Title: Makerspace residencies Author: Elisabeth Kuchera Published: July 3, 2025 Last modified: May 21, 2026 --- # makerspace residencies ## TVCOG’s Residency programs empower local innovators by providing mentorship, education, 24/7 equipment access and entry into TVCOG’s creative community- for free. Beginning in 2026, two residency tracks are offered: one for artists and one hardware- based entrepreneurs. **Applications for both tracks open the first week of June.** ### Digital Fabrication for Artists Residency Program! ![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Learn-digital-fabrication-techniques- like-3D-printing-and-laser-cutting-then-use-your-500-project-budget-and-new-skills- to-create-a-signature-project-to-display.-600-x-650-px-600-x-450-px-1.avif) **This innovative program empowers local, underserved artists to elevate their artistic practice by incorporating digital fabrication tools. ** This education-intensive program provides residents with a free series of intensive, hands-on classes in digital fabrication techniques like 3D printing, laser cutting and more. The program also provides 24/7 access to TVCOG and all our equipment, custom mentorship, and a small materials stipend for their final showcase. **Upon completion of the classes, residents create a final showcase for Troy’s annual Victorian Stroll celebration, which draws in thousands of visitors each year.**  --- **The Digital Fabrication for Artists Residency track is open to Capital Region residents ages 18+ who qualify as LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income individuals) as per HUD’s definition,** but all classes are available to the public. See “More Program Information’ for more details on eligibility requirements. ## _**This program track is made possible by support from the Howard and Bush Foundation**._ **What the Artist Residency Looks Like** **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 classes on: * 3D Design * 3D Printing * Vacuum Forming * Laser Cutting * CNC Routing Upon completion of the Residency, participants will be able to produce original designs on the laser cutter, 3D-printers and other tools. Full class schedule details will be available soon. **CREATE! **Design and build new work using your new developed skills. * Receive a 5 months of Super Maker Membership & project storage space; this includes 24/7 access to the space and all equipment * A small materials budget (approx. $500) for your signature project * Work on your own personal projects! Studio space and equipment access are not limited to work for your residency. Residents can also use all tools outside of the digital fabrication tools at TVCOG, provided they go through safety training. This includes the woodshop, welding area, machine shop and fiber arts zones. **SHARE!** * Display your completed project, and other work of your choice, in your own showcase during Troy’s annual Victorian Stroll event. Artists may also choose to sell work as part of TVCOG’s annual Makers Market during the event. * Share your project, learning journey and personal work in TVCOG’s media * Offer a free community workshop **More Program Information** ##### Requirements * **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 set guidelines. - 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. See “Time Commitment & Scheduling” for more information. - Be an active media ambassador for TVCOG. This includes providing regular photographic, video 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.  ##### Time Commitment & Scheduling * **This is an intensive program requiring around approximately at least 4-6 hours of work per week, from July-December 2026:** - During the LEARN! portion (July – October), classes will occur approximately once a week, with each class varying from 1 to 4 hours in length. * During this time, residents will be asked to complete small independent projects using these tools and scrap materials. The time to meet this requirement varies depending on the independent projects and artist goals. * During the CREATE! portion (November), we expect a project complex enough to require approximately 4- 6 hours a week of planning and on-site fabrication over the 5 week design and build period. Exact time commitment may be more depending on artists selected project. - Residents will be required to complete a project proposal and materials purchase list before the installation, which will be approved by TVCOG staff. * To complete the SHARE! portion, artists will be expected to do the following: - Complete a final showcase project for display at TVCOG’s annual Victorian Stroll, and attend the event at TVCOG on December 6 (an all day event, exact times TBD) - Share regular photos, videos and text updates to TVCOG (approx. 1-2 hours per month) and work with TVCOG staff to create an end-of-residency summary video (1-2 hours) - Host one free workshop, open to the public Artists will also be expected to schedule regular check-ins with TVCOG staff (approx. 1 a month, scheduling flexible) for the duration of the program. ##### Who Should Apply? This program is the perfect fit for any traditional or emerging artist who wants to learn new techniques and broaden their horizon. Any local, underserved artist who is enthusiastic about, but perhaps intimidated by, incorporating digital fabrication techniques into their repertoire (2D and 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing) is encouraged to apply! **This program is intended to provide digital fabrication training and other resources to local underserved artists who may not otherwise be able to access these resources, so eligibility requirements do apply; this track is open to Capital Region residents ages 18+ who qualify as LMI. ** * **Capital Region Residency:** To be considered a Capital Region resident, you must live in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren or Washington county. * **Financial Eligibility:** **This residency is only open to LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income) individuals**, as defined by HUD. Income limits are based on household size, see the chart below. | **Size of Household** | **1** | **2** | **3** | **4** | **5** | **6** | | **Max Income Limit** | 65,050 | 74,350 | 83,650 | 92,900 | 100,350 | 107,800 | TVCOG uses [HUD’s definition of being Low-to-Moderate Income](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2025/2025summary.odn?STATES=36.0&INPUTNAME=METRO10580M10580*3608399999%2BRensselaer+County&statelist=&stname=New+York&wherefrom=&statefp=36&year=2025&ne_flag=&selection_type=county&incpath=&data=2025&SubmitButton=View+County+Calculations)( LMI) for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area and tiered income database to decide eligibility and determine demonstrated financial need. The chart above is the current maximum income limit by household size. Those who make over this income level are not eligible. Applicants will be asked to self-certify income range and household size as part of the application. Income amounts and household sizes should be based on expected 2026 income. ##### Application Information **Applications open the first week of June 2026, **and are due June 29. Applications will be via Google Form and posted here; you can review a copy of last year’s application** [here](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Digital-Fab-App-2025-Full-Application-Copy.pdf).** --- ### Entrepreneurship Residency Program! **Beginning in 2026, TVCOG is launching its first ever Entrepreneurship Residency. Created to support local, up and coming hardware-based startups, this residency track provides 1 year of TVCOG membership, dedicated work space, and customized mentorship, all provided for free to participants. This expansion of the Residency program is part of our work to ensure accessibility in the local entrepreneurship ecosystem.  ** The program will take place July 2026-July 2027. Check back here for more information, coming soon. ![](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Learn-digital-fabrication-techniques- like-3D-printing-and-laser-cutting-then-use-your-500-project-budget-and-new-skills- to-create-a-signature-project-to-display.-600-x-650-px-600-x-450-px-2.avif) ## _**This program track is made possible by support from the **Troy CRC and the Troy Now Initiative._ --- **Want to learn more? Interested in sponsoring a program? Email Programming Manager Liz Kuchera at Liz@tvcog.net for more information. ** **SELECTION PROCESS: **Applications will be reviewed by TVCOG staff & TVCOG board members. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be judged by the quality of their responses. Applicants with demonstrated financial need and applicants with demonstrated barriers to access need will be given priority. **CODE OF CONDUCT: **All program participants are expected to abide by our [Member Code of Conduct](https://www.tvcog.net/residency/about/policies-procedures?output_format=md). **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. ---