Artist-In-Residence

The Center for African & African American Studies Artist-In-Residence (AIR) Program is an important contribution to building community – both Black community and the Beloved Community – at the University of Colorado Boulder and beyond. Each year the CAAAS AIR Program will bring artists to the CAAAS community and broader campus community to be resident resources in one or more of the six different artistic areas in which CU has major degree programs: Music, Theatre, Dance, Fine Arts, Film Studies, and Creative Writing (with special emphasis on poetry and storytelling à la Djali / Griot—traditional West African oral historians, folklorists, storytellers, poets, musicians, and praise singers). What makes the CAAAS AIR Program distinct in comparison to other CU artist-in-residence programs is the fact that it was created by the CAAAS Founder and Director, Reiland Rabaka, specifically for the purpose of supporting campus and community artists – both established and emerging artists – whose work draws on the abundant aesthetic cultures and vibrant artistic traditions of Africa and the African diaspora. The CAAAS artist-in-residence recipients will be awarded a $5,000 stipend and are required to give a public presentation on their work and creative processes, and perform, exhibit, or screen their work at the Center’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Black History Month Celebration. The CAAAS strongly encourages artists interested in applying to the Center’s Artist-In-Residence Program to make frequent appearances at major CAAAS events, programs, lecture series, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and/or film screenings. These occasions provide important opportunities to interact with the students, staff, faculty, alumni, artists, activists, and allies of the CAAAS and Denver/Boulder CAAAS community partners. The CAAAS Artist-In-Residence Program is open to all artists – both campus and community artists, including non-Black artists – whose work draws from, and contributes to, the dynamic artistic traditions and majestic aesthetic cultures of Africa and the African diaspora.

Award Amount: $5,000

Call for Applications: Opens February 1, 2026 and Closes April 1, 2026

Deadline: April 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit items 1-5 below in a single .pdf by the deadline, April 1, 2026, to caaas@colorado.edu. Make “CAAAS Artist-In-Residence Program Application” the email subject line when submitting application materials. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  1. Cover Letter: (double-spaced, 12-point font, one page or less). A brief statement on why the CAAAS Artist-In-Residence Program would make a significant difference for your artistic development and creative work, as well as the special contributions your artistry could potentially make to the CAAAS’s efforts to build community on the Boulder campus and throughout the Denver/Boulder metropolitan area.
  2. Artist Statement: (double-spaced, 12-point font, one page or less) A clear and concise statement that explains your artistic vision, the themes you explore, and your goals for the residency. Highlight what makes your work unique and how it aligns with the CAAAS’s mission and residency program focus.
  3. Portfolio: A curated collection of your best work, demonstrating your skills, range, and artistic style. Include high-quality images, videos, teasers, trailers, or websites of your work and ensure they are well-presented.
  4. Résumé/Curriculum Vitae: A professional document that highlights your artistic experience, including your education, exhibitions, awards, and any relevant professional experience.
  5. Contact Information: Ensure your contact information (email, phone, website) is clearly visible and up to date.

Expectations

  1. CAAAS artists-in-residence are required to give a public presentation on their work and creative processes, and perform, exhibit, or screen their work at the Center’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration in December and Black History Month Celebration in February.
  2. CAAAS artists-in-residence who work with collaborators are required to pay their collaborators (if applicable) out of their $5,000 stipend.
  3. By June 1, 2027, please email caaas@colorado.edu a 300-500 word summary (double-spaced, 12-point font) detailing how the CAAAS Artist-In-Residence Program aided in furthering your artistic development and creative work.
  4. Acknowledgment of the Center for African & African American Studies (The CAAAS | The Cause) is required for all performances, exhibitions, publications, screenings, and promotional materials funded by the CAAAS. Use this language for credit: “This project was supported, in part, by a grant from the Center for African & African American Studies (The CAAAS | The Cause) at the University of Colorado Boulder.”

Questions: Questions about the CAAAS Artist-In-Residence Program should be sent to caaas@colorado.edu.