CSU Spur Artist Residency - Art + Science Collaboration

Colorado State University Spur invites applications for its Artist Residency Program, a six-month, interdisciplinary opportunity for mid-career and professional artists to engage with science, sustainability and community at the public campus in Denver. This residency is designed for artists who are eager to work at the intersection of art, science and education and who are committed to making their practice publicly visible and educationally impactful. Located in Denver's historic Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, CSU Spur is a free, year-round educational destination focused on food, water and health systems where artists, scientists, educators and the public come together to share knowledge, create and inspire future generations.

The residency provides private studio space with public visibility in The Shop, onsite housing in CSU Spur's Vida building (estimated cost of $9,681) or artists may choose offsite housing at their own expense, $10,000 living stipend, $5,000 materials budget, $1,250 travel budget, access to CSU scientists and researchers, use of CSU Spur Makerspace after training, and a solo exhibition with public opening event. Artists must participate in at least one CSU Spur "2nd Saturday" public event and engage with preK-12 students through field trip activities or workshops. The Spring 2026 cycle features collaboration with the Urban and Community Forestry Hub, focusing on research including urban tree water use, urban wood utilization, urban heat island effect, wildland urban interface management, and Inflation Reduction Act grant projects addressing tree equity in disadvantaged communities.

Applications require a $40 submission fee (fee waivers available for 80216 zip code residents), artist statement (500 words max), resume or CV (2 pages max), portfolio (up to 10 images or 5 minutes of video), residency proposal (750 words max), community engagement response (250 words max), technical and logistical needs (250 words max), and two references. Artists will be selected based on artistic merit and originality, feasibility and innovation of proposed interdisciplinary project, ability to collaborate and engage with the public, and integration of preK-12 educational goals. The residency runs from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026, with exhibition from September 2026 to January 2027.