The BOLT Artist Residency Application is now closed. Candidates will be notified by April 1, 2024 for a July 1, 2024 residency start.

FYI: This year we have unified our applications for both artists' residencies - previously separated as BOLT and HATCH programs. In the past many candidates applied for both opportunities. This allows for a single submission per individual.

BOLT is a highly competitive, juried, one-year artist studio residency program offering emerging and established artists the opportunity to engage the Chicago arts community and its public in critical dialogue about contemporary art.

Located at the Chicago Artists Coalition’s brand new 6,700-square-foot facility in the vibrant Kinzie Industrial Corridor, BOLT provides workspace, creative community, exhibition opportunities and professional development for Chicago-based, contemporary artists.

Chicago Artists Coalition strongly encourages and welcomes emerging and mid-career artists of color and/or LGBTQ+ to apply to the residency program. CAC believes that the arts are essential to leading a full and productive life. We affirm our support of those with physical limitations, by committing to ongoing improvements of our space's accessibility. Our new location at 2130 W. Fulton St. is Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Reach out to contact[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org] with accessibility inquiries.

As a commitment to equity, inclusivity and accessibility, in 2018, CAC eliminated studio fees, in an effort to reduce barriers to application and participation. Please note: a refundable security deposit of $250 will be required to confirm your participation.

Eligibility

• BOLT is open to visual, performance, sound, or interdisciplinary artists based in the city of Chicago.
• Ideal candidates show significant promise and dedication to their work as a vocation.
• Artists are at a moment in which access to a studio and supportive environment will be particularly meaningful to their practice.
• Artists can make the time commitment to be in their studio 15+ hours a week.
• Artists are NOT currently enrolled in a degree-granting program or its equivalent for the first year of residency.

Application Checklist

• Completed online application form
• Current artist résumé
• 10 samples of recent work, including short descriptions
• Non-refundable $20 application fee which can be paid here

IMPORTANT DATES

• November 1: Application opens
• December 15 (11:59 pm)*: Application due via this form
• February: Jury deliberations
• March: Finalists are interviewed
• April: Finalists are notified via e-mail
• July 1: Studio move-in. All studios are work-only (non-residential)

BOLT Studios (selection will ultimately be determined at CAC’s discretion)

Six (6) Studios: 200 square-foot workspaces; security deposit required to confirm your participation

Studios are an open-floor plan and work-only (non-residential)

Types of Disciplines

Works on paper, sculpture, painting, photography, new media, installation, film/video, performance, and sound artists are encouraged to apply.

Program Expectations

• Artists must commit to participate in the program from July 2024 - June 2026
• Artists are expected to use the studio for for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
• Artists must sign up for and participate in monthly studio visits that generally occur Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm
  
• Artists will attend meetings to share work in progress with peers and participate in group critiques of exhibitions on view.

Workspace

• 12-month artist studio rental with 24/7 secure access
• Six (6) fully subsidized studios, approximately 200 square feet each
• Free storage, slop sink, kitchen and common areas

Creative Community

• Open-plan layout to inspire dialogue, collaborations and the development of new ideas
• Access to the Sabina Ott Library materials
• Monthly meetings/meals to build meaningful relationships, networks and resources
• Work with your peers to creatively shape the residency according to your needs
• Gain exposure and expand your audience through CAC’s programming

Exhibition Opportunities

• One solo exhibition in a dedicated, 400-square-foot gallery space
• Potential exhibition opportunity for one BOLT Resident at EXPO Chicago
• Ongoing use of studio to showcase your work at studio visits
• CAC marketing support, including press releases, website announcement and social media

Professional Development

• CAC works closely with you to develop a customized professional development plan based on your vision and personal goals
• CAC staff offers occasional private tours of your studio to potential collectors
• One-on-one studio visits with prominent members of the greater arts community

See below for an outline of what 2024-25 will look like

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Reach out to: contact[@]chicagoartistscoalition[.org]