Digital fabrication tools have become more accessible over the past decade, but unfortunately, the amount of training required to operate them is still a barrier to entry. Digital fabrication tools can also be intimidating for an artist coming from an analog background, especially since these tools primarily serve the engineering and manufacturing industries. We created the Digital Fabrication for Artists Residency program to overcome these barriers and empower makers and creators in our community.
The Digital Fabrication for Artist Residency program provides local artists with the opportunity to learn how to use our suite of digital fabrication equipment alongside fellow makers, engineers, and artists. Upon completion of the program, residents are allotted a $500 budget and the opportunity to use their new skillset to create a project using our tools. Projects are showcased at Troy's annual Victorian Stroll celebration.
Eligibility restrictions do apply to the Residency (see below), but all classes are available to the public.
Applications for the 2024 Residency are no longer being accepted. We hope to run the program again in 2025. Keep an eye on our social media or newsletters to be notified about the status of the 2025 Residency program.
This program is made possible thanks to The Arts Center of the Capital Region.
Not a Resident? Don't worry, the classes are all open to the public! Financial assistance is available to those who need it. Please visit our Classes and Events page to learn more.
Why apply?
- LEARN! Attend a carefully curated series of Digital Fabrication classes, get one-on-one mentorship and get access to all of our events and trainings for FREE. The Digital Fabrication class series includes:
- Fundamental Vector Design & Vinyl Cutter Operation
- Laser Cutter Operation
- Intro to CAD for Additive Manufacturing
- Intro to 3D Scanning
- Operation Training: Stratasys F270 & Formlabs 3B 3D Printers
- Fundamentals of Fusion360 CAD & CAM
- CNC Router Operation
- CNC Mill Operation
In addition to the class series, Residents will receive a $200 Maker Mentor credit, which can be used for on-one hourly training, as-needed to fill in concepts not fully grasped in the classes. Residents will also have access to all Zone Orientations, Zone Office Hours and up to 75% discount on all TVCOG classes during their residency, if they would like to take advantage of those optional offerings.
- CREATE! Design and build a new work using your newly-developed skills.
- Receive a complimentary 6 month Super Maker Membership & project storage space; this includes 24/7 access to the space and all equipment
- $500 materials budget for your signature project
- Work on your own personal projects! All equipment in the facility is available for your use.
- SHARE!
- Display your completed project during Troy's annual Victorian Stroll event. Along with their signature work, artists will also be given a complimentary vendor table in our annual Makers Market during the event.
- Inspire others to try something new by showcasing what's possible. Give a behind-the-scenes look into your project's development, sharing digital fabrication techniques and lessons learned. This can take the form of a workshop, presentation, seminar, video essay etc.
Upon completion of the Residency, the artists will be able to produce original designs on the laser cutter, 3D-printers and other tools. In addition, they will have completed a project of their own design (using the $500 materials budget) which will be exhibited at TVCOG during Troy's annual Victorian Stroll and had a chance to connect with our Maker community.
During their time in the program, the Resident will be asked to fulfill the following duties:
- Be an active member of the TVCOG community, and follow all guidelines set for members.
- Complete the core element requirements of the Residency program, including attending the Digital Fabrication intensive class series and completing their signature project for Victorian Stroll.
- Be an active media ambassador for TVCOG. This includes providing regular photographic and text updates to be shared in social media throughout their residency.
- Complete a new, physical work using at least one of TVCOG's digital fabrication tools.
- Complete an end-of-project presentation event at the end of the program.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies depending on the artist and their chosen project.
- During the LEARN! portion (July - September), classes will occur approximately once a week, with each class varying from 1 to 4 hours in length.
- During the PRACTICE! portion (October - November), we expect a project complex enough to require approximately 6-8 hours a week of planning and on-site fabrication over the 8 week design and build period.
- The SHARE! portion should occur just before, or shortly after, the project is complete. We expect the workshop, presentation, or seminar to be no longer than 1 hour.
Any artist who is enthusiastic about, but perhaps intimidated by, incorporating digital fabricaiton techniques into their repertoire (2D and 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing and milling...)
The ideal candidate is friendly, community-oriented, and passionate about making, innovation, and education. This program has no restrictions on medium. Makers and creators of any kind are welcome to apply, from traditional artists to entrepreneurs, engineers to crafters, and more. The project itself should be made using the equipment and resources here at TVCOG.
In addition, an applicant must:
- Be a resident of the Capital Region (a resident of one of the following counties: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington).
- Be aged 18 or older.
