C3Lab Public Arts Fellowship 2026-2028

The C3-Lab Public Art Fellowship is an 18-month, studio-based program by ACSM Design + Build designed to support emerging and mid-career artists ready to expand into large-scale public art. Artists apply as a duo, working collaboratively across six quarters of hands-on training, mentorship, and applied project development.

The curriculum bridges concept and construction: digital modeling and construction drawings (Fusion), welding and CNC, materials and finishes, public art fabrication workflows, community engagement, professional practice, and archiving. Visiting speakers and industry mentors provide insight into real-world public art ecosystems.

Fellows move from research and design to fabrication and installation, culminating in a permanent, site-specific public artwork at a partner location. C3-Lab/ACSM equips artists with the technical fluency, collaborative experience, and professional infrastructure needed to translate studio practice into the built environment.

The C3-Lab Public Arts Fellowship was developed as a continuation of the mission of the former C3Lab creative coworking hub: to support artists in the Charlotte community and strengthen cultural vitality across the Southeast. Following the closure of the original creative space, the parent design-build firm: ACSM Design + Build, reimagined the program as a focused, studio-based fellowship centered on professional education, technical training, and hands-on experience in public art.

This 18-month fellowship, which runs September 1, 2026-February 29, 2028 supports emerging and mid-career artists seeking to expand into the public art realm. While fellows work collaboratively as a duo, artists apply individually and are asked within the application to identify their proposed partner and describe why they would form a strong collaborative team.

The curriculum explores the full design + build process—from concept development and digital modeling to materials selection, fabrication, and installation. Fellows gain real-world experience navigating construction drawings, shop practices, fabrication workflows, community engagement, and professional documentation.

In addition to structured educational sessions, mentorship, and visiting speakers, fellows share a studio space and have a membership at LoSo Studios, an artist collective located in the ACSM building in Lower South End, Charlotte. The program is dedicated to rigorous professional development, equipping artists with the technical fluency, collaborative experience, and practical knowledge necessary to translate studio practice into permanent, site-specific public work.

Fellows are responsible for their own art supplies, transportation, and housing. Tools and equipment are available during workshop hours. Participants must be fully committed to scheduled sessions and actively engaged in the studio throughout the fellowship term.

Artist duos are selected through a juried review process composed of public art professionals and community stakeholders. This opportunity is intended for serious applicants ready to engage deeply in a hands-on learning environment and expand their capacity to execute large-scale public art projects.

View FAQs and Fellowship Syllabus at C3-Lab.com

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials along with their work samples:

Resume or CV

Brief Artist Biography

Brief Artist Statement

Work Sample Requirements

Submit 3–7 images of completed artworks for consideration.

Optional: Applicants may submit a short video that provides additional context about their work and/or process.

• Artists must be 21 years of age or older.
• Artists must apply as part of a two-person collaborative duo. Applications are submitted individually through the CaFÉ platform, and each applicant must identify their proposed partner within the application.
• Artists must complete and submit the application through the CaFÉ platform.
• Artists must commit to the full 18-month fellowship term, which runs September 1, 2026-February 29, 2028.
• Artists must participate in Open Studios and other required community engagement events at LoSo Studios, the art collective located in the ACSM building.
• Artists must be willing and able to present their work and engage professionally with groups of varying sizes, including community stakeholders and partners.
• Artists must have a strong willingness to learn how to safely operate tools, machines, and fabrication equipment as part of the design + build process.
• Selected fellows must commit to fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative working environment, adhering to the studio etiquette guidelines and policies outlined in the Fellowship Handbook.