SPACES is hiring: Artist Ambassador in Cleveland

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.

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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