- Have a 2023 taxable income under Troy AMI ($39,526 or less)
Not sure if you're a good fit? Questions about eligibility? Please contact us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
July 1: Applications Due
July 8: Awardees Notified
July 16 - September 21: Residency Begins; Residents Attend classes
Residents will start by getting started with their TVCOG membership, including a welcome tour and short new member orientation session! Then, Residents will attend the following classes, the cost of which are all included in the Residency:
- 07/20/2024: Craft 100: Vectors & Vinyl Cutting
- 07/27/2024: Laser Cutter 201: Create a Dice Box
- 08/03/2024: Prototyping 110: Intro to CAD for 3D Printing
- 08/06/2024: 3D Printing Zone Orientation
- 08/17/2024: Prototyping 202: Exploring CAD
08/22/2024: Prototyping Center Equipment Training: Stratasys F270 3D Printer & Formlabs 3B 3D Printer - 08/29/2024: Prototyping Center Equipment Training: Intro to Fusion 360 CAM for CNC Routing
- 09/12/2024: Prototyping 120: Introduction to 3D Scanning
- 09/14/2024: CNC Mill Operation
Saturday classes begin at 1pm, Thursday classes begin at 5:30pm. Zone orientation times vary, please check individual event description. Alternate class dates can be arranged if absolutely necessary for all classes except Prototyping 110 and Prototyping 202.
Residents may also attend any other other TVCOG member events including Zone Orientations for areas not included in classes above (woodshop, machine shop, electronics, fiber arts, etc.) Zone Office Hours and Meetups. See full schedule here.
October 1: Initial Project Proposals Due
Your initial thoughts on what your final project will be.
October 1-15: Project Consulting with Maker Mentors
Refine your project idea through the help of fellow COG members.
October 15: Final Project Proposals Due
October 15 - November 29: Build the Project
Put your new skills to the test and make your project a reality!
December 1: Project Display
Set up and showcase your project during Troy's annual Victorian Stroll celebration.
CODE OF CONDUCT: All program participants are expected to abide by our Member Code of Conduct.
RIGHT OF REFUSAL: TVCOG reserves the right to dismiss any application to any program if the applicant is deemed ineligible.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: The Residency program is not an employment offer. TVCOG reserves the right to request additional proof of income upon application receipt.
RESIDENT SELECTION PROCESS: Applications will be reviewed by TVCOG staff. Applicants who meet the eligibilty requirements will be judged by the quality of their responses.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY! Applications are accepted until July 1. Online applications submitted through our forms portal are preferred. If this is prohibitive, TVCOG will provide a paper version upon request.
This program is made possibly by the The Arts Center of the Capital Region "Arts Thrive and Grow" grant. 
Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea, Stewart Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.
Assistance for Businesses:
The Small Business Support Program offers up to one year of partially or fully subsidized membership to local businesses.
OVERVIEW: The Small Business Support Program offers up to a 75% reduction in Professional Maker membership dues. Members also will receive discounts on space rentals, machine use, and mentorship hours.
REQUIREMENTS: Program participants are required to credit TVCOG as a sponsor, and must provide a limited amount of media for use in promotional materials.
ELIGIBILITY: This program is for pre-revenue startup businesses based at a Troy address, small businesses that have been established at a Troy address for 4 years or less and independent artists that have demonstrated a need for more affordable access to TVCOG.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Currently accepting applications. Online application form required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by TVCOG Staff upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month.
This program is made possible thanks to the Troy Now Intiative.
Assistance for Individual Memberships:
The Pay-What-You-Can Program offers up to one year of partially or fully subsidized membership to individuals with demonstrated financial need.
OVERVIEW: This program offers up to a 100% reduction in Super Maker membership dues (offered in 25% increments) for a period of up to 12 months.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteer hours are required. Each program participant must complete one 4-hour shift per month for each 25% reduction in membership cost, e.g a 50% reduction in membership would have an 8-hour per month volunteer requirement, whereas a 75% reduction would have a 12-hour per month volunteer requirement. Volunteer positions vary, but options include operating the front desk/check-in station, basic organizational tasks, etc. Program members will work with the Volunteer Coordinator and TVCOG staff to determine which volunteer position best suits them.
ELIGIBILITY: Qualifying applicants must make below current Troy AMI ($39,526). No residential restrictions, but priority is given to Troy residents. All TVCOG members must be 18+.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Currently accepting applications. Online application form required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by TVCOG Staff upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month.
This program is made possible thanks to the Troy Now Intiative.
Assistance for Workshops & Classes:
The Class Discount program partial and full discounts for TVCOG classes to individuals with demonstrated financial need.
OVERVIEW: This program offers discounts to adults with demonstrated financial need for TVCOG classes.
ELIGIBILITY: Qualifying applicants will have either lost 25% or more of your income since March, 2020 or make below current Troy AMI ($39,526). No residential restrictions. Ages 18+.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please fill out a request form here. Requests should be submitted at least 5 days prior to the class date.
If you are currently a TVCOG member participating in one of our Community Access Programs, you are automatically eligible for class discounts. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the class information and requested discount amount in order to receive your online registration discount code.
