Applications for our Artist-in-Residence Program are now open

Brontez Purnell, ToFF AiR; SR Sharp, ToFF CXO; Durk Dehner, ToFF President & Cofounder; Justin Torres, Author

The Artist-in-Residence (#TOMair) Program was initiated when Tom of Finland arrived in 1980 at the invitation of Durk Dehner to the property in Echo Park which came to be known as TOM House. For the following decade, Tom would spend six months of the year creating his work there, which remained his primary residence and workspace until the end of his life in 1991.

Today, Tom of Finland Foundation (ToFF) invites LGBTQ+ artists to live and work at historic TOM House for periods up to three months. Accommodating up to twelve visiting artists a year, this one of a kind experience provides them with an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and their exploratory practice so as to discover new creative horizons free of censorship. The Foundation is committed to supporting artists regardless of race, creed, religion, gender, sexual identity, or any other censoring criteria.

The ToFF A-i-R Program features a diverse selection of artists who embrace the expression of their sexuality and identity in their work, while encouraging them to explore these themes and celebrate the legacy of Tom of Finland (without copying his work). During the three-month residency, Foundation staff facilitates access to its extensive archives which include more than 500,000 images, artworks, books, magazines, films, sculptures, and more. This invaluable resource allows artists to draw inspiration from a rich history of erotic art which culminates in a public presentation of their work.

We are accepting applications for the following time periods:

• The Music Room 
  • August – October 2025
  • November 2025 – January 2026
• Lawton’s Lookout
  • August – October 2025
  • November 2025 – January 2026
• Michael Kirwan Solarium
  • December 2025 – February 2026

Applications will be open until 31st October and applicants will be notified of the status of their application after a two-month deliberation process by our Artist-in-Residence Advisory Committee. 

YOU CAN LEARN MORE, FIND FAQS AND SUPPORT THE PROGRAM BELOW ⬇️

Published: 9th October 2024

Categorised in: News