Associated Residency Program
In a rapidly changing world, artists have the power to ignite conversation, challenge injustice, and build connections across communities. At McColl Center, we recognize the urgency of supporting artists who are committed to social justice through their creative practice. That’s why we established the John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency—a space for artists to explore bold ideas and use their work to drive meaningful change.
This residency honors the legacy of John O. Calmore, a legal scholar and advocate who fought for racial and economic justice. His work challenged traditional approaches to advocacy, pushing for innovative solutions to systemic inequities. In his spirit, we invite citizen-artists from around the world, 21 and older, who are dedicated to addressing social justice issues through their art.
The residency welcomes artists of all disciplines who embrace risk-taking, critical thinking, and creative expression. It will culminate in an exhibition in Toronto, Canada, showcasing the role of art in activism, problem-solving, and community building.
This residency will take place during the Winter-Spring 2026 term and will run from January 7 - April 14, 2026.
*The deadline for applications is April 21, 2025.
Artists-in-residence receive:
- Private housing near McColl Center
- A large-scale private studio in our historic Uptown Charlotte space
- Curatorial guidance and marketing/PR support
- A generous stipend
Url/web link to application
Residency Eligibility
Residency Length
3 months - 3 months
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
4
Discipline
Animation
Art Education
Augmented Reality
Biology
Book Arts
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Choreography
Costume/Fashion Design
Digital Fabrication
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Ecology
Environmental Arts
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
History
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
New Genres
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Printmaking
Public Art
Sculpture
Social Practice
Sound Art
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Urban Planning/Design
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Teach in studio
Lead workshop for the public
Lead workshop for fellow residents
Lead a skill share
Residency Experience Summary
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Dedicated Studio/Shop Technicians - Part Time
Exhibition / Installation Space
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Kick Wheels
Slab Roller
Clay Mixers
Electric Kiln
Dedicated Metal Shop
Plasma Cutter
Fine Metals / Jewelry Making
Jeweler’s Bench
Anvils, Stakes + Hammers
Hydraulic Press
Soldering Workspace
Acetylene/Air Torches
Soldering Picks+Tweezers
Solderite Boards
Bench Grinder
Buffing Machine
Lighting Studio/Green Screen
Large Format Printer / Plotter
Printers + Scanner
Photo + Video Editing Suite
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Printmaking Workspaces
Glass Inking Table
Drying Racks
Hot Plates
Metal Plate Shear
Paper Soaking Sinks
Paper Tearing Table
Silkscreen Studio
Light Tables
Large Sinks
Large Exposure Unit
Textiles Workspace
Dedicated Wood Shop
Woodworking Tools
Tablesaw
Bandsaw
Planer
Wood Vises And Wood Working Table
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
Practicing emerging and mid-career artists are invited to apply. Artist for this application must be dedicated to addressing social justice issues through their creative practice and interested in closing exhibition in Toronto.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
1
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Application Type
Open application
