ABOUT THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
McColl Center's Artist-in-Residence Program is an internationally acclaimed program that serves as a catalyst for artistic growth for emerging, mid-career and legacy artists. We offer flexible residency terms throughout the year, with a preferred summer sessions for parents and/or educators. During our application period, artists can indicate their preferred dates and duration, allowing for curated cohorts and adaptable residency lengths that meet their needs.
Artists-in-Residence receive private housing adjacent to McColl Center, a 680-750 square foot private studio in our historic building in Uptown Charlotte, curatorial guidance, marketing and PR support, and a generous stipend. While in residency, our artists have the freedom to fully focus on artistic research, exploration, and creation while also engaging with McColl Center’s Igniters community and the Charlotte-based creative sector. While in residence, artists also have access to our shared labs and studios including:
- 3D Lab (3D printer and laser cutter)
- Ceramics + Sculpture Studio
- Fiber Studio
- Digital Media Lab Studio
- Wood Shop
- Printmaking Studio
An Artist-in-Residence at McColl Center is a moment to think big, take risks with your creative practice, and explore ideas within the context of Charlotte.
Applications will open in 2026, sign up to receive the McColl Center newsletter for updates.
At McColl, we offer flexible residency terms year-round, including a dedicated summer session tailored for parents and/or educators. In partnership with Charlotte’s community art initiatives, we strive to expand access to the artists and cultivate opportunities throughout the city. Through these programs, we aim to uplift emerging voices, foster collaboration, and nurture creative growth.
The John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency at McColl Center is dedicated to supporting artists whose practices confront pressing social justice issues and envision new possibilities for equity and community. Named in honor of John O. Calmore’s legacy as a legal scholar and advocate for civil rights, the residency emphasizes the role of artists as catalysts for social action, problem-solving, and relationship building. Selected artists are provided time, space, and resources to deepen their work while engaging with Charlotte’s diverse communities. In partnership with SE CLT Gallery, the residency culminates in an exhibition underscoring the transformative potential of socially engaged art in shaping dialogue and collective futures. Please identify yourself as a creative activist during the application process to be considered for this residency.