ARTIST RESIDENCY
Cottonwood Center for the Arts is beyond thrilled to unveil our newest creative opportunity for artists: SMOL - The tiniest artist residency, ever.
What is SMOL?
SMOL is an artist in residence program.
Each residency spans a six month period, during which time the artist has 24 hr exclusive access to the space.
During this time the artist is expected to produce the works detailed in the artists’ original proposal. This body of work will be featured in one of our main galleries as a solo exhibition at the close of the artist residency.
Why is it called SMOL?
SMOL is a 19.11 square foot studio space. Cozy.
SMOL is designed to accommodate creatives that make bite-sized artworks.
SMOL is furnished with ample shelving, a folding desk with charging station, rolling storage, and thoughtful lighting.
SMOL is not a live/work space, Artists must reside within reasonable travel distance from Cottonwood Center for the Arts in Downtown Colorado Springs. Amenities include free wifi, free off-street parking, a nearby wash station, and a surrounding community of 140 professional artists (read: future friends and collaborators) who work and create in the building.
We are asking artists for thoughtful proposals for a body of artwork composed of small scale pieces, each being no larger than 14” in height, width, or depth. Work can be in any medium. The artist will need to create around 12 - 20 pieces of art.
While artists are free to choose their theme, proposals must comprehensively detail their overall message.
Your proposal must also address how this residency will mesh with your current artistic practice - why are you and 6 months with SMOL a power couple? How will creating this body of work and having the subsequent solo gallery show advance you as an artist? We will consider artists at any stage of their career.
Check out our photo gallery, apply, and pay $35 submission fee below.
This round of applications are being accepted through September 30 of 2025. Selected artist will be notified by October 15 of 2025. Selected artist’s residency will span November 1 of 2025 to April 25 of 2026. Selected artist’s main gallery show will be in May of 2026.
