Program Description and Objectives

Theatre Horizon’s Residency for Norristown Artists Program, THREAD, 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 also provides networking, teaching, and exhibition opportunities. At the same time THREAD, promotes interest, awareness and understanding of creative arts and their impact in communities like Norristown. 

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. 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.

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 $3,000 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. 

We will provide SPACE: 

Support for the growth of local emerging artists through a lens of antiracism.

Paid opportunities for a Norristown artist to make art in their community. ($3000 stipend directly to the artist, plus financial support towards their culminating event).

Access to Theatre Horizon as a resource for: artist incubation, marketing and/or fundraising support; professional development; and mentorship. 

Creative community for Norristown-based artists to learn, develop, workshop, produce, and present their work.

Expanded Audience through increased representation of Norristown artists from communities that have been historically-excluded and historically-underrepresented

• A list of brainstormed ideas for a culminating public event (think of these ideas as seeds that can be in any stage of germination)
• 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

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

Eligible applicants to THREAD 2023 must meet the following criteria:

• Be 17 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 February 13, 2023. The application portal will remain open through April 13 2023.

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 2023.

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