Artists, government and cross-sector collaboration: A guiding framework of US-based artists in residence in government programs

Artist in residence in government (AIRG) programs that embed artists within civic work are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. As governments are challenged to shift systems to be more equitable, repair infrastructure and prepare for future crises, cross-sectoral collaboration models offer new ways of working. Cross-sectoral collaboration that embeds artists in non-arts sectors spurs civic innovation and shifts contexts to inspire new ideas and opportunities. This article builds a guiding framework of the characteristics and considerations that shape AIRG programs in order to present possible pathways that can be followed in program development and implementation. Foundationally, each AIRG is unique and responsive to the specific underlying social, political, economic, environmental and cultural preconditions of place. The guiding framework details preconditions, program design and partners, and program structure, followed by an analysis of the challenges and opportunities. Research was conducted on AIRG programs operating in 2020 and 2021.