DI Creatives-in-Residence Program

The Design Innovation (DI) Creatives-in-Residence (CIR) Program is a unique opportunity for �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ� students and Northeast Ohio community members to immerse themselves in a semester-long residency focused on exploring the intersections of artistic practice and emerging technologies.

This program supports visionary creatives who are ready to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary design, experimentation, and collaboration. CIRs receive the tools, space, mentorship, and resources to bring bold, innovative ideas to life, while actively engaging the community through public events and exhibitions.

The DI Creatives-in-Residence Program is made possible by a generous gift from long-time supporter of Design Innovation, Ken Robinson, and an investment of public funds from the . The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Fall 2025 Creatives-in-Residence

Charisse Harris

KSU Alumnae & Community Member

Charisse Harris is an interdisciplinary visual artist & art instructor from Akron, Ohio. She received her Master of Fine Arts from �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ�, and her Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace University. Graduating with honors from both, she is a dedicated student of life who is always learning and questioning. In her creative research, Charisse is investigating the female gaze, food culture, and artistic collaboration with generative AI. She is hopeful to continue exploring these ideas as she enters a PhD program in 2026. Charisse has taught a range of studio art courses at �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ�, �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ� State-Stark, Columbus State, & Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Drawing at Oberlin College in 2023 and is currently a lecturer at Baldwin-Wallace University.

Sanmitha Nantur Ganesh

Graduate Student, Data Science

Sanmitha Nantur Ganesh is a master's student studying Data Science at �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ�. Her academic and professional journey has focused on data visualization, machine learning, and the creative use of technology to make information more engaging and accessible. She has prior experience working on AI-powered tools, automation, and interactive dashboards, which strengthened her interest in blending analytical methods with design. As a DI Creative-in-Residence, she is excited to create interactive well-being data visualizations that merge art and data to inspire reflection and foster meaningful community engagement.

Benefits

$800 Materials and Supplies Budget for project development.
$400 Stipend to support time and labor on your project upon completion of the residency.
Access to DI Hub Resources: Maker environments, tools, and specialized technologies, with training as needed.
Dedicated Workspace within the DI Hub.
Mentorship & Facilitation from DI staff and faculty tailored to your project needs.
Public Exhibition Opportunities in the DI Gallery and at DI’s annual DI Day (late spring semester).
Community Visibility through DI’s website, campus digital signage, and other promotional channels.

Responsibilities

Selected residents will:

Commit approximately 5–10 in-person hours per week to the residency during REACTOR open hours.
Attend regular check-ins with program mentors and peers.
Participate in a DI Hub Orientation session to become a DI Collaborator.
Lead at least one community-facing event (workshop, artist talk, etc.).
Collaborate with other residents in developing a public exhibition of their work in the DI Gallery during spring semester.
Present their work at DI Day, the annual celebration of innovation at �þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ� State (occurring late in the spring semester).
Submit a final portfolio including project documentation, an impact statement, and reflection on the residency experience.

Application

Why Apply?

Becoming a DI Creative-in-Residence is more than just a residency - it’s a platform to explore new possibilities, connect with innovators across disciplines, and share your work with the public. Whether you want to prototype an idea, explore new creative tools, or build community around your art and technology practice, this program provides the support you need to make it happen. Applicants are encouraged to connect with other DI collaborators, makers, and community partners as part of their project development.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to:

�þ��ҹ��ӰԺ��ѹۿ� students in any major (undergraduate or graduate).
Northeast Ohio community members 18 and older engaged in creative practice.
No formal training in art or technology is required, diverse perspectives and experimental approaches are encouraged.

*Due to grant criteria, current KSU staff and faculty are not eligible to apply for the program.

Application Process

Applications for Spring 2026 will be accepted October 15th – November 30th, 2025. To apply, you will need to submit:

A personal statement describing your interest in the residency and your approach to integrating art and technology.
A project proposal outlining objectives, methods, and alignment with program goals. Projects should be scoped to be achievable within one semester, though they may serve as part of a longer-term creative vision.
A basic project budget for materials, tools, or other resources.
Examples of Creative Work: Up to 5 supporting files that illustrate the project concept or examples of your previous creative work (documents, images, video, audio, or links).
A resume or CV.

Applications will be evaluated by DI staff based on originality and clarity of vision, feasibility within the semester and available resources, potential for community engagement, openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, and how well the proposed project leverages the technologies available in the DI Hub.

Program Timeline

While specific dates vary by semester, CIRs can expect to:

Begin Residency: Early in the academic semester.
Host Public Event: Mid- to late semester.
Participate in Public Exhibition: Near the end of the semester.
Present at DI Day: End of spring semester.
Submit Final Documentation: Within two weeks after semester’s end.

Questions? Contact DI@kent.edu for guidance before applying.

This program is generously funded in part by The Ohio Arts Council

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