AiR

A New Olmsted County Initiative

Launching in 2026, this Olmsted County initiative invites artists to create public artworks using at least 90% reclaimed materials from the Olmsted County Recycling Center. Through workshops, open studios, and community events, artists engage the Rochester community in the creative process, sparking conversations about sustainability, creativity, and reuse.

Applications are currently closed for 2026. The next open call will be Fall 2026 for residencies in 2027.

Application Information

Goals

Empower Artists & Enrich Public Spaces- Provide paid opportunities for artists to expand their practice while creating works that reflect community values of creativity and sustainability.

Promote Sustainability & Environmental Education- Showcase the potential of reclaimed materials, educate the public about recycling and circular design, and track waste diverted from the landfill.

Strengthen Community Partnerships & Engagement-  Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and residents to expand resources and connect the public with artists.

Overview

Two artists will be selected for one-month residencies between May and September 2026.

Artists may propose any project concept, from large outdoor sculptures to small indoor installations, provided that at least 90% of materials are reclaimed from the Olmsted County Recycling Center (see FAQ for list of materials and tools). Projects may be temporary or permanent and will be installed in public spaces throughout Rochester, MN.

What artists receive

  • A $2,500 stipend and up to $500 for supplemental materials

  • Lodging and studio space for the residency period

  • Access to reclaimed materials from the Recycling Center and available tools

  • Installation or exhibition space coordinated with local partners

  • A public unveiling event to showcase their work and engage the community

What we ask from artists

  • Track the types and quantities of reclaimed materials used in their project

  • Lead at least one public engagement activity, such as a workshop, open studio, or artist talk

  • Support the program’s mission by helping educate the public and sharing their process on social media or other outreach platforms

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: Fall 2026

  • Artists Announced: TBD

  • Residency Periods: May-September

FAQs

  • Artists interested in the Transforming Trash Artist-in-Residence Program are invited to submit a project proposal that outlines their concept, scope, expected outcomes, and material needs. Proposals may include indoor or outdoor works, large- or small-scale installations, and may be temporary or permanent. All projects must be created using at least 90% reclaimed materials sourced from the Olmsted County Recycling Center.

    Eligibility
    Applicants must:

    • Be 21 or older

    • Demonstrate experience working with recycled or industrial materials

    • Be able to work safely and independently with industrial tools

    • Commit to at least two community engagement activities (e.g., exhibition plus one workshop)

    • Be emerging or established artists dedicated to sustainability and creative reuse

    Review & Selection
    Applications will be reviewed by a committee of program staff, local arts professionals, and county representatives. Selection will be based on artistic merit, innovation in reuse, community engagement potential, and feasibility within available materials and safety standards.

    Timeline

    • Applications Open: December 15 2025 - January 15, 2026

    • Artists Announced: February 2026

    • Residencies Begin: May 2026

    1. Artist Statement (500 words or less): Provide a brief overview of your work and why this project fits within your current practice. Tell the Panel what you are working on and why you are applying to this residency at this moment in your career.

    2. Project Proposal (500 words or less): Describe what you are going to create during this residency, how you are going to accomplish it, how it would be displayed, and what you want audiences to take away from it. The work can be outdoor/indoor, large-or-small, and an installation or exhibition format. We are dedicated to supporting bold and innovative creative uses of recycled materials.

    3. Please describe your studio practice and needs (250 words or less):  Do you have a dedicated space for your creative work? What do your working habits look like? What tools, materials, and space will you require?

    4. Community Engagement Proposal (250 words or less): Besides the unveiling/exhibition opening event for your final work, what other way would you like to engage with the community during your time here? (examples: workshop, open studios, artist talk, etc.)

    5. Work Images 5 JPEGs

    6. Work Descriptions Provide title, year, medium, and size for each JPEG. Tell us why you selected these samples and how the work you are submitting supports your proposed project?

    7. Are there any dates you are unavailable during 2026?

  • Our fantastic team can help gather and deliver materials to the studio on a regular basis.

    We have access to:

    • Cardboard/Paper

    • Glass

    • Plastic

    • Aluminum

    • Metals (iron, steel, copper)

    • Furniture

    • Car parts

    • Electronics

    • Wood

    • Paints/Stains

    • Batteries

    And more!

  • While we recommend that artists have access to a vehicle for daily transportation, Recycling Center staff can assist with gathering, loading, and transporting materials from the facility to the studio, as needed.