Death as Culture: In-Person Artist Residencies in New Orleans
Kolaj Institute presents Death as Culture: In-Person Artist Residencies in New Orleans, a one-week, in-person collage residency offered 27–31 October or 1–5 November 2026. Open to artists over 21 worldwide, the program combines two virtual Zoom sessions, collections research, interactive discussion, and collaborative collage making. Participants will consider folklore, ritual, grief, the afterlife, and cultural expressions of death; present their work; and receive supportive critical and curatorial feedback. Artwork may be considered for exhibitions in New Orleans, and artwork and writing may be considered for Folklore Collage Society. The application deadline is 10 October 2026.
2374 St Claude Ave
#230
New Orleans, LA 70117
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Kolaj Institute invites artists to apply for Death as Culture: In-Person Artist Residencies in New Orleans, a one-week collage residency offered in two sessions: 27–31 October or 1–5 November 2026. Each session begins with two virtual Zoom meetings, listed on the call page as 21 and 22 October 2026, 7–9PM EDT. The residency takes place at Kolaj Institute Gallery in New Orleans.
The program investigates how death is expressed across cultures through folklore, ritual, and art. Participants will consider stories about the origin of death, the afterlife, grief and loss, and the liminal spaces between life and death, including ghosts and spirits. The October group will experience New Orleans during Halloween. The November group will begin by observing Fet Gede celebrations of Haitian culture and ancestry on Day of the Dead at the New Orleans Healing Center. Both groups will visit St. Roch Cemetery.
Through interactive sessions, collections research, discussion, and collaborative collage making, artists will explore how research informs process and how artwork can speak to contemporary issues. Participants will present their work and receive supportive, critical, curatorial feedback. The residency also addresses appropriation, copyright, fair use, and how material choices shape the stories artwork tells. Artists will have 24-hour access to the gallery studio and the Kolaj Institute Material Library.
The residency is open to self-motivated artists at any career stage, over 21, from anywhere in the world, and may be of particular interest to artists working in or exploring social and political collage. The cost is $750 USD per artist. A limited number of grants are available to offset the fee for artists in need. Travel, accommodations, and meals are the artist’s responsibility.
The early application deadline is 3 October 2026; the final deadline is 10 October 2026. Apply at https://kolajmagazine.com/content/content/calls-for-artists/call-to-art…
The cost of the residency is $750 USD per artist. Kolaj Institute has a limited number of grants available to offset the cost of the residency for those in need. These grants are possible through the generous support of our donors.
Travel to and from New Orleans, accommodations in New Orleans, and all meals are the responsibility of the artist. Financial aid is not available to offset the expense of travel, accommodation, or meals.