“How to Apply for the 2026 Arts/Industry Residency at John Michael Kohler Arts Center”
**The John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Arts/Industry Program: A One-of-a-Kind Artistic Opportunity**
For over 50 years, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center has been fostering creativity and innovation through its internationally acclaimed **Arts/Industry program**, a unique residency that bridges the worlds of art and industry. Located in Kohler, Wisconsin, this prestigious program offers artists an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in an industrial manufacturing environment, exploring new techniques, materials, and processes.
Applications are now being accepted through **February 28, 2025**, for **twelve residency opportunities in 2026**. This residency is not just about creating art—it’s about rethinking possibilities, experimenting with state-of-the-art equipment, and working alongside some of the most skilled craftspeople in the world.
### **What Is Arts/Industry?**
Established in 1974, Arts/Industry is a collaborative residency program between the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and **Kohler Co.**, a leading manufacturer of plumbing products, tiles, and fixtures. The program has hosted over 500 artists from 25 countries, offering them unrestricted access to Kohler Co.’s two industrial facilities: the **pottery** and the **metal foundry**.
This partnership allows artists to work directly with industrial machinery, processes, and raw materials, combining creativity with cutting-edge technology. By blending an artist’s individualized approach with Kohler Co.’s manufacturing expertise, the program frequently pushes boundaries—resulting in innovative works of art and new approaches to creative thinking.
### **Residency Benefits**
The residency is notable for its level of support, making it accessible and inviting even to those with limited prior experience in industrial materials or processes. Selected artists will receive:
– **Dedicated Studio Space**: 24-hour access to secure workspaces.
– **Access to Equipment and Materials**: Use of Kohler Co.’s state-of-the-art industrial tools and resources.
– **Technical Assistance**: Guidance from Kohler Co.’s skilled craftspeople.
– **Financial Stipends**: A modest weekly stipend, along with housing and round-trip transportation.
– **Professional Support**: Photographic services to document their work.
Artists-in-residence are encouraged to take full advantage of Kohler Co.’s advanced facilities, such as clay molding, slip-casting, kiln firing, metal casting, and cutting-edge finishing techniques.
### **Who Should Apply?**
The program is open to **artists of all disciplines and skill levels**—from emerging creators to established professionals. Previous experience working with metal or clay is not required; the primary requirement is curiosity and a willingness to learn about industrial materials and processes. Applications from painters, sculptors, mixed-media artists, performance artists, and designers are all welcome.
The residency particularly emphasizes experimentation and exploration. Whether an artist is looking to create intricate pottery forms or large-scale metal sculptures, the tools and expertise available can expand the possibilities of their practice.
### **Residency Expectations**
Each residency lasts **three months**, during which four artists are selected to work simultaneously—two in the foundry and two in the pottery studios. This small group structure creates a collaborative and focused environment.
While residents are expected to commit fully to their time at Kohler Co., the emphasis remains on **process over product**. The goal is to empower artists to take creative risks, develop new skills, and build relationships with Kohler Co.’s craftspeople, who play an integral role in the residency experience.
### **Arts/Industry Alumni: Pioneers of Creativity**
The list of Arts/Industry alumni includes renowned artists whose residency experiences have profoundly impacted their practices. Many have gone on to showcase works created at Kohler Co. in galleries and museums around the world. From large-scale sculptures featured in public parks to delicate ceramic collections, participants use their residencies to push their artistic boundaries.
The program also fosters a tight-knit community. Alumni often recall how the residency sparked long-lasting collaborations, friendships, and personal growth in ways they could not have anticipated.
### **Why Arts/Industry Is Unique**
Few artist residencies offer access to industrial environments. What sets this program apart is the unparalleled combination of resources, mentorship, and freedom to experiment with new materials. By engaging with Kohler Co.’s skilled factory workers, artists gain unique insights into the craftsmanship and precision of industrial production—perspectives that inevitably leave a significant mark on their artistic processes.
Moreover, Kohler Co.’s commitment to fostering creativity has made the residency financially feasible for artists. This deep collaboration between the private sector, a nonprofit arts organization, and the individual artists continues to serve as a model of innovation in the arts.
### **How to Apply**
Interested artists can learn more about the program and explore alumni videos on the **John Michael Kohler Arts Center website**. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025, through the online portal at **[jmkac.org/applications