During a recent conversation with a family member, the topic of artist-in-residence came up and I realized that many people are unfamiliar with how they work and the reasons why someone would want to participate.
Artists participate in these programs for a variety of reasons. For one, residencies provide a unique opportunity to focus on their work in an inspiring and supportive environment, free from the distractions of everyday life. By stepping out of their usual surroundings, artists can gain a new perspective on their work and find inspiration in the new surroundings, cultures, and communities they encounter. Residencies also promote cultural exchange and collaboration, supporting the development of the arts.
Applying for an artist-in-residence program typically involves researching programs that align with one's goals, preparing application materials like a resume, statement of purpose, and portfolio of work, and submitting the application online. Keep in mind that the application process can be highly competitive, with many artists vying for limited spots.
Over the years, I have applied to multiple programs and have had the privilege of being accepted into two artist-in-residencies. Through these experiences I have learned valuable lessons and gained personal insights. Being in a new environment allowed me to bring a fresh perspective to my work, stay in a creative flow without interruption, draw inspiration from the proximity of water, and attain clarity in my thinking due to being alone.
In 2019, I participated in an artist-in-residence program through the National Park Service on Fire Island, where I spent two weeks alone on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. In 2022, I experienced an artist retreat on Fire Island with a fellow artist for nine days. During this time, we shared our creative process, discussed what inspires each other, and bonded over our love of water.
Currently, I am participating in an artist-in-residence program through Lakeside Inn Studio for two weeks on Lake Michigan with two other artists. I have access to a very large studio space 24/7, and we will be giving two artist talks during this time. You can follow my experience on Instagram Stories, and I will write more about it in a future blog post.