Artist-in-Residence

Deepen your practice. Lead emerging artists. Create with community and purpose.

The 1001 Colors Artist-in-Residence Program offers artists time, space, and support to develop meaningful creative work while playing a central leadership role within our artist ecosystem.

Artists-in-Residence advance their own creative practice while serving as the lead mentor for the Gallery Fellowship cohort, guiding emerging artists through a period of artistic growth, learning, and professional development. This residency is built on exchange, collaboration, and shared investment in creative futures.

 

What Is an Artist-in-Residence at 1001 Colors?

An Artist-in-Residence is a practicing artist selected to develop original work over a defined residency period while actively contributing to 1001 Colors programs and community facing spaces.

A key component of the residency is leading the Gallery Fellowship cohort. The Artists-in-Residence mentors Fellows (emerging artists ages 16-24) as they develop new bodies of work, prepare for exhibition, and build essential career skills. This role blends individual creative time with structured leadership, teaching, and dialogue.

Residencies are intentionally designed to balance independent practice with mentorship and community engagement.

 

Leading the Gallery Fellowship Cohort

As part of the residency, the Artist-in-Residence works closely with the Gallery Fellowship cohort throughout the program cycle. Responsibilities may include:

  • Providing artistic mentorship and creative guidance
  • Supporting Fellows as they experiment with materials, ideas, and process
  • Facilitating group discussions, critiques, or working sessions
  • Helping Fellows prepare for exhibition and public engagement
  • Sharing professional insight into creative careers and artistic practice

The Artist In Residence acts as both mentor and collaborator, modeling a sustainable and reflective creative practice.

 

What Artists Receive

Artists-in-Residence receive support designed to sustain both creative development and leadership work. Depending on the residency, support may include:

  • A stipend for artistic and mentorship labor
  • Dedicated studio space
  • Materials and/or production support
  • Opportunities to exhibit or share work publicly
  • Connection to 1001 Colors staff, artists, and community partners

The program aims to reduce barriers and honor artists’ time, ideas, and expertise.

 

Community Engagement and Creative Exchange

Community connection is a core value of residency. In addition to leading the Fellowship cohort, Artists in Residence are encouraged to engage with broader audiences through activities such as:

  • Artist talks or open studios
  • Workshops or demonstrations
  • Public conversations about process and practice
  • Collaborative or participatory creative experiences

Engagement focuses on sharing process and perspective, not just finished work.

 

Who the Residency Is For

The Artist-in-Residence Program is well suited for artists who:

  • Are actively developing professional creative practice
  • Have experience mentoring or teaching emerging artists
  • Are interested in leading a cohort and fostering collective growth
  • Value collaboration, experimentation, and reflection
  • Are curious about connecting art, community, and place
 

Residency Outcomes

Every residency looks different. Outcomes may include new bodies of work, exhibitions, Fellowship cohort exhibitions, community engagement experiences, documentation, or research. What matters most is meaningful artistic growth and shared learning.

 

Artist-In-Residence Opportunity

Artist-in-Residence opportunities are offered periodically and vary by focus and timeline.  

 

Our Artist Commitment

1001 Colors is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable creative workplace. We strive to ensure artists of all backgrounds feel respected, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the work.