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Get involved

For artists

MAX was started because Ocala's artists asked for somewhere to work, show and grow. There are three ways to be part of it, from a private studio to a monthly membership that fits around the rest of your life.

Artists at easels in a MAX salon, seen from above

The Resident Artist Program

A studio of your own

For emerging and mid-career artists ready to grow creatively and professionally. Six private, unfurnished studios for artists in any medium, in the old waiting room of Union Station.

Membership is $75 a month. It helps cover administration, artist programming and the upkeep of the building.

Residents are chosen by a jury independent of MAX's board, then interviewed by its selection committee.

What a residency includes

Your studio, any hour Access around the clock, plus the shared wash-down sink, art library, business center and lounge.
Exhibitions Resident exhibitions twice a year, and a page of your own on this website.
Growth The Resident Artist Lecture Series, monthly seminars with people who work in the industry, and feedback from an advisory board.
Community Monthly mixers, shared events, the First Friday Art Walk, and MAX's Art Heist and Artini fundraisers.

How to apply

  1. Read the rubric

    See how applications are scored before you start.

    Scoring rubric (PDF)

  2. Apply

    Answer the questions here on the site, and upload your portfolio and résumé.

    Start your application

  3. Pay the fee

    A $35 non-refundable application fee, paid online. Pay the application fee

  4. Meet us

    The jury reviews, the selection committee interviews, and a studio opens.

Questions first? Write to info@maxocala.org. The artists already here are a good place to see what a residency looks like.

The Affiliate Program

Connect, grow and lead

A flexible membership in three tiers for artists at every stage — a launchpad for being seen, leading in the community, and making a living from your work. No studio needed.

Tier 1 · no application Affiliate $10 a month

For being seen and connected without a big commitment.

  • Submit to three juried group exhibitions a year
  • A profile in the MAX online gallery
  • The Art of Business monthly newsletter
Sign up
Tier 2 · for artists who host Member $35 a month

For artists ready to lead free events. Everything in Affiliate, and:

  • MAX's flex space for up to four free public events a month
  • Professional photography every other month
  • Guaranteed places in two curated exhibitions a year
  • Free entry to selected workshops by other MAX artists
Apply
Tier 3 · for artists who teach Partner $75 a month

For artists running paid classes and programs. Everything in Member, and:

  • Space for up to four paid classes or workshops a month
  • Keep 100% of what your classes earn
  • Priority in the newsletter, on the website and on social media
  • First access to special projects and grant-funded work
Apply

Member applications ask for a short event proposal and a portfolio sample; Partner applications, a class concept, scheduling needs and how you would use the space.

Alumni

Once a resident

A residency ends; being part of MAX does not. Former residents stay connected through the MAX Alumni Club, and every year the Alumni Showcase brings their work back to the station walls.

A MAX alum who has lost touch? Write to info@maxocala.org and we will be glad to reconnect.

More ways in

Bring your idea to MAX

Any time

Propose an event

A show, a class, a performance or a talk you would like to put on at MAX.

Propose an event →

1st and 3rd Sundays

Draw with us

GoFigure is open to artists of every level and medium: $10 a session.

Details →

Every year

Give to Art Heist

Donated work is the heart of MAX's biggest fundraiser, and every donating artist is credited.

Fundraisers →

Already a MAX artist?

The artist portal

Your portfolio, open calls, your shows and your residency, in one place.

Sign in →