Eno Arts Mill Studio Guidelines

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 that contain eleven artist studios, a gallery, classroom, and the OCAC offices. 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 First 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.
• A security deposit of one month’s rent plus first month’s rent, which may be pro-rated, are due at lease signing. The lease and payments are handled electronically.
• 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 (owners of the Eno River Mill) 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 the lease is processed. The OCAC can connect you with a local insurance agent to assist you, if needed.  Please note: this is a liability policy ONLY; it does not protect your artwork in the event of damage, theft, or natural disaster. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to insure their artwork and belongings through a separate policy.
• 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.
• 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.
• Only the Back Studios (studios 1-6) are equipped for ceramics. 
• Pets are not allowed.

Arts Educator Grant Guidelines 2026

Arts Educator Grants are available to public school arts educators in Orange County Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools seeking professional and/or artistic development. This program will provide two $1,000 grants and is designed to assist arts educators in advancing their careers. The grants are available to any public school educator in Orange County teaching in the performing or visual arts pursuing professional and/or artistic development opportunities that will take place throughout the 2026 calendar year. The application opens Monday, March 9; the deadline is 11:59pm on Monday, March 31.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

• Travel expenses related to workshops or seminars, or to do research related to art form, such as meals, lodging and transportation.
• Expenses related to workshops, classes or coaching that will enhance the teacher’s abilities and/or allow the acquisition of Continuing Education Units, such as registration fees, substitute teacher costs, or required supplies.
• Purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of personal work which is considered to be essential to the advancement of his/her teaching career.

Arts Educator Grant Program funds may not be used for the following:

• Classroom supplies
• Student travel
• The completion of baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degrees

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a full-time preK-12th grade teacher in the visual or performing arts at any school within Orange County Public Schools or Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
• Must be returning to an OCPS/CHCCS classroom in the consecutive school year

TIMELINE

• Application window: Monday, March 9 – Monday, March 31, 11:59pm
• Award notification: No later than Monday, April 20
• Funds disbursement: No later than Monday, May 4
• Grant completion deadline: December 31, 2026
• NOTE: professional and/or artistic development may have already been completed earlier in 2026 and are eligible for reimbursement.

QUESTIONS?

• Contact Katie Murray at kmurray (at) orangecountync (dot) com