A year-long research and planning process exploring how a contemporary artist residency program could connect the museum's collections to the Delaware River and deepen public engagement with both.

In 2017, the Independence Seaport Museum engaged Teresa to lead a year-long planning process exploring how a contemporary, artist-led program could deepen public engagement and serve as a model for institutional learning.

Teresa developed a research-driven framework combining internal assessment, field research, and expert consultation. Working with Chief Curator Craig Bruns, she identified exemplary artist residency programs in Los Angeles and Boston, conducting site visits and interviews with curators and program directors. She then convened two advisory groups — one national, one Philadelphia-based — including senior museum staff and leaders in artist residencies and environmental humanities. Over nine months, the groups assessed local context, partnership potential, and alignment with the museum's mission, particularly around community engagement with the Delaware River.

Teresa synthesized the findings into a strategic report with recommendations for a fully integrated artist residency program. The report served as the foundation for the museum's artist residencies in 2019 and 2022.

National Advisory Group Andrea Grover, Curator and Executive Director, Guild Hall, East Hampton · Lisa Hoffman, Executive Director, Alliance of Artists Communities, Providence · Dr. Bethany Wiggin, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania, and Founding Director, Penn Program in Environmental Humanities

Philadelphia Working Group Stephanie Bennett, Program Manager, Delaware River City Corporation · Joseph Gonzales, Director, Delaware Contemporary Art Museum · Homer Jackson, Founder, Philadelphia Jazz Project · Jacque Liu, Project Manager for Percent for Art, City of Philadelphia · Magda Martinez, Director of Programs, Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial · Matthew Suib, Principal, Hironaka & Suib · Eileen Tognini, President, Eileen Tognini Design LLC · Joy Ude, Project Technician, The Fabric Workshop and Museum · Victoria A. Prizzia, Director, Habitheque Inc. · Lizzie Woods, Planner and Project Manager, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation