Artist Ambassador

The SPACES Artist Ambassador Program is a paid professional development opportunity for Northeast Ohio artists to serve as peer guides, collaborators, and creative connectors for artists participating in SPACES' Echo Artist Residency.
Rather than acting as assistants, Artist Ambassadors become collaborators in building meaningful relationships between visiting artists and Northeast Ohio's vibrant creative community.
Each Ambassador is paired with one visiting Echo Resident for a 4–6 week residency. Together they help create a residency experience that extends beyond the gallery—introducing artists to studios, maker-spaces, museums, artist-run spaces, cultural organizations, and fellow creatives throughout the region.
Honorarium
Professional networking opportunities
Behind-the-scenes access to residency development
Introductions to regional arts leaders
Collaborative relationship with a nationally or internationally recognized artist
Recognition on SPACES website and publications
Invitations to professional development gatherings with the Ambassador cohort
The program strengthens Cleveland's creative ecosystem by connecting artists with one another while positioning Northeast Ohio as a destination for ambitious, experimental contemporary art.
PROGRAM GOALS

The SPACES Artist Ambassador Program was developed in direct response to feedback gathered during artist listening sessions and surveys conducted as part of SPACES' 2026 Strategic Planning process. Artists identified a need for stronger regional connections, greater opportunities for collaboration, increased visibility for Northeast Ohio artists, and more support for ambitious, experimental practices.
The Artist Ambassador Program advances these priorities by embedding local artists into the Echo Artist Residency as peer collaborators and cultural connectors.
Program goals include

Welcoming visiting artists into Northeast Ohio's vibrant creative community
Strengthening relationships among regional artists while expanding professional networks
Encouraging artistic experimentation through peer support, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
Increasing the visibility of Northeast Ohio artists within national and international artistic conversations
Fostering meaningful relationships and long-term collaborations that extend beyond the residency experience
ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:
Reside in Northeast Ohio and have access to reliable transportation to and from SPACES
Be an active visual, interdisciplinary, or socially engaged artist
Have a minimum of three years of professional artistic practice (or equivalent experience)
Be available to participate in residency activities throughout the assigned residency period
Demonstrate a strong interest in community building, collaboration, and peer engagement
Have experience with or an understanding of complex exhibition, installation, or project-based artistic practices
Be a creative problem solver who is comfortable adapting to evolving ideas, troubleshooting logistical challenges, and supporting innovative approaches to exhibition design, production, and artistic presentation
Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and personalities.
AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Each Ambassador will:
Before Residency

Attend orientation
Meet virtually with resident artist
Help develop residency itinerary alongside SPACES Staff
Coordinate introductions
During Residency

Attend:
AIR Opening Exhibition Reception
3–5 residency activities
Artist dinners/community gatherings
Introduce resident artists to:
Local artists
Maker-spaces
Arts organizations
Share residency experiences through social media (optional but encouraged).
Time Commitment

Approximately

20–30 hours over six weeks
Compensation

A $750 honorarium in recognition of their time, expertise, and contributions to the residency experience.
A one-year SPACES ArtsPass Artist Membership. Current SPACES Artist Members will receive a one-year extension to their existing membership.

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