THREAD, or Theatre Horizon Residency for Educational Artistic Development, has been established to support the creation, development, production, and presentation of one Norristown-based artist of any discipline. THREAD accepts applications in all creative fields, including but not limited to: THEATRE ARTS, DANCE, VISUAL ARTS, WRITING, MUSIC, AND PERFORMANCE.

The residency program offers financial resources, space, time, and feedback on new or continuing artist work and provides networking, teaching, and exhibition opportunities. At  the same time THREAD raises interest, awareness and understanding of creative arts, and their impact in communities like Norristown. 

Residents will be selected by a panel composed of Theatre Horizon’s newly-formed Community Advisory Board.  A designated Project Manager and Residency Consultant will steer the selection process to help ensure accessibility and equity. 

The selected artist will receive: a stipend; access to Theatre Horizon’s physical and virtual spaces; and Marketing, Fundraising, and/or Artistic consultations from Theatre Horizon staff. The residency will culminate in a public event to showcase the artistic talents that exist within our Norristown community. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

THREAD aims to strengthen the fibers that bind, bridge, and build the emergence and retention of local talent. We aim to support the overarching objective of making Norristown a leader in our region’s arts ecosystem, making Norristown a destination for prospective artists, and amplifying the work of artists of color from within the Norristown community. 

HISTORICALLY EXCLUDED COMMUNITIES

From conversations with community stakeholders, we have learned there is currently a gap in residency opportunities and professional development for Norristown raised and/or -based artists. Norristown is comprised of 70% Black and Brown people. The intention of THREAD is to create an opportunity for these historically excluded communities and reflect the makeup of Norristown. Therefore, priority will be given to self-identified Black and Latinx residents of Norristown.

THREAD 2023: During Theatre Horizon’s 2023/24 Season from September 2023 – June 2024.

THREAD 2024: During Theatre Horizon’s 2024/25 Season from September 2024 – June 2025.

Eligible applicants to THREAD 2024 must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 or older
• Be Norristown-based 
• Priority will be given to Black and Latinx  Norristown residents 

Applicants can apply online via Theatre Horizon’s online submission form. 

The application portal will open on March 15, 2024. The application portal will remain open through April 15 2024 at 11:59PM.

The application process is in two stages: 

Round 1: All applications will be reviewed by the Selection Panel*

Round 2: Finalists may be asked for an interview to be scheduled from April-May 2024.

*The Selection Panel will be composed of Norristown residents who Theatre Horizon is contracting to adjudicate*

Adjudication Process: 

Each application receives a numerical score between 1 and 5 based on the panel’s assessment of each of the following components:

The 5 C’s:

Criteria – Norristown Based. Priority will be given to Black and Latinx residents of Norristown

Creativity – Have you identified a unique artistic opportunity?

Context – What is the story behind your art, or the story you seek to tell?

Connection – What is your personal and/or artistic connection to Norristown?

Culmination –  what type of public presentation and/or culminating event would you use the allotted funds and support for? 

What do we expect of the artist?

• Seed ideas for a culminating public event 
• Resident Artist must provide testimonials on the residency experience to inform programmatic improvement.
• A communicative and collaborative relationship with Theatre Horizon throughout the residency period including regular monthly check-ins
• Photo/Video permission to document residency experience