Residencies at the Music District  

Due to the ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 The Music District Residency Program will be on indefinite hold. The Music District is closely monitoring developments and following recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that in the days, weeks, and months ahead our community will be faced with challenges and needs we likely never imagined. This new reality will stretch our thinking beyond traditional practices and will demand new ways of working that we haven’t yet considered. We plan to resume operation of this program when circumstances allow.

For any questions please email Artist Development Manager Kyle James Hauser.

 

The Music District is a dynamic gathering hub, workspace, and creative playground for the music community. It’s a place where musicians can develop, learn and share their skills and passions with the local community.

Residencies support musicians by providing resources and facilities to assist in the improvement of their creativity, skills, and craft; by enhancing exposure to the Music District community, and the community at large, to the musical talent of the residents through workshops, community engagements and performances; and enhancing the exposure of the Music District community, and the community at large, to diverse music genres, populations, outlooks, philosophies, and backgrounds. The program considers musicians who are collaborative, community-minded, serious about their career and craft, and ready to benefit from focused immersion in their creative process.

Paid residencies will come with access to one or more of the following resources at the Music District: state of the art rehearsal space and equipment, modern and comfortable housing in central Fort Collins on the Music District Campus; full kitchen and laundry; access to Music District events and workshops; mentorship from local and regional music industry experts; educational opportunities offered by instructors in voice, acoustic/electric instruments, turntablism, digital production, and more; and local and regional radio outlets.

Sign up for Music District Residency Email Updates

Residency Program Guidelines

Below is a brief overview of key Residency Program guidelines:

Residency Program Goals and Objectives

The Residency Program is designed to be responsive to the needs and ideas of musicians while also expanding and enhancing the Music District. Awards will be given with the following objectives in mind:

  • Assisting musicians in improving their creativity, skills, and craft.
  • Enhancing the exposure of the Music District community, and the community at large, to the talent of residents through workshops, community engagements and performances.
  • Enhancing the exposure of the Music District community, and the community at large, to diverse music genres, populations, outlooks, philosophies, and backgrounds.

To advance these objectives, recipients will be asked to submit a proposal to contribute to the Music District community, which can be accomplished through methods such as providing educational workshops; community engagement with local nonprofits, schools or the general public; production of a podcast, video, or other media that can be captured and distributed to the larger community; and mentorship or similar collaboration.

What We Look For

The Residency Program is a competitive program. Applications are accepted up to three times per year. Sign up to receive Residency Email updates for upcoming dates. Please see the How To Apply section for specific dates, which are updated annually. In addition to alignment with program goals and objectives, strong proposals will address the following:

  • Artistic Excellence – The artistic and professional quality of the applicant’s body of work. Artistic excellence will be judged in comparison to the genres in which the artist works and by the standards of excellence in their self-identified genres.
  • Community Contribution – The relevance of the applicant’s community contribution to the Music District community and alignment with the Music District’s commitment to the art, business and community of music. The applicant will also be evaluated on the viability (logistics, partnerships, timing, cost) of the community contribution.
  • Context – The applicant’s cultural, geographic and social experiences that inform their artistic work and will shape their residency. The applicant will be evaluated on the relevancy of these experiences to the Music District and the communities it serves.

Applicant Eligibility

Residency applicants should be collaborative and community-minded musicians who are both serious about their career and craft and ready to benefit from focused immersion in their creative process. Applicants must also demonstrate a clear desire to contribute specifically to the Music District.

Timing

We typically offer three rounds per year. Sign up to receive Residency Email updates for upcoming dates. Residency applicants may only submit one application per round and may only receive funding once per grant round. Awardees in one year must skip a year before applying again.

Grant Amount and Length of Residency

Residencies can span in length from a minimum of two days to a maximum of three weeks and are for both individual artists and bands. Typical award amounts are $750, although larger amounts are considered depending on the duration and nature of the residency. Residents will receive 50% of the award upon arrival at the Music District and the remaining 50% contingent upon the completion of a post-residency report.

