The John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency at McColl Center seeks to honor the legacy of John O. Calmore, a pioneering figure who, after excelling at Stanford University and Harvard Law School, dedicated his life to combating racial injustice and poverty through both legal practice and academia. Drawing from his deep understanding of social issues, Calmore crafted a distinctive approach to critical race theory and social justice lawyering, encouraging lawyers to transcend traditional avenues of advocacy and challenge systemic inequalities in innovative ways. In this spirit, the residency calls upon citizen-artists worldwide, aged 21 and above, with a demonstrated commitment to socially and politically engaged artmaking. We welcome diverse artistic themes and disciplines rooted in the principles of risk-taking, creative expression, and critical thinking The culmination of this residency will be an exhibition in Toronto, Canada, serving as a testament to the power of art to inspire social action, problem-solving, and community connection.

Residency Dates: January 7 - April 14, 2026