Thank you to Bank of the James for sponsoring Riverviews’ Artist in Residence program.
Artist In Residence Program
A crucial element of the Riverviews Artspace mission is to support “emerging artists” develop as professionals in their field. To help do this more effectively Riverviews has launched an artist in residence program (A.I.R.). Riverviews defines an “emerging artist,” as an individual who has great potential in their artistic practice but has not yet received major recognition or established a significant “footing” within their field. The A.I.R program provides a space for artists where they can experiment and develop their unique style and vision, learn more about and gain confidence in marketing their work, foster an environment of curiosity and creativity through interactions with other artists, facilitate artist–visitor conversations about art, and showcase their work in a public space. Participants in the program create connections through collaboration, creative community engagement and artistic experimentation. The fully-customized residency experience is strengthened by the potential for collaboration with other artists, with staff, local businesses professionals, and members of the Riverviews’ community who are invested in the arts.
Accepting applications for 2026.
Each applicant’s resume will be thoughtfully reviewed by a committee composed of Riverviews staff, board members, and Lynchburg community members.
If you have any questions please feel free to email Kasey Forehand, Program Manager, at kasey@riverviews.com.
Riverviews Artspace Artist in Residence Participant Expectations
Maintain open studio hours, including the monthly gallery opening of First Fridays, greet visitors, discuss their artistic process, and be an ambassador for Riverviews Artspace.
Riverviews Artspace Goals and Deliverables
Foster an environment of curiosity and “ah-ha!” moments that spark creativity through proximity and interactions with other artists.
Facilitate artist–visitor conversations about art, techniques, and the creative process that develop ties between Riverviews artists and the community.
Encourage the community to connect with professional artists and learn how they create their work.
Further develop artist skills for engaging with the public.
Help artists learn more about, and gain confidence in, marketing their work (such as developing a personal brand or an elevator speech for their artistic vision and process).
Educate artists on the legal and business aspects of being an independent entrepreneur and how to succeed as a professional artist.
Connect artists with staff support, along with engagement with Riverviews’ volunteers and community.
Opportunity to showcase your work in a public space.
Program Cost
AIR program cost ranges from $200-$300 per month, per artist depending on studio space.
