Artist in Residence

History

Since the school’s inception, arts and culture have been given a valued place at the LFC. Created in 1997 by parents Nancy Lerner Frej and Mary Jane Jacob, with the support of former Lycée Arts Director Jean-Brice Wallon, the Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR) enriches each student's journey and exposes them to new artistic approaches.

The LFC has had the pleasure of welcoming numerous artists since 1997:

• Christian Boltanski (France/photography)
• Ery Camara (Senegal/language arts)
• Sheila Hicks (USA/sculpture)
• Laurent Baude (France/sculpture)
• Périphériques Architecture (France/architecture)
• Jim Vincent for the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (USA/dance)
• Beate Gütschow (Germany/photography)
• Donald Fels (USA/architecture)
• I.C.E. – International Contemporary Ensemble (USA/music)
• Nicolas Henry (France/photography)
• Joël Degbo (France-Benin/photography)
• Phil Smith and Louise Lamson - Lookingglass Theatre Company - and Tom Lee - Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (USA/theater)
• Justin Roberts (USA/music)

The selected artist is invited to develop an original and collective project in collaboration with the students, teachers and parents of the LFC. The final art work—the result of a rich dialogue between an international artist and our community—is showcased at a public exhibition and becomes part of the LFC’s art collection.

Artist-in-Residence Criteria

For AIR, which takes place every other year, all artistic disciplines are welcome: architecture, visual arts, performing arts (music, theater, dance), digital arts, comics, film/animation, design, graphic design, literature, photography, murals/street art, etc. The next call for applications will take place in early 2026.

Terms and Conditions

• The artistic output shall be the property of the LFC. 
• The duration of the residency is generally 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the nature of the project itself. However, it must be finished before the end of the school year (see school calendar).
• The project must reach the entire LFC community and actively involve students from pre-K to Grade 12.
• The public exhibition at the end of the residency is an integral part of the project.
• The artist will work with LFC’s pedagogical teams and, in particular, the art department. 

Funding & Support

• The artist will receive a total stipend of $15,000 from the LFC to cover all expenses: housing, airfare, materials and supplies necessary for the residency (other than those available at the Lycée).
• A work space will be made available at the LFC for the duration of the residency during the school's normal hours of operation.
• The LFC will support the artist in his/her networking with local organizations, partners and other stakeholders who may participate in the development of his/her project (cultural and academic institutions, etc.).

Criteria for Eligibility

The artist must: 

• Be a working professional
• Speak French and/or English 
• Have previous work experience in a school (preferred) 
• Clear a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact air@lyceechicago.org.