MISSION

CORSICANA ARTIST AND WRITER RESIDENCY advances the production and presentation of new work and ideas by an international community of artists and writers by providing an arena of generous support and historic space. This organization is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit established in 2018. Founding studio site 100 West established in 2012.

FOCUSED IN CORSICANA, TEXAS

Fifty miles south of Dallas, this residency takes place in the historic downtown of Corsicana, where two oil booms in the 1890s to 1920’s produced an exuberant architectural setting. Historic buildings declined in care and use by the late-20th century, alongside the general compromise of small-town America. Corsicana Artist and Writer Residency affords creative re-use of these preserved sites, soaked in their unaltered space, light and proportion. Anchored by 100 West, a former Odd Fellows Lodge, this collection of sites becomes a cultural campus providing artists and writers meaningful interaction with the community and its history as a springboard for research and creative production. We champion innovative and engaged studio practices and writing, while facing outward in partnerships for education, exhibition and publication designed to develop transformative dialogue with audiences near and far.

The unique history and cultural landscape of Corsicana lies at the intersection of economic change and the collection of diverse races and religious histories throughout that change.  The Corsicana Artist and Writer Residency is uniquely positioned to engage and respond to this landscape through its support for creative production.

PARTNERSHIPS

100 West Corsicana: provides private studio space to host two or three residents

ArtTown Corsicana: makes available properties for studio and living space

Corsicana Visitors’ Bureau: underwrites resident work documentation to educate audiences about their work

Perry Graham Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee: grants funds for operating expenses

J N & Macie Edens Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee: grants funds for a staff position

Corsicana Art League: supports resident studio practices and produces After Hours

Deep Vellum Publishing: publishes English translations of literature by international writer residents, and recommends international writers to apply to Corsicana Residency

G. W. Jackson Multicultural Society: supports studio practices of African American residents in the pedagogical spirit of the acclaimed G. W. Jackson High School

Navarro Council of the Arts: connects residents with public school students through workshops, presentations and studio field trips

Scalawag Magazine: engages work by residents investigating issues of Southern identity.