The Roll Up CLT: Sabbatical for Black artists

Prior to March 2020, The Roll Up CLT invited national artists to collaborate with Charlotte NC residents, local artists and programming staff to produce workshops, events and exhibitions in a shared space. Obviously, this model has required significant examination in today’s world– We acknowledge that we are currently living during a global pandemic and are expected to prioritize labor over humanity, all while an embedded anti-Blackness runs rampant across our systems, policies and institutions.

Today, The Roll Up CLT has been reimagined as a fully-funded six-month sabbatical program that creates time and space for rest, growth and self-revitalization so that Black artists can return to the Art world with a rejuvenated spirit and renewed sense of focus.

Rest @ The Roll Up CLT prioritizes radical rest for Black artists and their families by providing a free, safe housing solution with a studio space (furnished, 1000 sq ft 2 bedroom/1 bathroom), unstructured time and immersion in a new context. In addition to the housing accommodations, residents receive a $10,000 unrestricted honorarium, meal stipend, transportation stipend, material budget and a childcare stipend (if applicable) during their 6-month sabbatical. 

Artists are encouraged to rest, research and explore the collections inside The Roll Up CLT (including our robust library, vinyl collection, fine art collection and cultural artifacts). Within a year after their residency, resident artists share a statement about their experience, lead a post-residency public program and donate a work to the permanent collection of The Roll Up CLT for future residents, guests and neighbors to enjoy.