The Hopelab Artist-in-Residence Program 2026 is now accepting applications from emerging artists across the United States who are passionate about using creativity to advance conversations around youth mental health, well-being, healing, and social change.
As Hopelab launches its inaugural Artist-in-Residence Program, it is inviting four emerging artists to spend three months developing new or existing creative projects that explore the intersection of art, liberatory mental health, youth well-being, and community transformation.
The residency combines financial support, mentorship, creative immersion, professional development, and public engagement, providing artists with the resources needed to deepen their artistic practice while contributing to broader cultural conversations about youth well-being.
If you are an emerging artist committed to creating meaningful work that inspires healing and systemic change, this residency offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your vision with support from leading artists, researchers, and innovators.
About the Hopelab Artist-in-Residence Program
Hopelab believes that meaningful social change begins by changing the stories people tell about themselves and their communities.
Historically, artists have played a central role in every movement for justice by imagining new possibilities before society was ready to embrace them. Through storytelling, music, visual arts, literature, and other creative forms, artists help communities process grief, celebrate joy, and imagine healthier futures.
Recognizing this power, Hopelab created its Artist-in-Residence Program to engage young artists in shaping new narratives around youth mental health and well-being.
Rather than focusing solely on research or policy, the residency centers creativity as an essential tool for healing, liberation, and cultural transformation.
Participants will have the opportunity to create original work—or complete existing projects—that reflects the intersection of:
- Art
- Mental health
- Youth well-being
- Community healing
- Social justice
- Narrative change
- Cultural transformation
- Collective care
- Future-building
Why Hopelab Created This Residency
Hopelab recognizes that dominant narratives surrounding youth mental health have often excluded the voices and lived experiences of young people themselves.
This residency aims to change that by empowering artists to tell stories that:
- Challenge existing assumptions.
- Expand public understanding of well-being.
- Inspire hope and imagination.
- Promote healing-centered approaches.
- Encourage systemic transformation.
- Center communities historically overlooked by traditional mental health systems.
By bringing artists into conversation with researchers, youth advocates, and technologists, Hopelab hopes to create new cultural narratives that support healthier futures for young people.
What Residents Will Receive
Selected artists will receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support throughout the residency.
1. Living Stipend
Residents will receive a $7,500 living stipend to support their basic living expenses during the three-month residency.
2. Materials Budget
Each artist will receive an additional $2,500 materials budget.
The budget is intentionally flexible and artist-directed, allowing residents to purchase the materials, equipment, or creative resources most relevant to their artistic practice.
3. Professional Mentorship
Artists will receive mentorship from:
- A practicing professional artist.
- The Hopelab team.
- The Djerassi Resident Artists Program team.
This guidance is designed to strengthen both artistic development and professional growth.
4. Fully Funded Creative Retreat
Residents will participate in a one-week immersive retreat at the renowned Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains.
Hopelab will fully cover:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Meals
The retreat provides uninterrupted time for artistic exploration while building meaningful relationships with fellow artists.
5. Access to Experts
Participants will connect with Hopelab’s network of:
- Researchers
- Mental health experts
- Youth advocates
- Technologists
- Creative leaders
These interdisciplinary conversations are intended to enrich participants’ creative work and expand their perspectives.
6. Public Showcase
Artists will present their completed work during a public showcase in San Francisco in November 2026.
Hopelab will cover:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Meals
for participation in the showcase.
7. Professional Support
Participants will also receive:
- A professional letter of support
- Documentation of their completed artistic work
These materials can strengthen future grant, residency, fellowship, and exhibition applications.
8. Artist Database
Every applicant—whether selected or not—will be included in Hopelab’s digital artist database, increasing visibility within Hopelab’s creative network.
Who Hopelab Is Looking For
Hopelab seeks a diverse cohort of emerging artists who:
- Are between 18 and 29 years old.
- Live anywhere in the United States.
- Work across one or multiple artistic disciplines.
- Explore themes related to mental health and well-being.
- Come from communities historically underserved by mental health systems.
- Maintain strong connections to their communities through organizing, culture, mutual aid, or collective care.
- Demonstrate originality and a compelling artistic vision.
- Are committed to participating in every aspect of the residency.
Importantly, applicants do not need a university degree or previous institutional recognition.
Selection emphasizes:
- Lived experience
- Community engagement
- Artistic vision
- Commitment to the residency
- Potential for impact
Residency Timeline
The residency follows the schedule below:
- June 22, 2026 – Applications open
- July 17, 2026 – Application deadline
- July 27–31, 2026 – Finalist interviews and selection announcement
- August 10 – November 6, 2026 – Three-month residency with biweekly cohort meetings and guest lectures
- October 5–11, 2026 – In-person residency at Djerassi Resident Artists Program
- Around November 5, 2026 – Public showcase in San Francisco
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A work sample
- An artist statement
- Community context information
These materials help the selection committee understand each applicant’s creative vision, lived experience, and relationship with their community.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Artistic vision
- Creative potential
- Lived experience
- Community rootedness
- Alignment with the residency mission
- Commitment to full participation
Rather than focusing on formal credentials, Hopelab values authenticity, imagination, and a demonstrated commitment to creating meaningful work.
Why You Should Apply
The Hopelab Artist-in-Residence Program offers much more than financial support.
Participants will gain:
- Funding to pursue ambitious creative projects.
- Professional mentorship.
- National visibility.
- Access to interdisciplinary experts.
- A supportive artist community.
- Fully funded travel and residency experiences.
- Opportunities to showcase work publicly.
- Long-term professional connections.
For emerging artists interested in shaping conversations around youth mental health and social transformation, this residency represents a rare opportunity to combine artistic practice with meaningful cultural impact.
How to Apply
Interested artists should submit their application through Hopelab’s official Artist-in-Residence application portal before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure they prepare:
- Work sample.
- Artist statement.
- Community context information.
Applications must be submitted by July 17, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Hopelab Artist-in-Residence Program 2026 is a unique opportunity for emerging U.S.-based artists to receive generous financial support, mentorship, and national exposure while creating work that advances youth mental health and well-being.
By bringing together creativity, community, and research, Hopelab aims to empower a new generation of artists whose work can inspire healing, challenge dominant narratives, and imagine healthier futures for young people.
Artists who are passionate about storytelling, social change, and community well-being are strongly encouraged to apply before July 17, 2026.
For more information, visit the official website.
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