ABOUT THE ENO ARTS MILL
The Eno Arts Mill is a 10,000 square foot multipurpose arts space located in the historic Eno River Mill in Hillsborough, NC, operated by the Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) and its nonprofit partner, the Orange County Arts Alliance (OCAA). The Eno Arts Mill features 17 artist studios, The Eno Arts Mill Gallery, a multipurpose classroom, meeting space, and the OCAC offices. Our space hosts regular classes, monthly First Fridays at the Mill opening, and other events and programs. It is a space for people of all types to gather and experience the visual, performing, and literary arts. We prioritize accessibility for both our studio artists and visitors. Since opening in October of 2021, the Arts Mill has already become a fixture in the Hillsborough community and in the arts scene of the Triangle.
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
The Eno Arts Mill is a community arts space that is safe, welcoming, and accessible for all people. Through intentional artist recruitment and programming, we have established a diverse group of studio artists. Currently, 44% of our studio artists identify as a member of a marginalized community and 38% identify as a person of color. But we can always do more. Through a generous grant from the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation, we have established the 2023 Eno Arts Mill BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Artist Residency. Through this opportunity, we strive to assist in the advancement of the arts career of a local artist of color by providing studio and community access free for one year (January-December, 2023).
The selected artist will receive the following benefits:
- One year of free, private, spacious, studio space in Studio D, a 250 square foot studio located in the Front Studios of the Eno Arts Mill (see photos below). The studio features hardwood floors (floor covering provided), tall 20’ ceilings, and a large storage closet. Two utility sinks are available, one down the hall in the communal kitchen, and one in the nearby classroom. The studio does not have windows.
- All Eno Arts Mill studios include 24/7 access, free WiFi, coffee/water service and other kitchen amenities, access to meeting space, and 10% discount on rental of classroom. Eno Arts Mill tenants also pay a lower commission rate (30%) on gallery sales than non-tenants (40%). Commission is only collected on sales in the gallery and communal spaces, not on sales made from tenants’ studios.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment with sixteen other artist-tenants and the OCAC team of arts professionals.
- A $500 one-time stipend to be paid following lease signing.
- A month-long, professionally installed, featured exhibit in the Eno Arts Mill Gallery. The exhibit will feature promotion provided by the OCAC and an opening celebration as part of First Fridays at the Mill with live music, food/beverages, and family activities. All works in the exhibit must be for sale and the OCAC will retain a 30% commission on works sold.
- Continuous promotion through the OCAC website (artsorange.org), a feature story in The Underline (a monthly column by local writer Arshia Simkin), social media posts, and more.
In return, the selected artist agrees to:
- Adhere to all polices stated in the Tenant Agreement.
- Be regularly present at the studio, a minimum of 20 hours per week. While we don’t require our studio artists to be present during set hours/days of the week, we want the selected artist to regularly use the studio and be generally present throughout the week. We realize this may be “after hours” depending on the work status of the selected artist.
- Be present for a minimum of nine (9) First Fridays at the Mill openings in the 2023 calendar year. Studio artists are asked to be in their studios, either working and/or interacting with the public, during these monthly events, which take place every first Friday from 6-9pm. The studios are not open to the public other than during these monthly openings.
- Pay a refundable $200 security deposit at execution of lease.
- Fulfill the full residency, through the end of 2023.
- Acquire renter’s insurance for the studio, which usually costs around $30 per month. The OCAC can provide contact information to obtain an insurance policy if needed.
- Provide all necessary furnishings and supplies for the studio.
TIMELINE
- Application Open Wednesday, November 9
- Application Close Wednesday, November 30, 11:59PM
- Selected artist notified week of December 5
- Residency dates Tuesday, January 3, 2023 – Tuesday, January 2, 2024
APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
- Artist applicants must be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color) living within a 30-mile radius of Hillsborough, NC.
- Due to sound limitations, our studios are not suitable for performing artists.
- Our studios are not suitable for artists working with toxic materials, open flame, or loud/heavy machinery.
- Only online submissions will be considered.
- While we want to support artists at all interest levels, this opportunity is not for hobbyists. It is for professional (or aspiring professional) artists who feel that a studio is a critical next step in advancing their career.
- Application requirements:
- Resume/CV
- Artist statement
- Statement of interest explaining how this residency will help you further your artist growth
- 8 images of work produced in the last five years
- Two letters of recommendation (optional)
