AIR Program

Overview
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.

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 slot open 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 September – November 2025
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 usage fees
$1,500 travel/housing stipend for artists living outside of Philadelphia
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

Candidates must provide a letter of intent and portfolio of their artwork for full consideration.

For more information or questions about the AIR Program contact:

James E. Britt Jr.
Curator of Exhibitions & Programs
jbritt@tiltinstitute.org

FAQs

When will the selected artists be notified?

Residency recipients will be notified by Monday, June 30, 2025.

How are artists selected?

All applications are reviewed by TILT. After the initial review is made individually by each staff member, the top submissions advance. The team convenes to discuss the finalists and select the residency recipients.

What are the qualities that constitute a successful application?

We are looking for artists 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.

I applied to the AIR Program before but was not selected, can I reapply?

Yes, you can submit an application, however artists who were previously awarded a residency are not eligible.

I was accepted as an artist-in-residence, but I’m unable to participate during this cycle.

Unfortunately, we aren’t able to grant deferrals at this time.

Can I switch my residency dates?

There is flexibility to switch dates, provided they do not conflict with another artists’ residency.

Do I have to complete a final project at the conclusion of the program?

The residency serves as an opportunity for participants to have dedicated time and resources to focus on their practice. We encourage individuals to utilize it as a generative experience not only in terms of making, but also personally. There is no expectation to produce something at the conclusion of the residency.

Will I have an opportunity to exhibit my work in TILT’s gallery?

A gallery exhibition is not included.

Do the residences overlap and will I have an opportunity to interact with the other AIR Program recipients?

Each residency is independent. There are no expectations for artists to connect in some capacity. Other than the virtual meet and greet we host at the beginning of each residency cycle, there are no formal activities planned, however, artists often take it upon themselves to reach out to one another.

Are there private studios for the artists?

There are no private studios, however the Artist Lab is equipped with a large work table and magnetic wall to layout prints. During their residency, artists will have sole access to the Artist Lab for the hours they designated through Keith Yahrling – Director of Fine Arts Services.

What hours will the Artist Lab be available?

AIR Program recipients have first priority and 24hr access to the Artist Lab upon approval from Keith Yahrling – Director of Fine Arts Services, who creates the schedule. The space is shared with the TILT community, so artists should submit the dates/times they want to reserve the lab as soon as possible, otherwise the slots will be released to our members. Artists are given a door code and fob key to enter and exit the building at their leisure.

What type of equipment is available in the Artist Lab?

44″ Epson SureColor P9000 (prints with photo and matte black ink)
8.5×11″ Epson V850 Photo Scanner
Hasselblad X1 Scanner
Apple MacPro with full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications

Is there assistance/training offered on how to utilize the equipment?

Keith Yahrling – Director of Fine Arts Services, provides an orientation on how to use the equipment, however printing work is the responsibility of the artist. TILT’s professional printing services are separate from the residency. Artists are welcomed to use our printing services, but must pay for them separately.

Do you have a darkroom?

We do not have a darkroom on site, but we can direct you to other organizations in the area that have access to one.

Does TILT offer housing?

We do not offer housing, however artists who live outside of Philadelphia receive a $1500 honorarium to cover living expenses during the course of the residency.

When is the honorarium dispersed?

Monies are released via check or direct deposit approximately 2 weeks before the start of the residency, pending all paperwork is completed and submitted in a timely manner. Artists are reimbursed for travel and housing expenses.

Does TILT have a place where I can store my work or additional equipment?

There is limited space in the Artist Lab to store paper rolls, however you will need to take any additional materials and equipment with you after each work session.