hold space grant for bipoc artists

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency is excited to launch a new opportunity for BIPOC artists and creatives to utilize our campus and facilities via the Hold Space Grant for Artists of Color.

Participants who qualify can enjoy communal living, making, and opportunities to organize on Ox-Bow’s campus in Saugatuck, Michigan. Lodging, three meals per day, and access to Ox-Bow studios and spaces are provided.

People of color across the creative spectrum including artists of any discipline, writers, curators, teachers, and Ox-Bow Alumni are encouraged to apply. The grant supports individuals or groups of up to twenty for any length from one to seven nights. The dates available for the Hold Space Grant in 2024 are September 4-11, 2024.

Ox-Bow encourages applicants to consider how they would like to use its facilities and resources to best suit their interests and goals. Some proposal examples are listed below, but are not limited to;

• An individual artist utilizing the metals, ceramics, printmaking, fiber, painting, or writing studio, with guidance from Ox-Bow’s on-campus studio managers. You can see more about our studios and equipment here.
• A self-organized group retreat with collaborative creative projects and BIPOC speakers. Assistance from the Ox-Bow programming team is available.
• Other nonprofits in need of time and space to plan and organize, with comfortable lodging, and space to talk and make. Assistance from the Ox-Bow programming team is available.
• BIPOC curators may utilize the campus gallery spaces for exhibitions, with assistance from the campus team.
• A set of existing collaboratives coming together to design a suite of dinner parties and conversation with assistance from Ox-Bow’s hospitality team.

Proposals are reviewed by a panel of BIPOC curators and artists who are familiar with the Ox-Bow experience. The Hold Space Grant, includes lodging, meals, and access to Ox-Bow resources. Hold Space Grant recipients should be 21 years or older at the start of their residency and have the option of bringing their children to campus. Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian while on campus. Ox-Bow does not provide childcare or additional care support at this time.

Inspired by BIPOC participant feedback, the Hold Space Grant for Artists of Color, is the product of many months of thoughtful planning and research by Ox-Bow's Senior Leadership Team.