ATLAS ARTIST
RESIDENCY
a one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school artists
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING OUR 2026 ATLAS ARTIST RESIDENCY:
Due to recent unforeseen funding challenges, we have made the decision to shift the scale of our summer residency for 2026. Instead of a two day a week intensive for 10 students, we have reduced the schedule to one day a week for 6 hours. The student resident stipends will be reduced to reflect this reduction in hours from $1,350 to $500. This will still be a unique opportunity for high school artists to get paid while developing their creative skills alongside peers and adult working artists.
Please read the updated description of this modified residency below and reach out if you have any questions.
UPDATED 2026 RESIDENCY:
Atlas Creative Labs
This Creative Lab Program will function as a modified version of the residency model, offering a shorter program duration and a more focused developmental experience. Like the residency, the program will emphasize artistic and portfolio development, access to studio spaces and materials, and the use of art to address social issues and drive change.
Throughout the program, youth will engage in guided studio practice to develop original works, experiment with materials and techniques, and receive mentorship from professional artists and ART 180 staff. Participants will also explore how art can serve as a powerful tool for storytelling, reflection, and social change, addressing this year’s ART 180 annual theme, “ Protect Your Neck,
Inspired by the iconic Wu-Tang Clan anthem and a call-to-action to preserve black and brown stories, neighborhoods, and histories, defining who we are and where we belong.
Selected participants will earn stipends and receive materials support in recognition of their time, commitment, and creative labor. The program will culminate in a public exhibition where youth will have the opportunity to share and sell their work with the community, celebrate their achievements, and gain experience presenting art as a means of advocating for change in a professional setting.
This year's residency will take place on Mondays from June 8 to July 20, with the final exhibition on Friday, August 7, 2026
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. Teen participants selected for the program will receive:
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Direct mentorship from a professional teaching artist
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Guided instruction for artistic and portfolio development
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Access to studios and materials
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$500 stipend
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$125 material budget
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A public exhibition of artwork
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Certificate of Completion
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ART 180 Letter of Recommendation
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
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 Mondays from June 8-July 20, final exhibition Friday, August 7
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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.
All applications are due by Sunday, April 26, at 11:59 p.m.
The Atlas Artist Residency is supported through partnerships with:
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