spectrUM

The spectrUM Discovery Area is the University of Montana's hands-on science museum dedicated to igniting passion for discovery through science. Founded in 2007, spectrUM engages over 200,000 people annually through museum public hours, camps, field trips, and a robust outreach program serving rural and tribal Montana. spectrUM is a department of the University of Montana overseen by the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship. spectrUM offers free admission for all and has a permanent water room exhibit, as well as a space that features a rotation of hands-on STEAM exhibits. 

In May 2021, spectrUM relocated its museum into a new, large nonprofit complex that includes 5 other partner organizations. These organizations are co-located in the Missoula Public Library, providing space and opportunity for cross-organizational programming and collaborations.

The spectrUM Discovery Area website

This five-week residency combines research, art-making, and a final exhibition. During the first phase of the residency, the artist will focus on research and collaborative exchange with spectrUM staff and visitors. In the second phase, the artist will focus on creating artwork informed by that experience. The artist will install their work during the final week of the residency, culminating in an opening reception on the last Friday evening. 

SpectrUM will provide access to museum and makerspace resources, exhibit development and technical support, and the development and delivery of STEM curriculum, field trips, and project evaluation. The completed artwork will become a part of SpectrUM’s permanent exhibit collection.

The artists will retain creative control within the partners’ agreed public engagement guidelines.

While in residence at spectrUM, artists will have access to the following:

• An on-site workshop that is shared with the Missoula Public Library. spectrUM uses this shop to fabricate its new exhibits and maintain existing ones with a wide variety of tools for wood, metal, and mixed-media materials.

• Additionally, spectrUM shares a makerspace with the Missoula Public Library that combines traditional tools, like sewing machines, with new technology, such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
  

The spectrUM Discovery Area is located inside the Missoula Public Library in downtown Missoula at 455 E Main St., Missoula, MT 59802. Conveniently reachable by foot, bicycle, or free local transit, the location includes a complimentary library parking pass for visiting artists.

Missoula is located in a mountain valley at the confluence of three rivers. The town features contemporary museums, independent galleries, a variety of restaurants and grocery stores, and an active downtown anchored by the University of Montana. With riverfront parks, mountain trails, extensive bike paths, and a zero-fare public bus system, visiting artists can easily navigate the city and explore the surrounding region.

Artists coming from out of town will stay at Open AIR’s Blue House—a beautiful, fully furnished residence located in Missoula's vibrant University District, just one mile from downtown. Each artist will have their own bedroom and will share two bathrooms, the kitchen, dining room, living room, backyard, and laundry facilities. Applicants will have the opportunity to share their housing needs in the Artist-in-Residence application.

For more information: About the Blue House

The artist will have the opportunity to engage with spectrUM's museum visitors during open hours and other patrons in the building.

In addition to an artist presentation, the artist could have the opportunity to teach a compensated workshop on-site if interested.

• READ ADDITIONAL FAQ’s document

• Open AIR is committed to accessibility. If the application process or fee poses a barrier,  please reach out to Rachel at program@openairmt.org