Thank you for your interest in the McColl Center Exhibition Fellowship.
This nine-month fellowship supports six emerging Charlotte-based artists in developing their studio practices, building meaningful relationships, and expanding their professional networks.
Each Fellow receives a dedicated individual studio, a $2,000 stipend, and access to McColl Center’s Print, Media, Ceramics, Wood, Metal, and Fiber studios, as well as a 3D printer and laser cutter. Fellows work directly with Studio Specialists who provide technical guidance, creative problem-solving, and hands-on collaboration to support the development and realization of new work.
Throughout the Fellowship, artists participate in monthly studio visits, group critiques, and conversations with curators, artists, and other arts professionals. Fellows also receive complimentary access to all Beyond the Studio professional development workshops.
As part of the Fellowship, New York–based artist Nancy Bowen will serve as the cohort’s mentor during a six-week residency at McColl Center. During this period, Fellows will engage with Nancy through scheduled studio visits, critiques, group conversations, and opportunities for informal exchange.
The Fellowship is a serious commitment to both individual studio practice and the cohort experience. Fellows are expected to actively participate in critiques, studio visits, mentorship opportunities, community feedback sessions, writing activities related to their exhibition work, and other Fellowship programming. Fellows should plan to be available for one scheduled Saturday gathering each month for cohort meetings and critiques with curator Carla Aaron-Lopez.
Fellows are welcomed into McColl Center’s broader artist community and invited to attend Artists-in-Residence welcome dinners, public programs, exhibition openings, Open Studios, and other community events throughout the Fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in as many of these opportunities as possible, building relationships with visiting artists and arts professionals and becoming active members of the McColl Center community.
While some elements of the schedule will evolve in collaboration with the selected artists, applicants should anticipate a steady commitment from orientation on September 26, 2026, through the Fellowship exhibition in summer 2027.
The Fellowship culminates in a group exhibition curated by Carla Aaron-Lopez, opening June 12, 2027, and on view through July 24, 2027.
Applicants must reside in the Charlotte metro area, as housing is not provided, and may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program or another residency program during the Fellowship period.
McColl Center values creative, cultural, and social diversity in its selection process and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Applications open July 10, 2026, and close August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Selected Fellows will be notified on August 14, 2026.