The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) has just announced the winners of its 2025 international artist residencies in Dresden, Germany, and we’re excited to share that the talented Joan Madison and Lydia Smith will be representing Columbus in this creative exchange!
Joan Madison, with over three decades of experience in fashion design, is known for her high-fashion evening wear, showcased at events like Columbus Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and Syracuse University, Madison has worked with esteemed brands and currently runs her own bridal salon in Columbus. During her residency, she plans to explore Dresden’s renowned textile collections and connect with local designers.
Lydia Smith, an interdisciplinary artist, focuses on themes of time, place, and death in her work. Her ongoing project, Burial Sites, examines how landscapes of death reflect community values. Smith, who holds degrees from Rice University and The Ohio State University, has exhibited her work across the country and completed numerous artist residencies. In Dresden, she will research local archives and landmarks to develop a new body of work exploring the concept of ruins.
This residency program is part of GCAC’s long-running Artist Exchange Program, now in its 29th year. The exchange is a collaboration with the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony and is a key part of Columbus’s Sister City relationship with Dresden. Every year, GCAC sends two Columbus artists to Dresden and welcomes two German artists to our city, providing them with everything they need to thrive creatively—from studio space to community connections.
Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of GCAC, shared his excitement about this year’s winners, saying, “We can’t wait to see how Joan and Lydia are inspired by their time in such a beautiful and culturally rich city like Dresden.” With Joan and Lydia joining the ranks, 55 Columbus artists have now taken part in this incredible exchange, showcasing the vibrant cultural offerings of our city on an international stage.
The 2025 Dresden Artist Exchange Program is a highly selective opportunity, with artists being invited to apply based on their accomplishments and previous awards. This year’s jurors included Dorit Fratzscher, Benedict Scheurer, and Jayme Staley, who had the tough job of selecting just two artists for this prestigious program.
Joan and Lydia will be heading to Dresden sometime between March 1 and November 30, 2025, where they’ll spend 60 to 90 days fully immersed in their work. GCAC provides them with a stipend, lodging, studio space, and travel accommodations, ensuring they have everything they need to create their best work. While in Dresden, these artists will act as ambassadors for both GCAC and Columbus, representing the creativity and cultural spirit of our city abroad.
For more information about the Greater Columbus Arts Council and their mission to support and advance the arts in Columbus, visit www.gcac.org.
Safe travels and happy creating to Joan and Lydia—we can’t wait to see what you bring back from Dresden!
