Artist-in-residence program

The aim of the residency is to provide emerging and established artists of exceptional merit with an experience of the working conditions that the artist Alex Brown (1966–2019) found in Des Moines, Iowa—the ability to make the work you want to make, free from the daily influence of being immersed in a major metropolitan scene but without the isolation of a rural residency, in an exceptional studio environment and a relaxed and comfortable living environment.

The residency allows artists to focus entirely on their work for an extended period of time in a city consistently ranked in recent years as one of the best places to live in the US—the city David Byrne called “beyond cool.” A residency at The Alex Brown Foundation is ideal for those looking to work in a spacious private studio with little distraction.

The Artist In Residence program provides a 1400 square foot studio space at Mainframe Studios, a renovated 1970s telecommunications building in downtown Des Moines. A monthly stipend of 1,000 USD, plus airfare or reimbursement for other travel to and from Des Moines, and a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment situated in a quiet centrally located neighborhood, just a three-minute drive and a 14-minute walk from the studio.

Application instructions
The Alex Brown Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2024 artist residency program. Applications will be accepted from artists working in any medium. No application fee will be charged. We will be accepting applications until March 15, 2023, for residencies beginning January 1 of 2024. If you are interested in participating, complete the form below and compile your application materials into a single PDF, including: Statement of purpose (700 words or less); Portfolio of 12-20 images; Resume or CV.

To learn more & how to apply visit here.