ATLAS ARTIST
RESIDENCY
a one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school artists
The Atlas Artist Residency is an intensive eight-week mentorship program for 10 high school artists (grades 9-11) from Richmond. This summer-long experience provides young creatives—prioritizing those from Richmond Public Schools and BIPOC communities—with the resources, guidance, and professional mentorship to elevate their artistic practice.
Resident youth artists receive studio space, a $1,350 stipend, and art materials. Throughout the program, they engage in hands-on workshops, portfolio-building activities, and community-focused art making, while learning from established local and international artists. Field trips, including museum visits and nature excursions, offer inspiration, experience creating in new environments, and a deeper connection to their craft and the world.
The residency invites young artists to experiment with a variety of mediums, from film and photography to digital art, music production, sound art, and more. Through these creative pathways, they will explore themes of community identity and personal expression, culminating in a public exhibition amplifying their collective voices and visions for change.
This year's residency will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 9 to August 11, with the final exhibition on Friday, August 7, and an award ceremony on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open to high school students who:
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Attend a Richmond Public Schools (RPS) high school or are home-schooled in Richmond
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Are currently in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
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Identify as BIPOC and/or have an interest in art, media, and storytelling
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work in one or more of the following artistic disciplines, but not limited to:
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Illustration & Drawing
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Painting (traditional + mixed media)
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Comic & Character Storytelling
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Anime, Magna, or Motion graphics
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Collage & Assemblage
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Graphic Design
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Are eager to collaborate with a community of young artists
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Are committed to learning, professional development, and artistic growth
Why Apply
This is an opportunity for young emerging artists to explore their creative identity, develop professional skills, and experience personal and artistic growth while providing access to valuable mentorship, resources, and professional experiences.
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$1,350 Stipend
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$250 Material Budget
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90-Day ART 180 Studio Residency
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110 hours of Creative & Professional Development
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On-site visits to Art Galleries, Museums, and Outdoor Camping Experience
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Certificate of Completion
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ART 180 Letter of Recommendation
Program Commitment
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Show up with a positive attitude
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Maintain a clean work environment.
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Must have reliable transportation to and from scheduled programs
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Be an active participant in classroom group activities and discussions
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Be able to attend all scheduled orientation training and site visits
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Complete all program assignments and 90% of the program’s scheduled dates
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Residency will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 9-Augst 11, final exhibition Friday, August 7, and award ceremony Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026
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Participate in the curation and installation of exhibitions and the final project
How to Apply
Interested students should submit an application that includes:
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Complete an ART 180 2026 Atlas Artist Residency Application
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Write a small essay (find details in the application)
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Submit three samples of original creative work (drawings, digital art, photos, music, videos, digital media, or other forms of creative expression)
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One letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community member
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An advisory committee will interview prospective candidates
For questions, email:
Program Director, Maurice Leoni-Osion at maurice@art180.org
Program Manager, Dallas Roqumore at dallas@art180.org
Manager of Outreach & Cultural Strategy, Mecca Harris at mecca@art180.org
Applications for our 2026 Atlas Artist Residency are now open!
Interested artists should complete the form below to apply.
The Atlas Artist Residency is supported through partnerships with:
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