The What, Why, & How of Artist Residencies
What exactly is an artist residency? Basically a residency is a place where an artist can concentrate on his or her art for a specified period of time without interruption. The artist is usually given a living space and studio in which to work and live, commonly sharing space with other artists of different disciplines.
Residencies differ in their missions and thus their eligibility requirements: some residencies are only open to visual artists while others cater to artists of other disciplines, such as writers, composers, musicians, dancers, singers, etc. In addition, factors such as age, level of artistic skill, sex or economic level may be considered.
You’ll find residencies in cities or rural areas, and they can be located anywhere in the world. The facilities will also differ from residency to residency. Some will provide meals, private rooms, equipment and supplies, etc. while others can be primitive.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPLYING FOR A RESIDENCY
Cost: Many residencies require a non-refundable Application fee, so if you are applying to a number of residencies just this alone can be costly. Most importantly however, you need to consider whether you can afford to be away? Can you afford the travel expenses, and other daily living expenses, such as food, etc.? If required, are you willing to donate time or artwork?
Location and time of year: Where do you want to go? What time of year do you want to be away? Some residencies offer only summer options, but others are year-round (Often winter residencies are easier to get into since there are fewer applicants).
Living environment, Personality and working style: Do you enjoy interacting with other people? If not, you might try to find a more “solo” residency, as you could be sharing rooms and other facilities. If you enjoy working with children or with the public, then you might look for one that requires that you teach and lecture.
Workspace: Some residencies provide private studios, others are semi-private, and others have collective workspaces. Consider your working style, the number of other artists in residence at a time, and at what point in your process you’ll be working.
The Application Process:
Before you apply to a residency, especially those that require application fees and/or fees for stay or travel, be sure it is what you want, and that it is a legitimate organization. ALWAYS research the residency prior to submitting an application. Residencies differ in quality and scope so do your research carefully before you commit. If you are able to get a reference from past participants, such can provide you with invaluable information.
All residencies are different, so follow their specific rules. Often if you don’t include all of the information that they ask for, your application will discarded and you may not even be notifiied of the denial.
Typically you will be asked to provide:
Application with Application Fee
Work Samples
Artist Statements
Project proposal
References
Most residencies have a panel of jurors that changes every year, and many accept based solely on the artist work, so make sure that every image you send them is your best. If you’re were not selected, ask why. You could simply have been denied based on numbers and not necessarily the quality of your work or application. If the opportunity exists for future acceptance, check their guidelines to find out when you can apply again.
SOME COMMON TYPES OF RESIDENCIES
You can spend as little as a week or two, or up to 1 or 2 years at a residency.
Fee Based Residencies: For this type of residency, you will pay to work and stay at the facility. Often they will bring in a well known artist/speaker, and sometimes even provide mentors, that the residents get to interact with. Some may offer scholarships, fellowships, and or other financial support that artists can apply, but most artists who are there are paying to stay there.
Partially Funded Residencies: This type of residency will let you stay and work for free, by providing a grant or fellowship support. However, you are typically responsible for your travel and meals expenses.
Fully Funded/Stipend Residencies: The ideal residency, as in addition to a free place to stay and work, a stipend is also provided to defray expenses for travel, etc.
Work Required Residency: These residencies can be fee, partially or fully funded placements. They will require you to give back in some way, either through teaching community or children’s classes, being available to the public to talk about your work, create work for an exhibition at the end of the residency, or donate a piece of work.
Project Residencies: Every now and then you’ll come across a residency opportunity that is goal specific, and does not fit neatly in the above categories. They may include the completion of a specific type of art project, installation and/or a public art initiative. These can be exciting opportunities if they match your particular interests and may include financial support
