Have you spent years practicing a craft? Are you ready to share your craft with others? Apply to be our next Maker-in-Residence. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 4.
As the Chicago Public Library Maker-in-Residence, you will share your craft with library visitors, teach classes and create a work to be displayed in the Maker Lab window at the Harold Washington Library Center on State Street.
Two residencies are available. Each residency will run for 12 weeks, with the first term running from April to June and the second term running from September to November.
The Makers-in-Residence will:
- Facilitate six programs for library patrons at the Harold Washington Library Center.
- Have access to Maker Lab equipment and staff assistance.
- Interpret local culture and history using their craft, Maker Lab tools and additional supplies.
- Create a work incorporating elements explored by class participants.
- Have their work exhibited at Harold Washington Library Center.
- Be compensated $6,000 for the 12-week residency.
- Have a supply budget of $800.
You’ll lead classes for library patrons. Classes may be in-person, online or developed as how-to videos. Classes can be scheduled on Monday evenings between 5 - 8 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m., with Wednesday mornings as an alternate possibility.
You’ll work about 10 hours per week which includes scheduled Meet the Maker events so library visitors can learn about your craft and project and scheduled classes. Learn more about previous Makers-in-Residence.
About You
You have immersed yourself in your craft and are ready to help others experience your craft. You can create an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their stories. You have good time-management skills and ideas on where to source materials with a $800 supply budget. You have a strong vision on how to fill a window approximately 7' by 7' with your thematic work. You have class ideas that offer variation in technique or material.
Preference will be given to themes exploring any of the following: connecting the past and future, storytelling, community, creative sourcing of materials or unexpected perspectives.
The Maker-in-Residence program is in its seventh year and is generously funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
2024 Maker-in-Residence Application
Thank you for your interest. The Maker-in-Residence application period closed on March 4.