Requests Not Eligible for Funding

  • Applications from 501c3 nonprofit organizations
  • Requests longer than three weeks in length
  • Requests from musicians who have been awarded a residency within the past year
  • Non-music related requests
  • Political advocacy
  • Religions or proselytizing activities
  • Discriminatory activities or practices
  • International applicants

Application Process and Materials

All Residency Program applications must be submitted via the Music District website. Applications must be fully completed and submitted in advance of the deadline to be considered for review. Decisions are typically communicated to applicants 60 days after the application closes.

How To Apply

The application period is now closed.

The Spring 2020 application period will open March 30th, 2020 and close April 20th, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

Residency Program FAQ

How many times per year can I be awarded a residency?
Once. Awardees in one year are ineligible to apply for the following year.
How many times can I apply each year?
Up to three times. Only one application per round will be accepted.
What if I don’t want to do a Community Contribution?
The Community Contribution is a key element and requirement of Music District residencies. Residencies at the Music District are intended to engage with and enhance the Music District community as well as the local music community. Residencies that do not include a Community Contribution will not be considered for funding.
How far in advance should I apply to accommodate my or my band’s schedule?
We provide notifications of awards as soon as they are available after the close of each application period, typically within 60 days. We suggest prospective residents determine how far in advance they should apply based on when they require confirmation for their schedule. Ideally, you should plan to apply roughly 6 months before your requested residency timing.
What is a typical Residency award amount?
Monetary awards are typically around $750.
Is there a deadline for Residency consideration?
Yes. We typically offer three award rounds per year. Sign up to receive Residency Email updates for upcoming dates. Late applications will not be accepted.
When are applications due on the deadline date?
Applications are due by 11:59pm MST on the application due date.
How soon will I receive notification?
Decisions are typically communicated to applicants 60 days after the application closes.
Do I need to submit a new application each new application period if my previous application was declined?
Yes. A new application is required for each application for a residency.
How long is a typical residency?
Residencies can span in length from three days to a maximum of three weeks. The length of residency is determined based on the individual needs of the artist or band and contingent upon scheduling availability at the Music District.
What should I bring?
Any medications, toiletries, weather-appropriate clothing, and supplies, equipment, or instruments needed during the residency.
Can I bring my family?
Residents are not permitted overnight visitors, including spouses and other family members. Personal visitors are welcome on a limited basis. We are happy to suggest hotels for your guests if needed.
Can I bring my pet?
No. We love pets, but please leave them at home. If you have a condition that requires the aid of a service animal, please contact Kyle James Hauser or Alysia Kraft.
Are meals provided?
No. Residency facilities are fully equipped with kitchen areas for storing food and preparing meals. As a service to our residents, The Music District will stock fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks (hummus, crackers, etc.), coffee, tea and a milk of the resident’s choosing (cow, oat, soy, almond), but additional food will need to be purchased by the resident. Residents should discuss with Music District staff any specific food allergies in advance of their stay.
What accommodations does the Music District offer?
Please contact Kyle James Hauser to discuss specific needs.
What is included in the Music District facilities?
Our modern and comfortable housing is located central to the Music District campus and city of Fort Collins, and includes the following amenities: full kitchen, laundry, and private bedrooms stocked with linens and towels. The Music District campus offers an abundance of space for rehearsing and collaborating. There are three soundproof state-of-the-art rehearsal rooms (with a variety of backline and equipment rental options), three sound-mitigated practice rooms, and a beats lab. The Living Room also has a stage with PA and lighting to practice in front of audiences.
Is a final report required?
Yes. Artists will be required to fill out a post-residency report, describing the success of the residency at the Music District, including specific outcomes and learnings.
When will I be paid for my residency?
Residents will receive 50% of the award upon arrival at the Music District and the remaining 50% is contingent upon the completion of a post-residency final report.
I still have questions. Where can I find out more information?
Email Kyle James Hauser or Alysia Kraft