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…

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the duration of the residency? 3 weeks, from March 1 - 22, 2027​.
2. What is the application deadline? All applications must be received by December 1, 2026. All applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 21, 2026.
3. What is the application fee? $10. Applicants will be prompted to pay the fee when submitting an application.
4. What is the residency fee? $2,500-2,900 (price varies based on bedroom size)​.
5. What is included in the residency fee? The residency fee includes a private bedroom and bathroom in a shared casita. The residency fee includes app. 300sf of dedicated studio space within a 900sf shared studio. The residency fee does not include meals or transportation—although a Meal Plan may be purchased in addition to the residency fee.
6. What does the Meal Plan cost and what is included? The Meal Plan is an optional add-on for $420. The Meal Plan includes lunch at the Roblar Winery restaurant every day of the residency. Lunch includes 1 entrée and 1 non-alcoholic beverage. Additional courses and/or wine may be purchased at the resident's discretion. 
7. Does the residency provide art supplies or studio equipment? The residency provides easels and worktables, but not individual art supplies. Residents are encouraged to bring their own supplies or order supplies online and have them shipped to Roblar in advance of their stay.​
8. What type of media are allowed? The Roblar Artist Residency is geared toward visual artists working in any media. That said, artists working in larger formats or three dimensions must be mindful of the constraints of the studio space and not interfere with the work of their fellow residents. The residency does not offer any specialized facilities such as a kiln, wood shop, metal fabrication, digital media equipment, etc.  ​
9. What if I am not a visual artist, can I still apply? Yes, we consider artists working in any format (writers, poets, dancers, etc.) if their process does not interfere with their fellow residents. 
10. What level of artists can apply for the residency? We consider artists at any stage in their career (emerging, mid-career, established).​
11. How many artists are in the residency at one time? 3 ​
12. Can I bring my pet? No, unfortunately pets are not allowed at the residency.​
13. Will I be able to sell my artwork in the final show? Yes, if the artist chooses, then artworks can be sold in the final show with 100% of the proceeds going to the artist.​
14. What happens to the artwork I create during the residency?Residents are fully responsible for the transportation, sale or disposal of any artwork created during the residency. Artwork CANNOT be left behind, as a free and clear studio space is needed for the next artists.​
15. I am coming from far away and will not have a car. How do I get around during the residency? The Santa Ynez Valley is an agricultural area with 4 small towns, all about a 10-15min drive from one another. For those residents without their own car, Ubers and taxis can be used, but please note that they are not plentiful and may require longer wait times than normal. Additionally, there is a small bus system that transports folks around the valley. For all offsite excursions (studio or museum visits) transportation is provided by the Residency Director. Lastly, the Santa Ynez Valley is a very bike-friendly area. Bikes can be rented locally, and cycling is a great way to take in the surroundings. 
16. What if I live in Santa Barbara County? Can I participate in the residency but not live at Roblar and commute to the studio? No. The Roblar Artist Residency is designed to be an immersive experience, free from the distractions of everyday life. The residency is intended to share the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley with those who do not call it home.

Applications:

+ We welcome applications from emerging and established artists who are dedicated to their practice
+ Writers? You’re welcome to attend at any time, though specific months are set aside for writers-only

Learn more and apply online at www.theougallery.com

You are entitled to apply all year long. However, we also launch an official open call every 4 months.

To apply, please click here https://forms.gle/WUoGq8LkexL8oqEV9