Discovery Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR)

Discovery Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR) offers Tennessee artists an opportunity to showcase their talents while fostering creative exploration among children of all ages. Two 6-week residencies are available for the Spring of 2026. Local and regional artists are encouraged to apply. During the residency, the artist will develop participatory workshops and hands-on demonstrations that lead to a culminating piece/installation that will be exhibited at the museum.

Ideal candidates embrace collaboration with children and seek to enhance their own creative process while actively engaging and educating museum visitors with art and artistic processes.

UPCOMING

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be enthusiastic about social engagement and sharing their work and knowledge with children. The application is open to all visual and multidisciplinary artists. This includes, but is not limited to, paint, sculpture, installation, textiles, illustration, digital art, and printmaking. All artists must clear a background check prior to their residency. The museum does not provide housing or transportation.

Artist Benefits

  • $2,000 stipend (stipend to cover artist time and supplies needed for installation piece)
  • Access to an indoor studio and museum facilities during museum hours
  • Access to museum supplies and a material stipend of up to $400 for the public education workshops to be agreed upon after project approval
  • An opportunity to exhibit artwork and share their artistic vision with the public

Artist Commitments

  • The Artist will be required to work 4 hours per week during museum hours over the course of 6 weeks (24 hours total)
    • 3 hours of open studio time to work on their installation piece
    • 1 hour hosting participatory educational hands on experience workshops for guests in the area the artist is currently working. Programs need to occur at the same time each week and chosen from the following day and times:
      • Wednesday, 4 pm
      • Friday, 4 pm
      • Saturday, 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm
      • Sunday, 1 pm or 3 pm
  • The Artist will contribute one completed piece of work to the Discovery Center’s permanent collection. (8 hours)
  • The Artist will be allotted additional hours (8 total) for research, supply management, etc.

Museum hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Dates to remember

Application Deadline: January 26, 2026
Panel Decisions: January 30, 2026
Spring Residencies: March 1 - April 11, 2026 or April 12 - May 23, 2026

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of museum staff, community members, and arts professionals. Decisions will be scored by artistic merit, experience working with children, and the proposed project’s connection to community, culture, or family, as well as the proposed hands-on interactive and educational workshops for children. Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer, and artists of all races, ethnicities, gender orientations, and LGBTQ+ are encouraged to apply.

Submissions must include the following items:

  • Short Bio/Artist Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Work samples or proposal images (max 4)
  • Social media tagging information (optional)
  • Suggested project proposal while in residence

For Questions, Contact:
Jennifer Uhl
615-890-2300 x236
juhl@explorethedcorg.dreamhosters.com

See Past Artists in Residence

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Donation Requests

The Discovery Center supports local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions by donating admission passes. The standard donation is two admission passes valued at $24. Donation Requests are processed monthly, and it may take up to two months for a response depending on your requested event date. One request per organization will be considered per calendar year. Please keep in mind that while each request receives careful consideration, we regret that we are unable to accommodate all requests. All requests must be submitted through the form below. Please do not call, email or mail your requests. You will be emailed if your donation is approved. Donations will be emailed to the email address indicated below prior to the event. Organizations must meet the following guidelines to be considered:

  • Donation requests for charitable events must be in the middle Tennessee area.
  • Organizations benefiting children and education receive priority.
  • Fundraisers to benefit an individual or families are not generally honored.

Organization Information

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Event Information

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By checking this box, I understand that the Discovery Center reserves the right to refuse any donation request upon their discretion. In the event the Discovery Center donates an item, it will be used strictly for charitable purposes through auctions, door prizes, raffles, etc.(Required)

Young Leaders Council Application

Please respond to each of the following questions in order to complete your 2025-2026 Discovery Center Young Leaders Council Member application. Each section must be completed fully in order for your application to be accepted. Please email Rachel Hooper at rhooper@explorethedcorg.dreamhosters.com with any questions. Thank you for your interest in Discovery Center's 2025-2026 Young Leaders Council! Applications are due June 15, 2025. Acceptance letters will go out by July 31, 2025.

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Gift Memberships

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Gift Certificates must be redeemed at the Discovery Center front desk and should be treated like cash. Memberships become active once redeemed and remain valid for a full year.

Membership Benefits

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Sustaining Membership

$330 for 1 year

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Deluxe Membership

$170 for 1 year

The Discovery BIG Family Fun Pack!

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Discovery Membership

$140 for 1 year

Discovery fun for the whole family and a friend!

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One + One Plus Membership

$115 for 1 year

One + One PLUS One = Fun for Three!

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One + One Membership

$90 for 1 year

One + One = Fun for Two

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Counselor in Training Volunteer Application

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is seeking reliable, upbeat and positive youth ages 14 - 17 as summer day camp Counselors in Training (CIT) assisting counselors and educators with children in grades K – 6. CITs will assist day camp counselors and educators in delivering age-appropriate activities and crafts and may assist Discovery Center education staff with programming focused on nature, animals, science and design.

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Summer General Availability


Please select which weeks you are available during the summer. Make sure to check your family calendar before selecting. We ask that you are available to assist each day during the selected week.

Camps
Camp themes are listed next to each week. Please consider this when making your selection(s).
Camp Times
All Camps are from 9:00-4:00 Monday- Friday. We ask that you are able to arrive early and stay after to set-up for the next day. By checking the box below, you agree to this time slot.
Availability
When signing up for Camps, please note your available days.
Please list some of your hobbies/interests/activities that you feel would be valuable for the camp selection(s) you have made.

Parent or Guardian Information

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Please include name, email, and phone number.
If there are learning, behavioral or medical issues (such as allergies) you feel we should be aware of, please list and explain. Also please let us know if your child has any special dietary requirements. Enter none if there is nothing to note.
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