The purpose of the Artist in Residence (AIR) program at the Appalachian Center for Craft is to provide a creative, residential environment for emerging professional artists and to broaden student and faculty awareness of new approaches and techniques. The Craft Center's mission is to offer the finest professional studio craft education through the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Certificate of Accomplishment and workshop programs, and to provide a regional cultural resource through the workshop, exhibition and gallery programs.

Applicants must have a minimum of a BFA degree or equivalent (MFA for Clay). MFA or professional experience equivalent preferred in all other positions. The selection process will consider the candidate's potential artistic and professional growth within the residency, technical skills in studio and equipment maintenance, and potential for instructional support, which includes occasional teaching duties during faculty absences. Residents will periodically provide appropriate class demonstrations and/or participate in class discussions, as well as be involved in the mid-term and final critiques in the intermediate and advanced classes. Residents may be asked to teach workshops, academic classes, and/or outreach activities, and will be compensated for these additional responsibilities.