Program Structure

About TRIP

The ten-week summer experience includes a structured curriculum with research seminars, professional development workshops, student presentations, career panel discussions, and social events. The artist is expected to fully participate in the curricular components, lead studio sessions throughout the 10 weeks, and host a public-facing event during week 9.

Artists will also have the opportunity to facilitate focus group discussions with TRIP students and/or shadow their laboratory research environments with the permission of their research mentors. These experiences are designed to help the artist witness the evolution of research projects by immersing themselves in the human experience unfolding among the TRIP cohort.

Regular discussions with ITMAT leadership – leading up to and beyond the 10 weeks - will support the artist as they gather insights, develop their work, and translate their experiences into art. These meetings ensure the artist's creative vision and the program's goals grow together.

 

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Timeline

The Artist-in-Residence program is designed for in-person engagement during the summer, with continued remote involvement available in the sequential months: 

Spring 2027	Onboard and plan with team
Summer 2027	Attend and participate in the 10-week TRIP curriculum Lead 3-4 studio sessions that guide the TRIP cohort through creating and sharing their own artwork Visit translational research labs on campus Organize a public-facing event during the 9th week where the TRIP cohort presents their art-science project to the broader public (with support from TRIP leadership)
Fall 2027 and Winter 2028	Additional programming or community engagement events proposed by the artist will be discussed on a case-by-case basis

 

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Compensation

Selected artists will recieve a stipend of $8,000, along with up to $2,000 in art-related materials. Housing and travel accommodations are the responsiblity of the artist, therefore this program is best suited for Philadelphia-based artists. Studio space is arranged for artist-led sessions with the support of program leadership. Please identify any resources or space needs in your proposal so we can coordinate on-campus support. Further detail can be found on the Application page.

Artists have access to:

• Cutting-edge science in translational labs across campus
• University libraries and academic resources
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities with scientists, educators, and community partners

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Program Partners Across Campus

• Institute of Contemporary Art 
• Pennovation Works 
• Weitzman School of Design Undergraduate Fine Arts & Design

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Programming takes place across the University of Pennsylvania campus, utilizing a variety of research, academic, and arts spaces. Curriculum sessions have been held in the Smilow Center for Translational Research and the Maloney Building, while studio sessions have taken place in both the Smilow Center and Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall. The program's art-science showcases have been presented at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and The Arts League, providing students with opportunities to share their work in prominent cultural venues.

  

Images above, from left to right: Left: Marguerita Hagan shares student ceramic artwork created during her residency at the 20th International ITMAT Symposium in the Smilow Center for Translational Research. Center: Cory Kram guides students in working with plaster during an artist-led studio session in Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall. Right: A TRIP student presents their art-science project at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Philadelphia during the program's Week 9 showcase.