This program is currently supported by the New York State Council on the Arts.
The STEAM Education Assistance Fund provides significant discounts on workshops, classes, after-school clubs and field trips for Troy schools and other educational organizations in Troy who serve primarily low-income students.
OVERVIEW: This program offers discounts on educational programs for K-12 students. Offered rates are based on the number of low-income students recorded at that school by the NYS Education Department.
For example, if NYSED indicates 85% of a school's population is low-income, TVCOG offers an 85% discount on fees for that school. Further assistance may be available; school administrators are encouraged to contact us with a statement of need if this is the case. 501(c)(3) organizations requesting discounts will be required to provide this data if it is not publicly available in order to determine discount eligibility.
ELIGIBILITY: At this time, this fund is only available to Troy-based schools and 501(c)(3) organizations in Troy that serve primarily low-income youth. Programs are available for all students in grades K-12.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please read our School Trip Guide to get an idea of what kind of experiences we can offer your students, and contact our Programs Manager directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss further. All field trip/workshop requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, and all after-school club requests must be submitted at least 60 days in advance.
This program is currently supported by the Troy Now Initiative.
We are currently actively fundraising to expand this program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the STEAM Education Assistance Program, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Educator Opportunity program offers up to six months of fully subsidized membership to qualified educators for grades K-12.
OVERVIEW: We are looking to grow our pool of instructors and volunteers for the THINQubator, our children’s makerspace. The THINQubator’s mission is to cultivate a community that focuses on mitigating barriers to creativity by providing affordable and accessible STEM programming to the youth of our community. The Educator Opportunity program is designed to provide resources to local educators in the hopes of helping them pursue that mission, both here in the THINQubator and in their own classroom.
The program offers up to six months of fully subsidized membership at the Super Maker level for educators working with students in grades K-12. Approved applicants will have access to the THINQuabtor, our children’s makerspace, for their own curriculum development purposes, as well as access to the general makerspace and coworking area for their own personal use. Approved applicants will also be added to our list of THINQubator instructors, and will be contacted about both potential paid instruction/curriculum development possibilities and educational volunteer opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteer hours are required. Program members will be asked to spend their volunteer time developing curriculum for our children’s makerspace. Curriculum topics will be decided in concert with staff members, based on instructor’s preference. The curriculum developed will be used in a number of our children’s programs, and should be designed to be easy for other instructors to follow; the instructor writing the curriculum will always be given first right of refusal for instruction of that particular class. Other volunteer opportunities may arise when we return to in-person events as well, e.g assisting at STEAM-Powered Saturdays, our free monthly STEAM education event, volunteering with our First Lego Robotics League etc. Volunteer hours are expected to be between 10-15 hours per month.
ELIGIBILITY Qualifying applicants will have significant teaching experience for any grades within the K-12 range in STEM or a STEM-related field. Preference will be given to applicants who currently hold a teaching certificate or CDA. Preference will also be given to instructors who have experienced significant revenue reduction since March, 2020.
Applicants should be community-driven and enthusiastic about expanding the minds of young learners. Those interested who are not STEM instructors are encouraged to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss potential opportunities. Those who are not currently certified but are pursuing a teaching certification, or a degree in related fields are welcome to apply as well.
APPLICATION PROCESS Currently closed. Please check back soon. Application form required; form is available both online and at the TVCOG offices. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed by our Executive Director upon receipt; applicants will be contacted regarding application status within 5-7 business days of submission. Approved applicants start the program on the 1st of the next month. Those who choose to do instruction hours for TVCOG will be asked to complete a background check first.
CODE OF CONDUCT: All program participants are expected to abide by our Member Code of Conduct, and to follow the guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety measures listed here.
RIGHT OF REFUSAL: TVCOG reserves the right to dismiss any application to any program if the applicant is deemed ineligible. TVCOG also reserves the right to offer applicants entry into a different program than the one denoted as preferred on their application.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: TVCOG reserves the right to request additional proof of income upon application receipt.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN/HARDSHIP MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM OFFERS: Final decisions on program offers (including program type, program length and membership level) are determined by our staff based on available program funds and the applicant’s demonstrated need. While individual preferences are taken into consideration, the final program offer may not reflect the preferences denoted in the application process. Program offers are included in notification of program acceptance, and are non-negotiable. We encourage applicants to provide a detailed statement of need on their application in order to increase the chances of being accepted into their preferred program.
Contract Job Opening- Education Team Member
TVCOG is looking to add experienced instructors to our education team to work with children ages 4-18; we are particularly interested in teachers in STEM fields who have an interest in K-12 programming. Education team positions are periodic hourly contract positions. Hours are flexible, and the majority of our programs take place outside of regular school hours.
Please fill out this registration form if you are interested! We will schedule a time to discuss more about our organization and our instructor recruitment process