Orr Street Studios recognizes that Black and minority artists are underrepresented in the art world, and that dedicated studio space is key for developing an artistic practice. By implementing this residency, Orr Street Studios seeks to make the valuable resource of studio space more readily available to Black and minority artists in the Columbia, Missouri area.
As a member of the artistic community in Columbia, this is a tangible step Orr Street Studios can take to make the Mid-Missouri art community more inclusive and make valuable resources available to artists who may not feel welcome or represented in the local art scene.
The Artists in Residence Program (referred to as AIR) offers studio space for 11.5 months to three or four black and minority artists working in Columbia, MO or the surrounding area and who have financial need. This residency is meant to support artists whose practice could benefit from dedicated studio space and who could not otherwise afford one.
The Orr Street Studios Artist in Residence program is made possible by a generous donation from Veterans United Foundation. This gift has a tremendous impact on the lives of the recipients and the entire community here at Orr Street Studios.
2026-27 Artists in Residence
Our applications for our 2026-2027 program are closed.
Applications for the 27-28 year will open in June of 2027.