Incubator Program for Emerging Artists

About The Durango Creative District Incubator for Emerging Artists

The Durango Creative District’s Incubator Program for Emerging Artists, coordinated by Executive Director Kathryn Waggener and DCD project manager Jared Reed, mentors new and emerging artists and provides them with a space for what is often their first solo or small group exhibition. Artists go through an eight-week training program in advance of exhibition, with the goal to improve the professionalism amongst visual artists working in and around Durango, and develop an opportunity to increase community and collector engagement and education.

SHOP THE CURRENT ARTISTS COLLECTion

Incubator store

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Exhibitions

Mar 25, 2025

“Shadows of the past” By Matt Clark

Mar 25, 2025

Exhibition Dates | March 28th - May 14th, 2025
Opening Reception | Friday, March 28th, 6:00-9:00PM

Past Exhibitions

Exhibitions

The Bright and the deep

Exhibition Dates | November 20 - January 15, 2025
Opening Reception | Friday, November 22, 5:00-8:00PM
Artist Talk | Friday, January 10, 5:30PM

Application

ALL SHOWS FOR 2025 have been selected.

Please still consider applying for the 2026 line-up.

To be eligible for consideration for a solo exhibition, artists are required to present a cohesive body of work comprising a minimum of 10 artworks unified by a consistent theme and technique. A physical or online portfolio demonstrating these works is necessary for the application process, and portfolios hosted on social media platforms are acceptable for this purpose.

*indicates required fields

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Phone

(###)

###

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Social Media

(if you have art specific website/instagram/Facebook accounts related to your artistic practice)

About Your Practice:

Preferred Media:

(Ink, collage, mixed media, sculpture, oil, woodcut, etc.)

Statement:

(A brief paragraph about the meaning and intent behind your artistic practice. This will not be made public and can be refined later)

Bio:

(Who are you? Where are you from originally? Do you have any degrees or are you self taught? How long have you lived in Durango? Include any relevant personal data in 1-2 paragraphs.)

Portfolio Links:

(Links to existing online portfolios also accepted, one per line.)

Optional: Upload additional portfolio files via Google Drive or Dropbox Link

If you would like to email your files, skip this step and send them to hello@durangocreativedistrict.com

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Thank you for applying!

We will be reviewing applications for 2026 on a rolling basis, selecting artists for 1 person solo exhibitions or up to 3 person (max) small group shows. The mission of the Incubator program is to offer artists an opportunity to build their resume with well-curated solo or group exhibitions, and build professional expertise in communication and visual display.

Please note: Exhibition slots for 2026 are limited, and will be 8 weeks long and held at Stillwater Music’s new performance and exhibition space, The Light Box. If you are a business with potential exhibition space or have a relationship with a business that would allow public receptions and daytime gallery talks, please email director@durangocreativedistrict.org. We will be looking to launch and expand this program simultaneously.