RedLine Artist-in-Residence Program FAQ

What is the Artists-in-Residence (AiR) program at RedLine and why should I apply?

RedLine is a nonprofit contemporary art center with a focus on socially engaged art. Our mission is to foster education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change.

As RedLine's foundational program, this 2-year residency offered to emerging, contemporary artists remains core to all we do as an organization. 

In addition to mentorship, career development, and exposure to unique opportunities supported by our open studio format — artists receive fully-subsidized studio spaces for the duration of two years.

The residency also cultivates an environment of mutual support that fosters networking and collaboration amongst peer artists and professionals within the field

What is the philosophy of the selection process?

The Artist-in-Residence program is based on an equitable selection process. We are artist-led and adhere to a depth vs. scale approach to the programs that we host within RedLine and the relationships that we build locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. 

What does the selection process involve?

RedLine jury process for our Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program:

The review process is based on a review of both the applicant’s artwork and artist statement, but also on the applicant's overall involvement or desire to be in a community-focused space to create and work with local, under-resourced communities. Finalists are interviewed by the jury panel to determine if RedLine is the right fit for them and if they are the right fit for RedLine.

The jury panel consists of a cross section of: curators, art administrators, cultural workers, RedLine staff, board members, AiR alumni, and other community members, partners, and stakeholders.

How does RedLine define “community”?

We define community in both geographic and relational terms. A prospective artist applicant can be interested in working with or within many communities who share something in common (interest, geography, heritage, challenge, etc.).

How does the “open studio format” work?

Individual and shared studios surround a 10,000 sq ft exhibition hall. Studios remain accessible to the public during our regular open hours, (Tuesday-Sunday 11am- 5pm) which encourages dialogue between the public and amongst peer artists.

Who is eligible for the Artist-in-Residence program at RedLine?

Any artist who is deeply committed to their creative practice and is active in their respective communities. Artists accepted into this program come from highly diverse backgrounds including lived experience and education levels.

Additionally, the artistic output of our residents is extremely diverse. To get a better sense of who makes up our growing community of Artists-in-Residents, please refer to our current cohort of artists and/or our network of Alumni Artists.

Do you have to be a resident of Denver or Colorado to apply?

Artists will need to secure housing prior to acceptance into the program as we are a working residency vs. a live-work residency and housing is not available on-site. All artists who are accepted into the program must be willing and able to commit to the two-year duration.

If I have applied before can I apply again this year?

Yes, we encourage applicants to reapply as our jury panels rotate every year. 

I have a full time job. Can I still be a resident artist?

Resident artists often have full- or part-time jobs to support their studio practice. Ultimately, we ask that your schedule affords you time in the studio at least weekly and that you engage in programming regularly. 

If I applied to other artist residencies or if I plan on traveling extensively in the next 2 years, can I still apply to this program?

If you think your other residencies or travel plans would keep you away for more than a 1 to 2 months, we ask that you reconsider if this program is the best fit for you.

When can I expect to hear back about the status of my application?

*The entire application process spans from June to September:

• June 1: Application opens

• June 15: Info Session (in person & online)

• July 1: Application closes

• July to late August: two rounds of review

• Late August: semi-finalists notified

• Early Sept: semi-finalists interview

• Mid-Sept: new resident cohort announced  

• Early November: new residents move in

  *Please note that the above timeline is approximate and specific dates are purposely not included to allow for the necessary flexibility and likely adjustments. 

What are other important things to know about the facility?

• Accepted artists are granted 24/7 access to their studios during the duration of their residency.

• Artists are responsible for outfitting their space with the necessary furniture, tools and materials for their practice.

• Toxic materials are only permitted outside the premises.

• RedLine also has a designated woodshop area that is shared among the artists and the facilities/exhibition staff.

• Artists must sign a liability waiver to use communal power tools and equipment and must respect the rules of the space to maintain safety.

• In addition to the individual spaces to create work, we also have a Community Studio where we host workshops, and community-responsive programs like the REACH program.

• Other common areas include a library that houses nearly 5,000 books on art and design as well as a small kitchen (microwave, sink, and refrigerator).

• Housing during the two year residency is also the responsibility of the resident artist, however, we do have partnerships and resources we can point artists to for housing consideration.