Artists need more than inspiration. They need time and space to explore what’s possible. They need resources that allow ideas to become work - and the support to keep that work moving forward.
Empower Living Artists connects your philanthropy directly to artists at pivotal stages in their careers, from taking their first steps into the creative workforce to developing ambitious new work during a residency.
Your support creates the conditions for artists to explore and move their practices forward.
McColl Center’s guild model brings artists at every stage together, from apprentice to established artist, creating an environment where they learn from, inspire, and elevate one another.
Your investment makes this work possible while bringing you closer to the artists, their creative process, and the work that takes shape here.
Through your partnership, you can:
- Build a direct relationship with an artist in a McColl Center program
- Experience the creative process and see new work take shape
- Visit studios and participate in private events and select gatherings
- Participate in The Contemporaries, McColl Center’s community of philanthropic arts supporters
- Explore opportunities to commission and acquire new work
Artist-In-Residence Partnership
Artist-In-Residence Partnership | Sustaining Support $25,000/year
- Internationally acclaimed and competitive program that sits at the core of McColl Center, recognized as one of the top residency programs in the U.S.
- Attracts emerging, mid-career, and legacy artists, with over 500 artists hosted since 1999.
- Receive private housing, a large-scale studio, curatorial guidance, marketing support, stipend, and more.
Fellowship Partnership
Fellowship Partnership | Sustaining Support $10,000/year
- A 9-month opportunity for emerging Charlotte-based artists that include communal studio space, fully equipped labs with coordinator support, and a $2,000 stipend.
- Fellows are paired with professional artists for mentorship and gain access to career development opportunities.
- Program culminates with a curated group exhibition, giving fellows a platform to showcase their work to the community.
Apprenticeship Partnership
Apprenticeship Partnership | Sustaining Support $5,000/year
- Hands on experience for high school, college aged, and early career creatives looking to take meaningful steps into the art workforce.
- Apprentices gain mentorship and professional development that bridge the gap between education and career.
- Program offers varying levels of commitment and experience, providing a clear pathway into McColl Center’s broader artist pipeline.
Interested in empowering an artist or finding the partnership that best reflects your philanthropic interests? We’d love to talk with you.