Maker/Artist in Residence

Description

The Science Museum Oklahoma Maker/Artist-in-Residence (MAIR) is a full-time, term-based position designed to foster public creativity, technological experimentation, and artistic exploration in a dynamic, interactive museum environment. This two-year residency centers around the creation of an original body of work or public-facing project that highlights the process of innovation at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).

The first residency cycle will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as both a subject and a tool in the creative process. We seek an artist, designer, technologist, or maker who embraces experimentation, welcomes public engagement, and is interested in exploring how AI can serve as collaborator, provocateur, or platform in the evolution of human creativity.

About The Program

The MAIR program is designed to be highly visible, highly interactive, and deeply interdisciplinary. The selected resident will maintain a working studio onsite, allowing museum guests to witness and engage with the artistic process — from conceptual development to execution. The residency will emphasize transparency in creation, demystifying emerging technologies while encouraging curiosity, dialogue, and wonder.

• Residents will have opportunities to interact with the public through:
• Open studio hours
• Hands-on workshops
• Interactive demonstrations
• Presentations and artist talks
• Youth tutoring or mentoring sessions
  
  

This residency is not only about the final product, but about the evolving process — about “thinking out loud” in public, and embracing invention as a shared journey.

Inaugural Theme: AI and the Creative Process

AI-generated art has ignited global debates about authenticity, ownership, and the nature of creativity. We view this moment not as a threat, but as an opportunity — an inflection point for expanding the definition of artistic authorship and sparking new ways of making. The MAIR will explore AI as a medium, muse, or co-creator, helping the museum community understand and interrogate this rapidly evolving space.

Residency Details

• Full-time position, one- to two-year term
• Dedicated studio/workspace onsite at Science Museum Oklahoma
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Materials budget and project support provided
  
  

Essential Functions, Duties, And Responsibilities

• Develop and complete a significant body of work or interactive project that explores creativity through a STEAM lens, with emphasis on AI during the inaugural term
• Maintain regular onsite presence and open studio hours at Science Museum Oklahoma
• Design and lead public-facing programs including demonstrations, workshops, and presentations
• Document and share the creative process for educational and promotional purposes
• Collaborate with museum staff, educators, and audiences to create meaningful experiences
• Participate in media interviews, social content creation, and community events as a public ambassador for the museum’s creative mission
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chosen creative field OR equivalent experience
• At least three years of experience working in a museum environment
• Experience collaborating with other artists
• At least three years teaching experience in camps, after-school programs, classes, etc. is a plus.
• Availability Requirements: This position is regular, full-time, and exempt, with a typical schedule of Tuesday through Saturday or Wednesday through Sunday. However, various events will require work outside of regular hours. A specific daily work schedule will be confirmed during the hiring process.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated practice in art, making, design, or technology — with a strong body of work that bridges disciplines
• Experience or strong interest in integrating Artificial Intelligence into creative workflows (e.g. generative AI, machine learning, robotics, creative coding)
• Enthusiastic about engaging with diverse public audiences in an open, inclusive way
• Passionate about demystifying science and encouraging curiosity through process-based work
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, high-traffic museum environment
• Experience with public programming or education is a plus
  
  

Working Conditions

This position works in an active and busy museum setting.

• Work involves frequent standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Some duties are performed from a seated position.
• May require working on a computer for long periods of time, using a keyboard, and viewing a digital screen.
• Work may include occasional pushing and/or pulling, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance.
  
  

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Museum. Employees who drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The employee must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Relationships

This position has no direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities. The position will work closely with smART Space staff comprised of a full-time director and part-time associate curator.

This position must maintain productive relationships with other departments within the museum and institutions with which the museum partners. This position directly interfaces with the public and the museum’s visitors daily, so being ready and available to do so when needed is crucial.