The Gantt Center shares a commitment to raising the awareness and understanding of contemporary art and celebrating diverse cultures and viewpoints through the residency, exhibition and education programs. Each year, 2 artists are selected to be in residence by the Center with the objective of providing meaningful interactions with the community through collaboration, outreach and innovative programming.

The Center is looking for artists of color who are inspired by African-American culture, committed to artistic investigation, and are interested in community engagement. AIRs will participate in an exhibition at Gantt Center 6-12 months after the completion of their residency. Future opportunities for Gantt AIRs include the participation in an International Residency Exchange program with South Africa, Brazil and France.

Selection Process

Selections are made by Gantt Center programmatic staff. Artists are selected based on the quality of their work, written narrative and an interest in participating in a stimulating and creative environment. Previous experience working collaboratively within a residency program and cultural facility is preferable.

Eligibility

The residency program is open to emerging, mid-career and senior level artists of color. Applications are welcome from regional, national and international artists. Students may apply, but may not be actively enrolled in classes during start of the residency period.

Studios, Facilities and Fees

Studio space is located at McColl Center for Visual Art. The Center is a well-equipped 30,000 square foot facility with nine artist's studios (230-819 sq ft), and common use wood, blacksmith and sculpture, ceramic, darkroom, printmaking studios, and a media lab. There is twenty-four hour access to the Center's facility, and staff support Monday through Friday during normal business hours. The Gantt Artist-in-Residence receives a stipend ($3,300), materials budget ($2,000), Travel allowance and housing (if outside of Charlotte).

Transportation

McColl Center for Visual Art owns one passenger car, a van, and truck with flatbed and makes theses available on a first-come, first-serve basis for Center related errands and outreaches for the Artists-in-Residence only. Cars are not available for extended use.

Studio

All Artists are expected to work in their studios at a minimum, Monday-Friday. Required studio hours for Gantt AIRs will be determined and agreed upon with the artist prior to the start of their residency.

Exhibitions

All Artists-in-Residence participate in 1 group exhibition at McColl Center for Visual Art during their residency session. The Gantt CenterAIRs will participate in an additional exhibition 6-12 months after the completion of their residency.

Open Door Policy

McColl Center for Visual Art is open and free to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 4pm. During this time the Center welcomes the general public to view its exhibitions and visit artists' studios. The Center has an "open door" policy whereby the public is welcome into an artist's studio if their door is open. The Center encourages the artists to invite the public into their studio unless they are at a place in their work where they cannot be distracted. On average the Center attracts approximately 30 visitors per week and another 25 visitors on Open Studio Saturdays (see below). On some evenings, the Center may host a private reception for donors and/or sponsors. Artists are frequently invited (but not required) to attend these events and, if amenable, to have their studios open. In addition, an artist can expect an average of 3-5 education tours, individual tours and/or cultivation programs a week. These programs may or may not directly involve every artist.

Open Studio Saturdays

During Open Studio Saturdays, artists are required to be in their studios at McColl Center for Visual Art and have their doors open. It is the most convenient opportunity for the public to meet the artists and learn about their work. Three to four Open Studio Saturdays are scheduled per residency period.

Outreaches

Each Artist-in-Residence and affiliate artist provides 1-3 outreaches. The Gantt Artist-in-Residence's outreaches are designed and determined with program staff from both Gantt and McColl Centers and the artist. The type and scope of these outreaches are mutually designed and agreed upon prior to the start of the residency. Typical outreaches consist of lectures, demonstrations, or other special programming.