McColl Center's Artist-in-Residence Program is an internationally acclaimed program that serves as a catalyst for artistic growth for emerging and mid-career artists.

  
Artists-in-Residence receive private housing adjacent to McColl Center, a large-scale 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
* Darkroom
* Media Lab with a large-scale printer
* Woodshop

  
Artists-in-Residence participate in a group exhibition and lead one to two community engagements centered around their practice.

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.

  
**Residency Dates:** January 6 - April 13, 2026

Selected artists receive:

* $6,000 living, materials, and travel stipend (United States-based artists only; due to the limitations of visas, international artists may not qualify for a stipend but may be eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, supplies, and meals.)
* Furnished apartment (for artists from outside the greater Charlotte area)
* 24-hour access to a private studio with Wi-Fi and common use areas
* Participation in a group exhibition on the second floor of McColl Center
* Photo and social media documentation
* Professional curatorial guidance
* Opportunities to engage with McColl Center audiences via public programs.

Winter 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program

The John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency at McColl Center is seeking citizen-artists who are dedicated to addressing social justice issues through their creative practice. The residency aims to emphasize the ways in which art and artists can serve as catalysts for social action, problem-solving, and relationship building.

This opportunity is open to national and international arts professionals 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history of socially and/or politically engaged artmaking. We welcome diverse artistic themes and disciplines rooted in the principles of risk-taking, creative expression, and critical thinking. This residency will culminate in an exhibition based in Toronto, Canada, with the specific date to be determined.

  
**Residency Dates: January 7 - April 14, 2026**

Selected artists receive:

* $6,000 living, materials, and travel stipend (United States-based artists or artists with Green Card or J-1 Visa only; due to the limitations of visas, international artists may not qualify for a stipend but may be eligible to receive reimbursement of qualified expenses, such as airfare, ground transportation, supplies, and meals.)
* Furnished apartment (for artists from outside the greater Charlotte area)
* 24-hour access to a private studio with Wi-Fi and common use areas
* Participation in a group showcase on the second floor of McColl Center
* Photo and social media documentation
* Professional curatorial guidance
* Opportunities to engage with McColl Center audiences via public programs.

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