Artist Residencies

Selected artists have a dedicated 900 sq ft studio in ASLD for the duration of their residency. The studio can be equipped with equipment appropriate to the resident artist’s practice (necessary equipment is covered by ASLD as part of our grant funding for this project). ASLD currently offers courses in the following media: ceramics, drawing & painting, fiber arts, jewelry, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture

ASLD has more than 125 artists on faculty and roughly 900 students attending courses and events each month. We also offer a myriad of offsite workshops and collaborations with other arts and community organizations. Through our in-house and partnership offerings, we provide opportunities for resident artists to meet local and regional artists, art professionals and others who may help advance their practice.

Artists receive a monthly stipend to cover housing and living expenses as well as studio materials. The budget for housing costs and living expenses is determined based on Denver market rates at the time of the residency. Staff is available to assist with securing housing if desired. Details about the monthly stipend are available upon request.

While this program prioritizes artists of color, the program is not exclusionary, and artists are selected through an open application process. Per our application, the residency is open to any artist who identifies as Black, Indigenous, and/or person of color, or who is committed to working with BIPOC community members as part of their residency. This program is open to national and international artists 21+ years of age who demonstrate strong work that complements ASLD’s faculty, with priority given to artists from outside the Denver metro area. Artists from any visual arts media are welcome and alumni of ASLD’s Visiting Artist series are eligible.

ASLD is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or ability.

ASLD consists of two buildings, both of which are accessible via ramps. The parking lot to the south of the main building has three accessible parking spaces. The main building has three levels, with a passenger elevator to each level. The artist in residence studio space is located on the first level of the main building. Studio spaces can be arranged and organized to accommodate a variety of practices and needs.

Residencies are independent and self-directed. ASLD staff members will work with each selected artist to develop a series of workshops, community engagement activities and other programming during the artist’s time at ASLD.

Selected artists are expected to be at ASLD for a minimum of 6 months, and a maximum of 9 months. Late arrivals, early departures, or extended absences may result in prorated stipends.

A $40 USD non-refundable application fee is due at the time of the application submission, paid via credit card. We would prefer that no applicants are turned away for lack of funds, so please contact Holly Hurd at h.hurd@asld.org if the application fee is a barrier for you.

While this program prioritizes artists of color, the program is not exclusionary, and the artist will be selected through an open application process. While demographic information is requested as part of the application, applicants will also be asked questions regarding their interest and alignment with Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (JEDIA).

Applications are reviewed first by a panel comprising members of the greater Denver arts and cultural community, who select a short list of finalists. This list is then reviewed by ASLD artist faculty, staff and board members to select a candidate who will bring new methods and skills to complement the existing ASLD faculty and media available. Criteria for selection include media, willingness to work with a broad range of audiences, willingness to participate with ASLD partners, availability to have an open studio practice during the residency, artist location (preference to those outside the Denver area), and a commitment to JEDIA initiatives through their artistic practice and/or experience working with diverse communities.

As part of the evaluation process, ASLD reviews the application and committee process, adjusting based on feedback as needed and adopting new practices recommended in the arts field to ensure equity and accessibility. If you have feedback about the application and review process, please contact Holly Hurd at h.hurd@asld.org