The smART Kinston Foundation recruits pioneering artists of all genres to Kinston to help build our creative economy. These artists – who we affectionately refer to as smARTists – live and work in restored historic homes in the Arts & Cultural District, a diverse and walkable neighborhood adjacent to downtown.

SmART Kinston provides artists with affordable housing within the Arts & Cultural District. Most homes have space for an in-home studio. In exchange for partially subsidized rent, smARTists are expected to engage and directly impact the greater Kinston community.

NOW RECRUITING NEIGHBORS

We are particularly interested in applications from local art teachers, metal smiths, textile artists, and woodworkers.

More than anything, we’re looking for artists with a daily artistic practice that are entrepreneurial, self-directed, and community-minded.

All artists are expected to hold regular studio/gallery hours that are open to the public for sales, tours and simple meet-and-greets. Artists also are asked to give back and engage with the broader Kinston/Lenoir County community. Accepted artists must sign a year-long lease and contract with a commitment of at least one year in the program. Artists are invited to commit to another year after an annual review to determine mutual fit with the program and artist’s goals.

How to apply

We ask that you submit an application through our online portal and email work samples to hello@smartkinston.com. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of community stakeholders, members of the local arts community, and Kinston residents.

At this time, the selection process is rolling and dependent on available housing, program, and community needs. It may take 2-3 months. Applications are reviewed for both artistic merit and community fit.

The smART Kinston Foundation is committed to attracting creative individuals from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds. We encourage all people in the creative arts to apply regardless of age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, occupation or physical disability.