PlatteForum is an award-winning and innovative arts, youth development, social justice and artist-in-residence program in Denver, founded in 2002. As a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization, PlatteForum teams youth with professional artists in intensive, structured, and long-term creative learning environments. Resident Artists collaboratively plan, produce, and exhibit a body of work in an environment in which artistic excellence is highly valued along with support from ArtLab Interns. Youth in PlatteForum’s programs delve into a variety of art forms and social justice topics, confronting challenges and obstacles and making life-changing discoveries about who they are, what they are capable of achieving, and where they belong in the world.

As an artist community, PlatteForum supports the creation and presentation of new art and ideas by contemporary artists. By supporting working artists, PlatteForum generates dialogue in the larger community about the role of the artist and social justice in society. Located in a rich urban context, PlatteForum’s dynamic, artist-centered residencies are built upon the notion of engaging the broader community in the creation of new work, where artists, youth, and the public collaborate. Each resident artist becomes a catalyst for innovative and expanded thinking about what art is and can be.

PlatteForum values supporting resident artists in a myriad of ways not limited to: stipend provided in exchange for skills sharing with our ArtLab interns, mental health support through partnerships with local licensed therapists or by reimbursement, mentorship and/or meetings with local arts leaders and curators, guidance towards goals offered from staff, supplies and tools support, as well as exhibition promotion and media support.

Residencies at PlatteForum are competitive with over 100 applications and only four to five slots awarded each year. Each residency gives the artist the time, space and support to extend their work and share their ideas with the public. Artistic excellence, innovative ideas for engagement and collaboration with the public, and a diversity of ideas, genres, social justice topics and methodologies are paramount in selecting artists for only four to five available slots in the Artist Residency program each year. Residencies are typically 6-8 weeks in duration.



The Artist Residency program is open to artists in all genres and disciplines. Applications from established professional artists, emerging artists, and graduate students are welcome. We encourage local, national, and international artists (if local and national COVID and/or public health guidelines permit) to apply. Artistic excellence, merit, and creative ways of interacting with the public are important criteria in the selection process. Former Resident Artists may apply again after a three-year waiting period. (for example, a Resident Artist from the 2019-20 season is not eligible to apply until the 2022-23 season).

PlatteForum is a member of the Alliance of Artist Communities, an international organization that advocates for creative environments that support the work of today’s artists. Community connections nurtured by collaborations and partnerships with organizations, schools, and individuals that extend the artist’s aesthetic are integral to each residency. The PlatteForum approach — teaming Resident Artists with youth and the community — makes a valuable contribution to our community’s cultural discourse, fosters personal growth for the artist, and positively impacts the lives of participating individuals. PlatteForum’s uniqueness gives artists, youth, and community members opportunities that they might not find elsewhere.

We use a bi-annual nomination process to reach a diverse pool of candidates from across the U.S. and to focus administrative resources on the program itself. The process begins with an invitation to dozens of nominators (alumni, academics, artists, curators, writers, etc.) to share names of eligible individuals, including visual artists, curators, writers, or other art professionals. Nominees must have a strong work history and be interested in a largely self-directed experience in a secluded setting. Above all, they must be kind and thoughtful of others.

Nominees show their interest by submitting an online application, and selections are made by lottery to ensure that all applications are considered equally. We aim to balance accepted residents with a waitlist in case of cancellations. Residents are given access to a handbook with details of our program and events, including informal studio visits and guided nature explorations.

An independent committee reviews applications to the Open Studio Residency and both national and international artists working in a variety of disciplines are eligible for consideration. Past participants may reapply to the residency but preference may be given to first-time applicants. Selection is based on work samples, the nature and scope of the project that will be done during the residency (if applicable), and the ability to work in a creative community. All applications are for the entire two-week session. Participants must be twenty-one years of age or older to participate in the Open Studio Residency.

For full Open Studio Residency info, visit our website HERE

Open AIR accepts artists of all disciplines, nationally and internationally at any stage in their career, 18 years or older. 

DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted no later than Saturday, October 1st, 2022, by 5:59pm EST (e.g., New York City) / 23:59 CET (e.g. Paris). Late and/or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

APPLICATIONS

Eligible applicants may submit only one application. Multiple submissions will be disqualified.We accept applications only via our online platform, Submittable: https://camargofoundation.submittable.com/submit

Our program is designed specifically for artists who are primary caregivers to children under the age of 18. You must be an active caregiver to apply.

Applicants may apply to one or both programs, but will only be awarded 1 residency. If you do apply for both programs please indicate which program is your preferred choice.

Applications are open May 10 - June 17, 2022. To apply visit this google form.

An independent committee of 4 alumni from the technical residency programs will review applications and make recommendations for residency finalists. Jury announcements will be made in late May. All finalists will be interviewed via zoom by the Stelo co-leaders and Camp Colton partners. 

Selection is based on: work samples, communication of themes relating to social, political, and/or environmental issues, connection to materiality, and the ability to work in a small creative community. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities for Stelo and Camp Colton. We encourage applicants from historically marginalized communities to apply as we seek to uplift a variety of perspectives and lived experiences.

GUIDELINES

All applicants submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. Please note the following requirements to complete your online application form, which includes:

• A one-page artist’s statement and work plan explaining your work and what you plan to do while in residence.
• A one-page CV or resumé that summarizes your professional background.
• Work samples that show previous work from the past 2-3 years. All media is acceptable. Most electronic file types and sizes are accepted.
• Some fellowships require an eligibility statement of 500 words or less.
• Up to two current letters of reference or surveys completed by people who know you personally and can address your professional capacity and suitability for a residency in a working community with other artists.*

*Letters of recommendation are optional and do not count towards the numerical score submitted by jury members. Reference letters and survey responses are confidential and are submitted electronically through Submittable when you submit your application. Letters of reference/reference surveys are due 11:59 PM CST June 1st of application year.

EVALUATION
Applications are reviewed by Ragdale’s Curatorial Board and staff. Evaluations of work are based on the following criteria:

• Work Samples: Documented works are original, inventive, and exciting. Works are relevant in their contemporary field. 
• Presentation: Work samples are high-quality and technically proficient in execution, and is professionally presented and documented.
• Artist’s Experience: Artist statement reflects continued development of ideas, serious inquiry into subject matter, and exceptional aesthetic investigation in the chosen medium. Artist's resumé shows evidence of continued progress in the process.
• Work plan: Artist demonstrates they will maximize the benefits of a residency at Ragdale. What is the reason for seeking time and space in this particular residency program and is there a sense of urgency reflected in the goals described?
• *OPTIONAL: References are optional and do not count towards the juror's numerical scoring of the application. References reflect the artist’s ability to work well in an artist community.