annual artist-in-residence program. The AIR Program provides support to talented, self-directed, committed artists of all levels who are advancing contemporary photography by incorporating innovative approaches to making in their practice and whose work is aligned with our core values of diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice.
Participants receive a stipend, access to high-end digital facilities/equipment, a platform to share their work with the public through an open studio, and time/space to reflect upon how they want to expand their practice. We hope to create a transformative experience for each artist that participates in the program during and beyond their residency.
Applications are accepted Friday, January 23, 2026 through Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Selected artists will be notified by Friday, April 24, 2026.
Support for the AIR Program is made possible by the Joy of Giving Something Foundation.
Residency Structure
- 2 artists are selected - 1 slot reserved for a Philadelphia based artist and the other to any candidate
- Each individual residency is a 4-week consecutive term, however there is flexibility regarding when the session occurs (residences do not overlap with other artists)
- Residencies must be completed between June - November 2026
- Artists are required to participate in an open studio at TILT during a Second Thursday event from 6:00 - 9:00pm that occurs during the course of their residency
- Artists attend a virtual meet and greet with all the AIR Program recipients and the TILT staff at the beginning of the residency cycle
- Each artist will have an orientation session before they start their residency and an exit interview at the conclusion of their residency
Artists Receive
- $3,000 honorarium
- Artist Lab printer and scanner hourly rental fees waived
- $1,000 credit for ink and paper to be used during the course of their residency
- $1,500 travel/housing reimbursement for artists living outside of Philadelphia and the metropolitan area
- Lifetime membership to TILT
Eligibility
The AIR program is intended to support working artists who have limited or no access to resources that would enhance their practice. Individuals enrolled in an academic program at the time of their residency are not eligible. We encourage candidates without a college or university degree to apply.
Application Materials
Letter of Intent
Below are prompts to assist you. Feel free to use them at your discretion and share other aspects of your practice for additional context. There is a 500 word limit.
- What is the project you will be working on during the course of your residency?
- Is this a new body of work or a project you've been working on continuously?
- Are you experimenting with new processes and/or methods?
- How do you envision your practice evolving?
- How will the Artist Lab be utilized to support your practice?
- Identify goals and expected outcomes for the completion of your residency.
- What is your work about?
- What mediums do you use and how do you use them?
- Where does your interest in your practice stem from?
- How does your work resonate with your audience?
- Who and/or what are some of the artistic influences that guide you?
Portfolio
- Provide up to 10 images or no more than 10 minutes of video/audio that relates to the work you will be engaging with during the course of your residency.
For more information or questions about the AIR Program contact:
James E. Britt Jr.
Curator of Exhibitions & Programs
All applications must be received by Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:59pm EST