The Eno Arts Mill is located within the historic Eno Mill in the West Hillsborough neighborhood. The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) currently occupies two spaces with artist studios, located close to each other within the mill:

• The Eno Mill Artist Studios are 11 studios within a 3,000 square-foot working space. Click here to view a map.  
• Suite 17 includes the OCAC offices, a classroom, gallery/events space, and 5 offices/studios available to artists and/or cultural organizations.  Click here to view a map. 

All studios include 24/7 access (workspace only), wifi, utilities, opportunities to exhibit work, communal gathering and workspace, and access to a loading dock and restrooms. Both spaces are on the first floor of the mill.

Applications are accepted from artists, designers, and craftspeople looking to further their professional careers through dedicated studio practice. Studios will be awarded based on criteria listed below.

The OCAC is looking for creatives who:

• Are community-minded and will benefit from a co-working, semiprivate studio environment
• Display commitment to their craft through an existing body of work
• Create original work
• Are willing to participate in monthly public events, such as Last Friday Art Walk. The space will not be open to the general public other than during special events and by appointment with studio tenants.

Tenant Selection Considerations

• The OCAC seeks to represent a variety of artistic disciplines.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying levels in their career.
• The OCAC seeks to include artists of varying ages, races, and backgrounds.
• Will this person’s practice work within the space available? 
• Does this person already have a place to work?
• Will this person use the space regularly? Will they participate in open studios and other public events?

Important Information

• Filling out an application does not guarantee studio space.
• The Mill Studios are work only, we do not provide live-work spaces (however this is a possibility in coming years).
• A security deposit of one month’s rent plus first month’s rent, which may be pro-rated, are due at lease signing.
• To ensure the safety and security of all tenants, accepted tenants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.
• All tenants must hold a minimum $1M general liability policy showing Orange County and Hedgehog Holdings as additional insured. You can anticipate this costing between $200-$500 per year, or approximately $20-$50 per month. Certificate of Insurance must be on file before keys are given. The OCAC can connect you with a local insurance agent to assist you, if needed.  
• Tenants are required to sign a one-year lease which may be renewed annually for up to three years. 
• Tenants are required to agree to our Tenant Agreement Code of Conduct.
• For studios that do not have access to natural light, interior lighting has been installed which mimics natural light (5,000 kelvins).
• Equipment or materials that produce excessive fumes requiring special ventilation, smoke, fire, excessive dust, noise, or permanent damage to the facilities are not appropriate for this space. Preservatives/solvents including turpentine, ammonia, sodium fluoride, phenol or mercury compounds, as well as spray paint/spray fixative and dry pigments are not allowed. Only low-odor or odor-free mineral spirits are allowed. All solvent-soaked rags must be placed in a self-closing waste disposal can and emptied on a regular basis.
• The studios are visual artists only; however, the classrooms and gallery can be rented for musical performance and/or rehearsal.
• Tenants must possess awareness of the health, safety, and hospitable working environment of other artist tenants and a respect for the upkeep and preservation of the facilities. This includes but is not limited to noise pollution (eg: loud equipment and music), use of toxic materials, and the use and proper disposal of studio waste (eg: solvent soaked rags, hot wax, turpentine, acetone, etc) and keeping common areas clean. Artists will also avoid unsolicited critiques and only offer feedback when asked.
•  Pets are not allowed.

ABOUT THE ENO ARTS MILL

The Eno Arts Mill is a 10,000 square foot multipurpose arts space located in the historic Eno River Mill in Hillsborough, NC, operated by the Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) and its nonprofit partner, the Orange County Arts Alliance (OCAA). The Eno Arts Mill features 15 artist studios, The Eno Arts Mill Gallery, a multipurpose classroom, meeting space, and the OCAC offices. Our space hosts regular classes, monthly First Fridays at the Mill openings, and other events and programs. It is a space for people of all types to gather and experience the visual, performing, and literary arts. We prioritize accessibility for both our studio artists and visitors. Since opening in October of 2021, the Arts Mill has become a fixture in the Hillsborough community and in the arts scene of the Triangle.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY

The Eno Arts Mill is a community arts space designed to be welcoming and accessible for all people. Through intentional artist recruitment and programming, we have established a diverse group of studio artists. Currently, 58% of our studio artists identify as a member of a historically underrepresented group and 42% identify as a person of color. The 2025 Eno Arts Mill BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Artist Residency seeks to support artists of color by helping in the advancement of the arts career by providing studio and community access free for one year (January-December, 2025).

