Residency Program

Hub Residencies support community-based collaborative projects in the arts, humanities, and humanistic social sciences that engage a topic of important public interest. Residencies involve at least one community partner (individual, group, or organization) and one person (faculty, staff, or graduate student) affiliated with the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts.

Need Help Connecting with a CLA Partner?

Community-University collaboration is the essential component of a Hub residency. We will do our best to help facilitate a connection to a College of Liberal Arts (CLA) faculty, staff, or graduate student with shared interests. Beginning this process with ample time before the application deadline will increase the likelihood of a successful connection. We encourage prospective applicants to start building relationships with project partners months in advance of the application deadline. 

If you are a community member or organization and need assistance identifying a CLA partner, please reach out to Amanda Steepleton, Hub Assistant Director, [email protected] or 612-624-1811. 

Resources Provided

  • Up to $15,000 (full funding for requests is not guaranteed).
  • Priority access to the Hub Space, which includes a large open space designed to accommodate a variety of activities, hybrid event technology, a shared office workspace, a kitchenette, and reception area.
  • Access to university resources, depending on the nature of the project. These might include (but are not limited to) UMN Libraries privileges, media support, subject expertise, or technological assistance.
  • Assistance with event promotion and project amplification via The Hub’s network,
    including our website, biweekly newsletter, social media channels, and digital display signage.
  • The opportunity for community and connection with other Hub residents.
  • Access to the University’s Google workspace, virtual private network (VPN), and secure WiFi.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from any of the following:

  • College of Liberal Arts faculty members, instructors, staff, and/or graduate students

  • Community members and/or community groups/organizations
  • University of Minnesota departments and collaborative groups (such as Grand Challenges research groups) that involve faculty or staff from the College of Liberal Arts

Applicants from the college must partner with community members and/or community organizations for their proposal to be reviewed. Community members and organizations must partner with College of Liberal Arts faculty, staff, or graduate student(s) in order for their proposal to be reviewed. 

To address considerations unique to graduate student status, graduate students must consult with Hub staff prior to application.

We do not currently accept applications from—but encourage applications for projects that involve—undergraduate students or University partners outside CLA.

Projects

Projects may be new or ongoing. They may vary in size, scope, and duration but must demonstrate committed efforts and activity over a period of time (i.e., proposals should not be for one-time events). They should be collaborative and facilitate reciprocal engagement between humanistic scholars in the College of Liberal Arts and community partners around topics of important public interest. Find descriptions of all current and past residency projects here

The most competitive projects will align with at least one, and potentially more, of the following purposes of public engagement in the humanities (as defined by Humanities for All):

  • Inform contemporary debates
  • Amplify community voices and histories
  • Help individuals and communities navigate difficult experiences
  • Expand educational access
  • Preserve culture in times of crisis and change

Applications

The application cycle for 2026-2027 Hub Residencies is currently closed. The call for proposals for 2027-2028 Hub Residencies is expected to open in December 2026. 

If you have any inquiries or need assistance connecting with a CLA faculty, staff, or graduate student, contact Amanda Steepleton, Hub Assistant Director, at [email protected] or 612-624-1811.