group residencies
Group Residencies are the focal point of our center.
Our residency center supports emerging to established artists of all disciplines. For each cohort we aim to accept a diverse group of artists across multiple disciplines. You are free to use your time at the residency in the manner that you need in order to further your practice. This can mean anything between applying with a proposal and working on that project the entire time, to applying with the intention to freely explore who you are as an artist, away from what you have done in the past.
We do not judge how you use your time. We do not value production over introspection. We understand the spaces between production are an important part of the creative process. As long as you have applied to our program with the intention to explore your practice, you are welcome here.
Group residencies consist of a cohort of up to 6 artists for up to 4 weeks. When we release our annual calls you will be able to see group sizes and time slots available. Artists will be chosen for the group residency with an eye to what they will add to each session, and how each person in the group will complement each other the best.
If you would like a shorter residency, or are applying as a collaborative team please check out the information for the Individual residency.
Community
Our goal is to give artists the space and time to explore on their own, away from the constraints of daily life. Within this context, we also value the importance of community. The group residencies are communal by nature. That does not mean that you have to be an overly social person, work alongside anyone else, or participate in group activities. It simply means that we are all here on this property, in a communal situation, and what you have to add to the wider whole, is simply who you are.
We are excited to give artists this chance to work within a larger group. We believe that exposure to unexpected ideas and techniques, allow artists to grow their work in unforeseen directions. Creating diverse cohorts is a way to foster conversations between artists that, not only influence their work, but also provides access to advice and experience, that can help their practice grow into the future.
Our experience is that each group residency brings together a cohort of people who form a small community while here. Each group has its own habits and its own sense of humor. People within the groups tend to form lasting bonds and memories, and support each other, often inspiring each other to try new things. In a society that values rugged self reliance and individuality over community and support, we are proud to be able to offer a space that shows what living and working together in a peaceful, beautiful place can bring to the world.
What to expect while here
Within a day of arrival there will be a group tour of the grounds and orientation for what to expect during the residency. We will have a casual presentation that allows you to introduce yourself to us and the other members of the cohort, and gives you a brief chance to talk about your practice and what your goals are for the residency. This usually occurs the night you arrive but if there are late arrivals, it can also happen the next day.
Throughout your stay, groceries, leftovers, and sometimes prepared foods are provided for you to take on your own time. We have a sit down communal meal for dinner. While it is not mandatory to attend every communal dinner, it is a basic part of our residency and allows residents to take a break from work and wind down and get to know each other.
The last night of the residency we do group studio tours where we invite people into our work spaces and share what we’ve been working on during the residency.
We will sometimes invite other artists, community members, or art groups to tour the grounds. Artists will have the choice to let these people into their work spaces and share what they are doing, or be left alone. If you choose to invite a visiting guest into your workspace, it is an opportunity for you to gain exposure for your work, and to learn more about Maine’s vibrant art scene.
If you have accessibility issues and need to bring an aide with you, your aide will have access to the same accommodations and meals as the rest of the cohort.