The selected artist will receive the following benefits:

• One year of free, private, studio space in Studio D, a 250 square foot studio located in the Front Studios of the Eno Arts Mill (see photos here). The studio features hardwood floors (floor covering provided), tall 20’ ceilings, and a large storage closet. Two utility sinks are available, one down the hall in the communal kitchen, and one in the nearby classroom. The studio does not have windows.
• All Eno Arts Mill studios include 24/7 access, free WiFi, coffee/water service and other kitchen amenities, and access to meeting space and classroom. 
• A lower commission rate (30%) on gallery sales than non-tenants (40%). Commission is only collected on sales in the gallery and communal spaces, not on sales made from tenants’ studios.
• A higher percentage of sales for classes (70%) vs. non-tenants (60%). 
• 20% discount on Eno Arts Mill classes
• A collaborative and supportive work environment with fifteen other artist-tenants and the OCAC team of arts professionals.
• A $500 one-time stipend to be paid following lease signing.
• A month-long, professionally installed, featured exhibit in the Eno Arts Mill Gallery (February, 2026). The exhibit will feature promotion provided by the OCAC and an opening celebration as part of First Fridays at the Mill with live music, food/beverages, and family activities. All works in the exhibit must be for sale and the OCAC will retain a 30% commission on works sold.
• Continuous promotion through the OCAC website (artsorange.org), a feature story in The Underline (a monthly column by local writer Arshia Simkin), social media posts, and more.

In return, the selected artist agrees to:

• Adhere to all polices stated in the Tenant Agreement.
• Be regularly present at the studio, a minimum of 20 hours per week. While we don’t require our studio artists to be present during set hours/days of the week, we want the selected artist to regularly use the studio and be generally present throughout the week. We realize this may be “after hours” depending on the work status of the selected artist.
• Be present for a minimum of nine (9) First Fridays at the Mill openings in the 2025 calendar year. Studio artists are asked to be in their studios, either working and/or interacting with the public, during these monthly events, which take place every first Friday from 6-9pm. The studios are not open to the public other than during these monthly openings, except for occasional event in which artist attendance is optional.
• Pay a refundable $200 security deposit at execution of lease. 
• Fulfill the full residency, through the end of 2025.
• Acquire renter’s insurance for the studio, which usually costs around $30 per month. The OCAC can provide contact information to obtain an insurance policy if needed.
• Provide all necessary furnishings and supplies for the studio. A $500 stipend will be provided to help with these expenses.

TIMELINE

• Application Opens Friday, November 1, 2024
• Application Closes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 11:59PM
• Artists will be notified by Monday, December 9, 2024
• Residency dates: Monday, January 13, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

• Artist applicants must be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color) living within a 30-mile radius of Hillsborough, NC.
• Due to sound limitations, our studios are not suitable for performing artists.
• Our studios are not suitable for artists working with toxic materials, open flame, or loud/heavy machinery.
• Online submissions are preferred, but we will consider alternatives if needed. Please contact us at 919-245-2129 if assistance is needed. 
• While we strive to support artists at all levels at the Eno Arts Mill, this particular opportunity is not for hobbyists. It is for professional (or aspiring professional) artists who feel that a studio is a critical next step in advancing their career.

Application requirements:

• Artist statement about your work, inspiration, and medium(s)
• Statement explaining how this residency will help you further your artistic growth
• 8 images of work produced in the last five years
• Two letters of recommendation (optional)

For images of the studio, please visit our website.