Collage the Planet: Trash as Material Artist Residency

About the Open Call

The 'Collage the Planet: Trash as Material Artist Residency' is a five-day, hybrid program hosted by Kolaj Institute in New Orleans, with virtual sessions on October 11 and 15, 2025, and in-person activities from October 20-24, 2025. This residency aims to engage collage artists in creating work that addresses environmental issues by using trash and reclaimed materials. The premise is that art can be a powerful tool for fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with the natural world and inspiring meaningful change beyond rhetoric. Participants will reflect on human activity's balance with the environment and explore strategies to highlight topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and industrialization's impact, particularly relevant to New Orleans' ecological challenges. The program includes presentations by guest speakers like Jodie House (artist exploring plastic litter), Jill Stoll (Consumer Cloth Project using cardboard waste), Erin Genrich from The Green Project (promoting creative reuse), and Ric Kasini Kadour (international survey of artists using trash, project curator). The residency's goal is to support artists in adapting their practice to speak to environmental complexities, culminating in an invitation to submit artwork for the 'Collage the Planet: Trash as Material' exhibition at Kolaj Institute Gallery, running from October 25 to November 29, 2025. This initiative is part of Kolaj Institute's 'Politics in Collage' project. Artists are expected to attend all scheduled virtual and in-person sessions, engage with speakers, complete readings, and create artwork. They will have 24-hour access to the studio space and general collage materials. The cost of the residency is $750 USD, with limited grants up to $250 available based on demonstrated need. Travel, accommodations, and meals are the artist's responsibility.

What is Offered

Support for collage artists to adapt their practice to environmental issues, opportunity to make artwork for an exhibition at Kolaj Institute Gallery, 24-hour access to studio space, access to general collage-making materials, and potential grants up to $250 to offset residency costs.

Requirements

Self-motivated artists, regardless of career stage, who have a practice of (or want to develop a practice of) making artwork that speaks to environmental issues in their communities. Artists are expected to attend all scheduled sessions (virtual and in-person), engage with guest speakers, complete readings, and use the residency time to make artwork.

How to Apply

The submission process asks applicants for: Contact information, Artist Bio (50-250 words), Statement of Artist Practice (50-300 words), 5-7 images of artwork, Statement of expectations, and questions about your work and needs. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis until space is filled. Artists are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. Submit your application HERE.