COLLAB is a new creative residency program sponsored by the Loudoun Arts CouncilCOLLAB is a new creative residency program sponsored by the Loudoun Arts Council Are you looking for a venue for your creative ideas? In the COLLAB atelier project, the Embark Center for Self-Directed Education and IndED join the Loudoun Arts Council to offer qualifying LAC members quarterly residencies in a studio space in Leesburg's Arts and Culture District. COLLAB is for artists and makers of all kindsCOLLAB is for artists and makers of all kinds Visiting artists can use the space as a working studio and exhibit area and have the opportunity to engage with the public in a unique way in the heart of downtown Leesburg. In lieu of rent, IndED and Embark students will have access to their process.

Individual artists can teach, share, and work with the students in ways that suit them, but the guiding principles of instruction should be focused on process, not product, and encourage a willingness to take chances and solve problems. A key component of the project is community outreach. Artists will be responsible for communicating the overall value of art as a community creator.

Residencies will be awarded based on artists' proposals, with special consideration given to artists willing to collaborate with a studio partner in at least one project during the residency. The program is not limited to visual artists. Performers, writers, musicians, and makers are also encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in cross-media collaborations.

COLLAB will offer four residency periods each year, Fall (September through November), Winter (December through February), Spring (March through May), and Summer (June through August). Artists are asked to work at least six hours per week during school hours, and to work with Embark and IndEd to create occasional opportunities for students to have access to the artists' process. Projects can incorporate student involvement if desired. Artists will be allowed to sell their artwork from the space. The LAC will promote artists' events through the arts council's website, electronic newsletter, and other media.

Interested in this creative opportunity? Apply here.