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.

ABOUT THE TRIP

The Creative Justice Journey: Race, Art, and Memory in Montgomery and Atlanta will take place November 11-15, 2026. For five days, we will visit sites using sculpture, music, storytelling, photography, and immersive installations at places such as EJI's The Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, where visitors gain a clearer understanding of our nation's history of racial injustice and its continuing impact. We will visit artist-led spaces, like the Mothers of Gynecology Museum, where artist Michelle Browder has used her art to bring truth to the abhorrent legacy of the "Father of Gynecology," J. Marion Simms. Along the way, we will eat delicious food, enjoy the live music scene of Montgomery, and conclude our trip with a powerful service at the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Joining us will be Artist-in-Residence, Stephen Hayes. Based in Durham, Stephen's work "Cash Crop" is featured at the EJI's Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

ABOUT THE COHORT

The Creative Justice Cohort will include up to ten artists who will join us for the trip free of charge. As a selected member of the cohort, you will receive free lodging, transportation and meals. 

Upon returning, the cohort will share stories, inspiration, and lessons learned with one another, resulting in a collaborative exhibit during June, 2027 at the Eno Arts Mill Gallery in Hillsborough, home of Orange County's annual Juneteenth Celebration.

While participation in the resulting project is mandatory, we understand artists are busy. Your contribution can be as involved as your capacity allows. 

TIMELINE

• Application Opens Friday, June 12, 2026
• Application Closes Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:59pm
• Artists will be notified no later than September 15, 2026
• Creative Justice Journey: Wednesday, November 11 - Sunday, November 15, 2026
• First cohort planning meeting: December, 2026
• Creative Justice Cohort exhibit: June, 2027

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

• Artist applicants must live within a 30-mile radius of Hillsborough, NC.
• Orange County artists will be prioritized, but artists from surrounding counties are encouraged to apply.
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Artists will be prioritized, but artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• All art forms are welcomed, including but not limited to visual art, performance, literary art, film, and media.

Application requirements:

• Artist statement about your work, inspiration, and medium(s)
• Statement explaining how this experience will help you further your artistic growth and what you hope to gain.
• 5 images/links of work produced in the last five years
• Two letters of recommendation (optional)