The River Bends & So Must We: In-Person Collage Artist Lab is a Kolaj Institute program that reflects on the Mississippi River as a dynamic force of culture. It is intended for self-motivated artists at any stage in their career who want to develop their practice while working in community with others. Artist Labs are open to any artist over the age of 21 from anywhere in the world.

Before convening at Kolaj Institute Gallery in New Orleans, participants will take part in two virtual sessions. From 9-13 September 2026, artists will work side-by-side in the gallery through interactive sessions, collections research, presentations, site visits, walks, and collaborative collage making. They will explore historical materials about the Mississippi River, help build a research archive, develop plans for art making, present their work, receive supportive critical and curatorial feedback, and consider social, economic, and environmental issues. The Lab also addresses appropriation, copyright, fair use, and how material choices shape an artwork’s narrative.

Artists will attend NOLA River Fest 2026 on 12 September and be introduced to the Williams Research Center at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Work made during the Artist Lab will be included in the “Place as Archive” exhibition at Kolaj Institute Gallery in October 2026, and artists will become members of Kolaj Institute’s Place as Archive Project. After the Lab, artists will be invited to submit 3-5 collages and a statement for consideration for future exhibitions and a project book.
The Artist Lab costs $750 USD per artist. A limited number of grants is available to offset the Lab fee; financial aid is not available for travel, accommodations, or meals. Applications are due Sunday, 16 August 2026. Apply at https://forms.gle/q7t1LNg2Gz8Noz819.