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About MF Residencies

Karina Smigla-Bobinski, Ada, 2018-2019


The Mattress Factory is an artist-centered museum, international residency program and renowned producer of installation art. We say “yes” to artists, offering time and space to dream and realize projects in our hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. We invite audiences from around the world and around the corner to step inside, get immersed and connect with the artistic process.  

Founded in 1977, the Mattress Factory produces site-specific installations created by artists working in residence. Since then, the Museum has commissioned and presented new installation and performance works by more than 650 artists. The Museum supports established and emerging artists through a program that provides guidance, leadership, resources and opportunities to create artwork that is unconventional, challenging and thought-provoking. The Museum’s flexibility and inventiveness allow artists to respond to developments in technology, explore audience interaction and challenge traditional artistic ideals and practice. 

Artists are supported throughout the development of their project, from initial conception through production and installation. Over an 18 to 24 month period, artists are invited to work closely with the Mattress Factory to develop and plan each project: cultivating ideas, brokering relationships with researchers and collaborators, finding resources and solving technical challenges. Artists are then typically on-site for a 6 to 8 week period to install a site-specific installation inside the Museum. The Museum enhances artists’ projects through public and educational programming developed in collaboration with the artist throughout their process. 

The following support is provided to artists in residence: 

- An honorarium of $5,000 

- A basic production and material budget 

- Grant writing for project development 

- Transportation to and from Pittsburgh  

- Accommodation in Mattress Factory residences 

- A per diem during on-site installation 

- Technical support before and throughout installation 

- Photo and video documentation 

- Marketing and publicity