The Orange County Arts Commission is the Local Arts Agency for Orange County, NC, and the Designated County Partner to the North Carolina Arts Council since 1985. Our mission is to promote and strengthen the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina. We are also the manager of the Eno Arts Mill, a multi-purpose arts space in Hillsborough, NC.

We believe the arts are critical to mental and physical wellbeing, enhance community character and quality of life, and spur economic vitality. Creative expression is a fundamental right for all people and we seek to lift up and support all voices in our community.

________

In order to submit an application or register, you need to first create a Submittable account.  If you need assistance, please contact Katie Murray at kmurray@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2335. 

Submit to Eno Mill Studios Application Form

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.
Ends on
Submit to Call for Artists: Uproar Festival of Public Art 2025

UPROAR FESTIVAL OF PUBLIC ART 2025: CALL FOR ARTISTS

Deadline: Mon, March 17, 2025, 11:59 PM

Uproar Festival of Public Art returns to Downtown Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, NC, from August 1-23, 2025. 60 selected artists will display outdoor works and compete for $21,000 in prizes.

Eligibility:

Open to artists aged 18+ from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.

Prizes & Compensation:

  • Total prize pool: $21,000
  • $1,000 honorarium for each selected artist/team
  • Discounted lodging 
  • Sales opportunity; Uproar artwork may be for sale through the Orange County Arts Alliance

Prizes:

  • 1st Place Jury: $10,000
  • Runner-up Jury: $500
  • People’s Choice: $10,000
  • Runner-up People’s Choice: $500

Eligibility & Guidelines:

  • Must be willing to travel and assist with installation and removal
  • Artwork must be temporary, durable for outdoor display, and original
  • All work must adhere to safety and environmental standards
  • Artists may submit an application as an individual and/or team
  • All artists must be willing to sign the Uproar Artist Agreement and agree to their artwork’s assigned site location.
  • 2D, 3D, and installation works are allowed. Digitally projected art is NOT allowed for Uproar 2025 due to limited site accommodations.

Evaluation:

A panel of visual art professionals will select the final 60 works of art based on artistic excellence, impact, and feasibility.

Timeline:

  • February 3, 2025: Application period opens
  • March 17, 2025: Deadline for submissions
  • April 2025: Acceptance notifications sent
  • May 2025: Contracts signed and first $500 payment sent
  • May, 2025: Artists notified of location of artwork
  • Week of July 21, 2025: Installation window for Triangle-based artists
  • Week of July 28, 2025: Installation window for out-of-town artists
  • Friday, August 1, 2025: Kick-off Party at Eno Arts Mill, Hillsborough
  • Saturday, August 23, 2025: Awards Party at CURRENT ArtsSpace + Studio in Chapel Hill
  • Sunday, August 24 - Tuesday, August 26, 2025: De-installation window for artists, second $500 payment sent

Application Process:

  • No fee to apply
  • Submit one work of art with 5-10 high-resolution images, dimensions, and brief description. Site-specific and installation proposals may include photographs of the installation in prior locations, and/or drawings and sketches combined with photographs of the components of the installation.
  • Details about the work (dimensions, weight, footing, etc.), plus a written or video description are required.
Orange County Arts Commission