Develop New Skills with our Digital Fabrication Artist Residency!

Image of member working on a projectDigital 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 Artist Residency program to overcome these barriers and empower makers and creators in our community.

 

The Digital Fabrication Artist Residency program provides two 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 will be allotted a $500 budget and have the opportunity to use their new skillset to create a project using our tools. Projects will be 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 anticipate running the program again in 2025, provided funding is found. 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.

 Apply

 

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.

 

Develop New Skills with our Digital Fabrication Artist Residency!

Image of member working on a projectDigital 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 Artist Residency program to overcome these barriers and empower makers and creators in our community.

 

The Digital Fabrication Artist Residency program provides two 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 will be allotted a $500 budget and have the opportunity to use their new skillset to create a project using our tools. Projects will be 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 anticipate running the program again in 2025, provided funding is found. 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.

 Apply

 

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.

What are the residency expectations?

 

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.

 

Who is a good fit for the residency?

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.

Residency Schedule

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:

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. 

Additional Information

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. 

Apply Now

 

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 Center Logo Red Left Justified 1024x375

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.