The Alabama State Council on the Arts has awarded a $13,000 grant to Troy University’s Department of Art & Design in support of its 2026 Spring Arts Series, a growing initiative that merges academic research, community development and creative practice to strengthen Alabama’s cultural landscape.

Now entering its third year, the Spring Arts Series brings Alabama-based artists to TROY for immersive residencies that include studio time, public programming and collaborative research. The program supports artists with housing, materials and stipends, while inviting the public to engage through free workshops, presentations and studio visits.

The 2026 series will feature one three-week residency and three week-long artist visits. A new addition this year is an exhibition at the International Arts Center (IAC) for the three-week resident, scheduled for the year following their time on campus. This extended timeline supports deeper artistic development and allows for continued collaboration between the artist and the university.

“This program is rooted in research—creative, academic, and community-based,” said Will Jacks, Assistant Professor of Art & Design and co-director of the project. “We’re exploring how artists can help us reimagine underutilized spaces, spark dialogue and contribute to long-term economic and cultural development. The support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts helps us expand that vision.”

The Spring Arts Series is designed not only to enrich the campus experience but also to build lasting connections across the state. Past residents have included Jennifer McCohnell, Douglas Pierre’ Baulos, Jenny Fine, Aaron Sanders Head, and Bethany Moody—each contributing to a growing network of artists, communities, organizations, and institutions working together to elevate the role of the arts in civic life.

“This is about more than hosting artists—it’s about building a statewide ecosystem of creativity and collaboration,” said Sara Dismukes, Professor of Art & Design and co-director. “We’re creating opportunities for artists to engage deeply with place, and for communities to see themselves reflected in the work. These relationships don’t end when the residency does—they evolve into something much more enduring.”

The total budget for the 2026 Spring Arts Series is approximately $30,000. The $13,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts is a 1-to-1 matching award, and the department is meeting that match through a combination of faculty and staff volunteer efforts, in-kind support, and contributions from community partners. Importantly, the program is designed to expand the department’s academic and public engagement offerings without drawing on resources from other university areas.

The initiative also emphasizes documentation and reflection. A second edition of “Designing Your Future”, a publication featuring interviews and insights from students, faculty, alumni and visiting artists, is currently in production. These materials serve as both a record of the program’s impact and a resource for future research and curriculum development.

“This initiative exemplifies the mission of our department—to foster creative excellence, support scholarly inquiry, and engage meaningfully with the world around us,” said Greg Skaggs, Chair of the Department of Art & Design. “We’re proud to support artists who are not only making compelling work, but also helping us think differently about how art can shape communities.”

Carrie Jaxon, Director and Curator of the IAC, emphasized the importance of the program’s long-term vision. “The Spring Arts Series is a powerful example of how the arts can connect people across disciplines and across the state. These residencies bring new energy to our galleries and classrooms, and they help us build a more thoughtful and vibrant cultural dialogue.”

The selection process for the 2026 artists will again involve a panel of faculty and community arts leaders. Last year, the program received over 30 applications, reflecting strong interest from artists across Alabama. Applications for the artist-in-residence and artist visits are now open.

The Spring Arts Series is part of a broader effort by Troy University to integrate the arts into education, research, and regional development. Through partnerships with the IAC and local organizations, the Department of Art & Design continues to create opportunities for dialogue, discovery and creative growth.

For more information about the Spring Arts Series or upcoming events, visit www.troyartistresidency.com or follow the Department of Art & Design on social media.