The program will run from January through December each year. Select artists will be invited to become advisors for the following year. 

We will accept 2-3 LGBTQIA+ artists annually, selected through our application process. Our goal is to support artists located in the Twin Cities who identify as LGBTQIA+. We seek artists who affirm and support our mission, vision, and history of and purpose in holding a pride festival: 

• Twin Cities Pride seeks to empower every LGBTQ+ person to live as their true self and to create a future where all LGBTQ+ people are valued and celebrated for who they are. 

• The Pride celebration commemorates and continues the fight against discrimination and the struggle for equality, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons, and their families.

• Prime Placement at Rainbow Artist Alley: Selected artists will receive a prominent booth space at Rainbow Artist Alley during the Twin Cities Pride festival, granting them high visibility to thousands of festival attendees.  

• Design a Pride-Themed Art Piece: Artists will be provided a $500 stipend to create a piece of art in their chosen medium based on the theme for Pride that year. This artwork will be sold at the Grand Marshal Reception, at the festival, online, and other events, with proceeds going to support our Art Program. This art will also be featured in promotional materials for the event. 

• Collaborate on Program Art – Artists may also be given the opportunity to design promotional art for various events and initiatives throughout the year. 

• Promotion on Twin Cities Pride social media, newsletter, website, and potential media opportunities.  

• Solo Art Show: Each artist will be provided with the opportunity to have a one month solo show with an opening reception. 

• Program Art Show: At the end of the year, we will host an art show dedicated to showcasing the work of our selected artists. This exhibition will provide a platform for artists to display their creations to a broader audience.  

• 3 Month Install at Urban Growler.

• Art Workshop for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Artists will participate in an art workshop day aimed at inspiring and mentoring LGBTQIA+ youth in our community. This workshop will encourage artistic expression, creativity, and self-confidence among young individuals.  

• Tabling Opportunities: Artists will be provided with free tabling space at TC Pride events when space is available.

• Access to dedicated artist space to create art, host artist gatherings, and art shows.

• Mentorship Opportunities: When possible, we will connect artists with experienced mentors in the LGBTQIA+ art community to provide guidance and support.  

• Networking and Exposure: Artists will have the chance to network at Pride events with other LGBTQIA+ artists, activists, and community leaders, fostering connections that can advance their careers.  

• Professional Development: When possible, access to workshops and resources to help artists develop their professional skills, such as marketing, branding, and business management. 

All participants should display experience, and an avid interest, in their media and a desire to work to further the mission and vision of Twin Cities Pride by engaging the local community through meaningful public programs year-round. 

Artists at any career stage may apply for this opportunity. This opportunity is ideal for early to mid-career LGBTQIA+ artists looking to elevate their visibility and impact within the community. Whether you are established in your artistic journey or seeking to expand your influence, Twin Cities Pride offers a platform to showcase your work prominently. This is also ideal for an artist who has experience vending at a larger festival.

This opportunity is open to permanent residents of Minnesota. Priority will be given to LGBTQ+ artists (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit.)

Applications are reviewed by a committee of current artists in residence, program advisors, and non-profit professionals. The committee considers the following metrics when viewing applications: the artistic merit of submitted work, the alignment of the application with organizational mission and values, applicant’s desire to be part of a community, applicant’s ability to work safely and independently and building a diverse cohort of makers. 

Twin Cities Pride is committed to diversity and inclusion. Twin Cities Pride does not discriminate with respect to the selection of the artist in residence because of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical limitations, or military status.

• Artist Statement: A brief statement about your current practice and your experience creating temporary, permanent, free-standing or site-integrated artwork in any three-dimensional or two-dimensional media. Please include links to any websites that feature your work. 
• Résumé or Artist Bio: Provide an artist bio/résumé that describes your art background. Please limit to 1-2 pages highlighting your most recent and relevant experience. 
• Primary and Secondary Medium: What are your primary and secondary mediums? 
• Work Samples: 10 images of previously completed projects that show your experience with art projects. 
  • Time-based work with sound or motion should be limited to 5 minutes.  
  • Artists may submit images, (text, audio, and video can be included by providing attachments and URL’s) in any combination.  
  • We encourage applicants to select images that best express their artistic voice and technical expertise.   
  • Please include the following information with your images (title, medium, dimensions, brief description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget)  
  • If you completed a project as a team member, the image identification should indicate your role for each image submitted. 
• Artists Program: What are the goals or intentions you have set for your current practice, and how might you benefit from the opportunities provided by Pride? 

• Participate in public programming, to include Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 29-30, 2025. 

• Participate in media interviews and social media posts. 

• Participate in artist talks, group meetings, studio visits, critiques, and exhibitions. 

• Participate in the Pride Artists in Residence Committee (4 meetings) to help develop the program. 

• Be part of the 2026 Artists in Residence selection committee. 

• Be a Twin Cities Pride Brand Ambassador representing the Program to the Community.