Artist-in-Residence Program

Providing emerging and mid-career artists with dedicated studio space, professional exposure, and community engagement opportunities.

Applications are open!

The Riverviews community is looking for its 2026-27 Artists-in-Residence, sponsored by Bank of the James. Ideal applicants are emerging or mid-career artists seeking to grow their creative and professional practice who are comfortable working in a shared studio environment.

APPLY NOW

About the Program

Riverviews Artspace invites applications for our next Artist-in-Residence (A.I.R.), an opportunity designed to support artists in advancing their creative and professional practice within a collaborative community setting.

The Artist-in-Residence Program, sponsored by Bank of the James, offers free workspace for six months within a shared artist studio at Riverviews Artspace. The program serves emerging and mid-career artists who are ready to deepen their studio practice, experiment with new ideas, and develop their professional careers within an active and supportive arts facility. 

Please note: This is a workspace residency only and does not include housing or monetary compensation.

Elgible applicants for Riverviews Artspace’s Artist-in-Residence Program are:

  • Emerging or mid-career artists seeking to grow their creative and professional practice

  • Comfortable working in a shared studio environment

  • Open to collaboration and public engagement

  • Experienced or interested in artwork installation and curation

  • Able to maintain a consistent presence for six months in Lynchburg, Virginia (housing is not included)

We support our Artist-in-Residence by providing:

  • Free workspace within a shared artist studio at Riverviews Artspace in downtown Lynchburg, VA

  • 6-month residency term (January-June or July-December each calendar year)

  • Access to the Riverviews creative community, staff, and professional network

  • Monthly public engagement through First Fridays, open studios, and other events

  • Individualized professional development support, including mentorship, portfolio feedback, and opportunities to build exhibition or teaching experience

  • Final exhibition or public presentation of work created during the residency period

In exchange for studio space and professional support, the Artist-in-Residence will:

  • Maintain regular studio hours, including participation in First Fridays and other open studio events

  • Provide curatorial and installation assistance for all exhibitions during the residency term

  • Engage with visitors, staff, volunteers, and artists to foster a vibrant creative environment 

  • Present at least one public artist talk, workshop, or presentation before the residency period concludes

Application Process

How to Apply

  1. Submit all application materials using the form on our website by the next deadline: May 1, 2026.

    Applications must be received by May 1 for July-December residencies and November 1 for January-June residencies. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

  2. Pay $35 non-refundable application fee on our website: http://www.riverviews.org/shop 

    Fee waivers are available to artists from underrepresented communities or those experiencing financial hardship. Email us before submitting your application to request a waiver.

Required Materials

  1. Artist Bio

    Tell us about yourself, your art, and your creative and professional experience (max 300 words).

  2. Online Artwork Portfolio

    Link with 10–15 images (or up to 5 minutes of video) with titles, media, dimensions, and year

  3. Residency Proposal

    Outline what you plan to work on during your residency (max 300 words).

  4. References

    Contact information for 2-3 professional references that can speak to your creative practice and ability to work in a shared environment

  5. Preferred residency period

    July-December 2026 or January-June 2027

  6. Application Fee

    A non-refundable $35 application fee must be paid on our website: http://www.riverviews.org/shop 

Evaluation Criteria

  • Artistic quality, originality, and clarity of vision

  • Commitment to professional and creative growth

  • Willingness to engage with the community and assist in gallery operations

  • Compatibility with the shared studio environment and Riverviews’ mission

Timeline

  • May 1, 2026: Applications due (July-December residency period)

  • June 1, 2026: Artist-in-Residence selection announced

  • July 1, 2026: Residency period begins

  • November 1, 2026: Applications due (January-June residency period)

  • December 1, 2026: Artist-in-Residence selection announced

  • January 1, 2027: Residency period begins

Questions?

Contact us at: gallery@riverviews.org

Riverviews Artspace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement through the arts.

The Artist in Residence Program is proudly sponsored by Bank of the James.

  • "It’s a program where they can get not just involved with their art, but with businesses and with community members… It really helps to develop the artists. And, quite frankly, it's great for Lynchburg.”

    —Jimmy Davis
    Bank of the James, title sponsor

  • "Through the space I met art lovers, artists, and art supporters. It allowed me to focus on making art and prepare for my shows without having to worry about making sales to cover the cost of my studio.”

    —Alpha Massaquoi Jr.
    2025-26 Artist-in-Residence

  • "Now with this residency, I'm able to challenge myself as an artist in ways I only dreamed of before. I'm able to work on multiple pieces at once and take on the biggest works I've ever attempted."

    —Matthew Sir Robertson
    2024-25 Artist-in-Residence

  • “The AIR Program at Riverviews Artspace has been instrumental in enhancing my creative journey, allowing me to explore new mediums and techniques while engaging with the broader art community. Riverviews feels like home—it’s a space where I can fully express myself, connect with other artists, and truly grow as a creator.”

    —Larry Taylor Jr.
    2024-25 Artist-in-Residence