Call for applications: Arts residency in the US

ACA is an innovative non-profit artists-in-residence programme that provides artists with an opportunity to work and collaborate with some of the world’s masters in the performing visual and literary arts. More than 3 500 artists have participated in the programme since it began in 1982.

ACA will offer full scholarships to all accepted artists. The three-week residency programme brings together three mentoring artists from different disciplines including music (composition and performance), visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, film/video, and multimedia), architecture, literature, choreography, dance and theatre. Each mentoring artist determines the requirements and basic structure of their residency, and through an online application process, they each may select up to eight associate artists to participate in the programme.

The essence of the programme is to provide a collegial environment for artists of all disciplines where they can engage in meaningful interaction and stimulating discussions, while pursuing individual or group projects, ACA says. It is an ideal setting for the exchange of ideas, the inspiration for new work and the cross-fertilisation of disciplines. The programmes can include formal classes, discussions, individual meetings, individual and group critiques, collaboration and studio time.

Eligibility

• Open to all artists (US and international).
• Language requirement: a basic command of the English language is necessary.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of the residency.
• Overnight guests, spouses, children and pets are not permitted to stay in housing during the residency.
• Applicants should let ACA staff know if they have a medical caretaker, a service animal, or other medical needs that can be accommodated.

Application process

• Application fee: $25.
• Application: ACA no longer accepts mailed residency applications. ACA now uses an online application process. Read more here.
• Notification of acceptance: Applicants will be notified via email four to six weeks after the application deadline on 21 January.

Residency benefits

The residency begins with an informal supper to introduce the artists to ACA and one another, and to discuss the schedule and format for the residency. Artists are given a tour of the grounds and the shared studio spaces. Private accommodation is provided for each artist. Associate artists are provided with a private room with a full-size bed, bathroom with shower, small refrigerator and desk space with a view of the natural vegetation. Mentoring artists each have their own cottage that also includes a full kitchen and sitting area, as well as views of the surrounding landscape. The residency does not include travel, transportation and artist materials. The award-winning Leeper Studio Complex provides residents with resources such as a painting studio, sculpture studio, digital media studio, dance studio, music/recording studio, writers’ studio, black box theatre and library.

View the original call here.