Articles

Artist  Residencies Demystified

by Lorna Nakell

"Support" by Lorna Nakell, watercolor on paper.

Artist residencies are focused retreats designed to enrich the artistic development of the artist.  They have the potential to transport you from monotony to a place of environmental and psychological discovery.  In a perfect world, residencies (or at least, time and money to travel) would be available to every artist.  In recent years I’ve run into several artists who weren’t aware that these sorts of opportunities were even available.  This article is written for them and others like them.

The low-down

The general concept behind an artist residency is that a business or organization hosts an artist or artist group for a certain duration allowing the artist(s) undisturbed time to study or create in their preferred genre (e.g., writing, theater, dance, art, etc.).  There are many different types of residency programs.  Some provide housing and studios.  Some only provide studios.  Some charge a fee for the honor of participating, while others are either free, offer scholarships or provide a stipend for travel and/or art expenses.

Residencies are available throughout the US and abroad.  Some of the most prestigious residency programs in the US include Caldera, MacDowell Colony and Yaddo.  Some organizations that provide residencies in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA include the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, Portland Institute for Contemporary Arts, Milepost 5, Centrum and Form/Space Atelier.

Brief synopsis of a past residency

In 2008 I was accepted as a resident artist for a two-week stay at the Weir Farm Art Center in Wilton, CT.  It was one of the most rewarding art experiences I have had in my thirteen years as a professional artist.

For the duration of the residency I lived in a small cottage which included a bedroom, living room, kitchen and art studio (which took up the entire second floor).  Because this sole cottage is the only accommodation available, Weir Farm only accepts one resident artist at a time.  There is also limited access to staff and no internet connection in the cottage.  You’re basically left alone with your work.  This can be a little too solitary for some.  But, it suited my needs just fine.

During my stay I busied myself with walks around the historic site taking photographs, creating sketches and finished watercolor paintings, and running errands in town when necessary.  I was also given free access to a jazz show performed outside on the farm in what once was a working orchard.  My only obligation as a resident artist was to host an open studio showcasing works I had made for staff and board members.

That whole experience was just what I needed at that time.  But, because I like variety, if I were to choose a residency today, I would look for a more urban setting with the potential to mix with other artists.

Benefits of being an artist in residence

There are many benefits to doing a residency beyond the expected “gift of time”.  Since many residencies are associated with schools or arts organizations important professional contacts can be made.  You can also be provided with the chance to meet other artists, practicing all manner of arts and hailing from all over the world.  In addition, sometimes residency programs provide exhibition spaces for finished work.  They can also organize and promote performances or readings.  All of which can help you share your work with a wider audience.

And at the end of the residency, the residency itself and other things associated with it—like lectures, exhibitions or performances—can all be added to your résumé.

Researching the options

There are hundreds of residency opportunities.  Knowing exactly what you are looking for will help you pare down the options quickly.  It’s important to do some comparative research in order to choose the residency that will suit your needs the best.  When I was planning mine I knew that I was looking for a two week residency that was either free or provided a stipend, and that was in the US.  In the end, I pared it down to two, and applied to both.

A comprehensive listing of residencies for all genres can be found at the Alliance of Artists Communities.  Other local NW resources include the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), Artist Trust and For Culture.

You can’t get in if you don’t apply

When applying, it’s important to make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements and follow all of the application guidelines.  Items that are commonly required for your submission packet include an application, a résumé and bio, samples of your art (e.g., a collection of poems, musical scores, slides, .JPEGs, or video of your art, etc.), an essay stating your intent during the residency and references.

Just a warning about the preparation: I’ve assembled a number of these types of packets for various opportunities, and they always end up taking longer than anticipated.  It’s helpful to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your packet before the submission deadline, because you never know what stumbling block might arise.

Preparing for your departure

Learning all the facts about your residency’s location (before leaving) is key.  What will the amenities be like?  How far will you have to go to find the nearest town or store?  Some residencies are in remote locations where access to shopping, other people, or medical help is limited.

When I did my residency in Connecticut I rented a car for the full two weeks of my stay.  I needed transportation to and from the airport which was 2 hours away.  I also needed to make repeated trips into town to have reference photos printed and go grocery shopping.

When packing for a residency it’s important to consider space requirements for not just your personal necessities but your art equipment.  It’s equally important to consider how you will transport the work you plan on making back to your home.  Shipping your equipment and/or finished work ahead of you (either direction) can be achieved, but at a cost—which, brings me to one last thing…

Funding a residency

Residencies can be expensive.  Airfare, dining expenses, equipment costs, shipping fees and loss of work while you’re away combined with regular home expenses can make a residency seem out of reach.  Unknown to many artists, there are grants available to help fund residency opportunities.  Some scholarships or grants can be available directly through the residency program itself, while other grants can be found through local arts organizations like RACC.

I’m a believer in the saying “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  If doing a residency is something that appeals to you, you should take the first step and do some research into your options.  There’s no harm in window shopping.

I hope this information proved helpful.  If you have anything you would like to add, or a personal residency experience you would like to share, let me know.  To read more about my residency visit my fine art blog.