Artist Residency

About the Open Call

The True/False Film Fest invites visual artists to apply for a four-week virtual artist residency culminating in the exhibition of four large-scale art installations. These installations will transform outdoor spaces in Columbia, MO, during the 2026 festival. The residency provides a platform for cultural exchange, networking, and creative exploration, connecting artists globally. Selected artists will participate in weekly online group sessions in November 2025, focusing on community building, professional development, and project fabrication/delivery. The residency offers an accessible program with professional artist and curator speakers, a $1000 artist stipend, up to $500 for shipping/materials, an Artist Pass, installation assistance, and local press coverage. Artists are expected to attend virtual meetings, actively participate, and complete their installations by February 20, 2026. The 2026 theme is "Lost & Found," exploring concepts of searching, discovery, loss, and reclamation.

What is Offered

An accessible artist residency, weekly online sessions with professional artists and curator speakers, professional practice tips, information about True/False Film Fest, individual meetings with the Curation and Production teams, a public Exhibition/Art Installation, a $1000 Artist Stipend, additional shipping/travel and/or material costs up to $500, an Artist Pass to the Festival (valued at ~$1000) if attending, assistance with construction and/or alterations, and local press and spotlight on the website and social media.

Requirements

Applicants must be visual artists. Attendance is required at each weekly virtual group meeting (Tuesdays, 6-8PM CT in November 2025) and one to two additional independent meetings with the Curation and Production Team (must have access to a computer and ability to take part in Zoom meetings). Active participation during group discussions and individual meetings is expected. Completion of the Art Installation (ready for install and delivered) by February 20, 2026. Installations will occur no later than March 5th, 2026, and deinstall on March 9th, 2026. Art installations must be dynamic, original, large-scale, fit for all weather (rain, snow, ice, sun), and have flexibility for modification for the 9th street enclosure. Interactive installations are encouraged. Artists must supply their own media equipment (projectors, laptops, media players, screens, etc.). All artwork is open to the public.

How to Apply

Submit a completed online application including resume, artist statement, contact information, artist website, art installation proposal, and social media links. The proposal must include an outline, images, and estimated installation/deinstallation needs. Incomplete proposals will not be accepted. Artists must arrange for shipping and delivery of their work to and from the Fest. Multiple proposals are accepted.