The Artist Residency Program is designed to focus on connection, expression and visibility through the creation of art with, for and about Johnson County Mental Health Center’s clients and community members, as well as the artist’s own lived experience during the residency. Developed in collaboration with the Arts Council of Johnson County, the residency reflects JCMHC’s values and supports self-expression and narrative storytelling.

By the end of the residency, the artist will have created a collection of narrative-based artwork that can be shared through a traveling exhibition, long-term online gallery and installations within JCMHC’s offices. Another goal of the residency is to support the artist’s professional growth and help them expand their portfolio. The artist will retain the rights to all artwork created during the program.

During the residency, the artist will participate in collaborative creative opportunities that could culminate in an exhibition, publication or performance open to the public. The artist will also facilitate open studio sessions where people co-create artwork, which may include painting, collage, ceramics, textiles or sound-based projects. The role is non-clinical — the artist serves as a creative companion, not a therapist or instructor.

The artist may also facilitate community studio sessions with JCMHC’s services, programs and partners and participate in outreach with other county departments, including aging services, developmental supports, parks and recreation and libraries.

The residency will emphasize narrative-based work, inviting people to share personal stories and lived experiences that are transformed into visual or performative art, such as murals, short films or collaborative poetry. The created art collection, intended for public display or performance, is intended to humanize mental health experiences and reduce stigma.

This is a paid, part-time residency through the end of 2026. The artist will be employed by Johnson County Mental Health Center, working up to 20 hours per week at $23.18 per hour. The artist’s work schedule is flexible and may include evening and weekend hours, as needed. JCMHC will provide a budget for materials and a designated studio space, as well as mileage reimbursement for travel between county buildings and community events.

The residency is open to artists who are passionate about mental health and are interested in collaborating with Johnson County Mental Health Center to create art that reduces stigma and reflects the unique experiences of the Johnson County community.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Being 18 years of age or older.
• Living in the Kansas City metro area (Johnson County residents preferred).
• Having the ability or willingness to work with adults and children living with a mental illness.
• Being able to pass a background and reference check in accordance with Johnson County Government policy.

JCMHC will provide training on trauma-informed care and protection of private health information.

Artists interested in applying for the residency should send the materials below to JCMHCInfo@jocogov.org. First review of applications will begin Feb. 20. Applications will close on March 3.

• One-page artist statement sharing why you are interested in the residency, your passion for exploring the connection between art and mental health and how the residency would inspire your work.
• CV or resume of no more than three pages with current contact information and related experience.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Three images of previous artwork or projects with a corresponding image list that includes artwork title, medium, dimensions, description, location, date of work, commissioning entity and budget or price.

Johnson County Mental Health Center and the Arts Council of Johnson County will review artists’ applications and qualifications and select an artist for the residency. Following the initial application review, finalists for the residency will be interviewed before a final selection is made. 

Artists’ qualifications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Artistic Excellence: The quality of the artist’s work and their compatibility with the project.
• Goals: The artist's ability to create artwork that is made collaboratively and is representative of the community JCMHC serves.
• Approach: The artist’s willingness to work collaboratively with people experiencing a mental illness, understanding of the residency and ability to create trauma-informed art.
• Capabilities: The artist's demonstrated experience in designing, fabricating and installing artwork, participating in community engagement activities and completing projects on time and on budget.