"Is Public Art always a physical structure set down in public view, or can the genre also include the results of the cultivation of a relationship between artists, public space, and community? This question is particularly poignant for Black artists, who have historically been denied access to funding, materials, and public space– and have thus been forced to rely on community to create works “by any means necessary.” There’s a strong legacy of social practice in the Black tradition of community-based art making– a tradition pioneered by Houston-based artist-arts administrator Rick Lowe and Project Row Houses, among others. Working squarely in this tradition, Jessica Moss, founder and director of The Roll Up CLT artist residency project, challenges our ideas about public art making.”

-Arts critic and writer Amina Cooper for Forecast Public Art Magazine, 2021

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Founded in 2016 by visionary artist Jessica Gaynelle Moss, The Roll Up CLT represents a beacon of hope and empowerment for Black contemporary artists across disciplines. Guided by a dedicated Advisory Board and leadership team comprised of accomplished Black women and artists, The Roll Up CLT prioritizes our rest, advancement, and empowerment.

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Moss's journey from transforming blighted spaces in Pittsburgh's Hill District to joining Theaster Gates' Rebuild Foundation team in Chicago informs the ethos of The Roll Up CLT. By converting neglected properties into vibrant artist residency programs, Moss and her team are reshaping the our landscapes and nurturing Black artistic expression.

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Described as social practice, creative place-making, and participatory art, The Roll Up CLT builds upon the groundbreaking work of artists like Rick Lowe and Theaster Gates. At its core, The Roll Up CLT transcends traditional notions of public art, emphasizing the importance of people and relationships as the medium of expression. 
 

Each year, The Roll Up CLT invites Black artists from across the nation to embark on a transformative six-month residency in Charlotte. Furnished living spaces, stipends, and comprehensive support are provided, empowering artists to thrive and engage with the local community. Furthermore, The Roll Up CLT is committed to nurturing local talent through Fellowship and Internship programs, providing emerging Charlotte-based artists with the tools and resources necessary to establish themselves in the field.

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The Roll Up CLT is generously funded by individual donors and The Black Art Futures Fund Grant, The Arts & Science Council, McKnight Foundation, Artists Residencies Consortium, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Life Membership Foundation, #CharlotteisCreative HUG Grant program, Foundation For The Carolinas, The Reemprise Fund, Common Field, and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

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You can support this project by donating H E R E .

 

The 2018 Roll Up resident artist was award-winning international photographer, physician and educator Zun Lee. Zun was supported by Roll Up Fellowship recipient Carey J. King.

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The 2019 Roll Up resident was visual artist, educator and freedom fighter $HAN Wallace from East Baltimore, MD. $HAN was supported by Roll Up Fellowship recipient Terry Suave.

The 2020 Roll Up resident was multi-disciplinary artist and community organizer Seitu Jones from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Seitu's residency is hosted in partnership with Brew House Arts in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

The 2021 - 2022 Roll Up residents were literary artists Ashley Nickens and Kia O. Moore from Charlotte, NC. 

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The 2023 Roll Up resident was Los Angeles–based photographer Adam Davis. Adam was supported by Roll Up Fellowship recipient Xross Nebulon with additional support from the 2018 Fellowship recipient Carey J. King.

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In 2025, a small cohort consisting of three national residents will be invited to document, archive and promote the work of Charlotte-based elder artist Tommie Robinson. In partnership with the newly remodeled Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library, the 2025 cohort is committed to advancing Black southern artists' visibility, challenging art history norms, and permanently situating elders in the future. This project is a collective effort to rewrite and reclaim our artistic narratives.

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