The Walker Art Center's artist-in-residence program is a dynamic framework that broadens the definition of artistic process and civic engagement. It is a collaboration among five partners: the artist, community connectors, project participants, general audience, and the cross-departmental resources of the Walker. The residency program allows the artist to explore his/her creative process while serving as a catalyst for the examination of vital issues that animate contemporary life.

The Walker's artist-in-residence program brings emerging and established artists in performing art, film/video, and the visual arts to the Twin Cities to create new works of art and relationships with community members. With the overarching goals of supporting artistic process and community engagement, the residency programs offer resources to artists and provide opportunities for our diverse community to learn about and sometimes take part in resident artists' work. Each residency is unique and elastic, and its shape is determined by factors that include the length of time the artist is in town, the artist's practice, the artist's interest in community involvement, and the purpose of the residency. Resident artists may choose to take advantage of the Walker's unique position as a multidisciplinary institution to explore new mediums or exhibition spaces, or to engage the community by teaching master classes and workshops, or to offer artist talks or panel discussions. Residencies usually are a combination of public and private activities that take place at the Walker and in the community, and most fall within four categories:

1. New Commissions residencies are fundamentally artist-driven. The artist is invited to the Walker and provided with the time and resources to create or develop a new work or idea. The audience/community is invited in to come to a better understanding of the creative process through discussions and lectures or by providing assistance in researching and realizing a project.

2. Community-based residencies are in-depth collaborations between artists and communities, who work together to generate the idea and complete a project.

3. Extended Presentations residencies provide opportunities for artists to present their completed work. During visits ranging from several days to a week, the artist engages the community through school visits, master classes, workshops, and talks.

4. Teaching residencies are those in which the artist shares his/her expertise and artistic skills with community participants. Typically, the participants create an artwork or project during a residency, and often the final work is shown in a public setting.