What to Expect from an Artist in Residency Program

So you're thinking of applying for an artist in residency program and you don't know what to expect. I will walk you through some of what I've experienced over the years.

There are lots of different kinds artist in residency programs (AIR) around the world but they tend to fall into one of three categories.

The Glorified Hotel or Hostel 

These residencies require that you pay them a fee to stay there. In exchange they will give you a room and perhaps a workspace and the joy of hanging out with other artists in a hopefully lovely setting. By and large I don't really care for these types of outfits but they can be extremely useful in certain circumstances. Say you are thinking of moving to Italy but have never been there. Doing one of these residencies can be cheaper than staying at a hotel and also offer you a built in community of other artists. If you are just starting out as an artist these types of residencies generally have lower admission standards as well (the standard being did the check clear). Now this is a generalization of course and as I said these types of AIRs can be useful and interesting. The Arte Studio Ginestrelle residency in Italy seems to fall into this category (N.B. I have not stayed there).

The Free Couch

The second broad category is what I call the free couch. These residencies don't ask for money but they don't give you any money either. Generally they offer you a free place to stay but you have to cover you own travel and daily living expenses while you are there. Some of the best residencies fall into this category. Since housing can be one of the most expensive parts of travel you shouldn't turn up your nose at these residencies. Again if you are looking to relocate or have always wanted to go somewhere in particular these types of residencies can be a real asset. They tend to have higher admission standards than the first category but easier standards than the third. The Alfred and Trafford Klots International Program for Artists in Brittany, France falls into this category.

The Full Ride

The third and final category is the holy grail: the Full Ride. These residencies, often called fellowships, actually pay you to come and make art! Some will only pay your travel and living costs, others provide a weekly or monthly stipend, which trust me is pretty amazing. These AIRs are often longer, anywhere from one month to a full year and can offer stipends of a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Akademie Schloss Solitude in Germany falls into this category. These are the most competitive residencies out there (who doesn't want a free place to live and some cash in their pocket?). While my advice in general is to apply for anything but if you are just starting out you might want think long and hard about applying to these types of AIRs since you will be competing against very established artists.

The Reality of AIR Life

Each AIR program is different and is influenced by its organizing principals and local community. But most AIRs have multiple artists in residence at the same time. Some residencies are like college dorms, others are like upscale hotels or research institutes. An important concept to remember is that you are not at home. Things won't be as you are used to them, especially if you are in a foreign country. Keep your mind open. You are going to meet people from very different walks of life (which is the point I think). Other than the time and space to create art I think the best part of a good residency program is the opportunity to meet and be influenced by other artists.

It will take you time to adjust to your new environment. I'd say plan on about 10% of your total residency time to be devoted to getting comfortable. Often the urge is to dive right into work, especially if your residency is short. But take a few days to soak in your environment and let it influence your work.

Don't forget to roll with the punches. You are not at home. Everything is not and will not be just the way you like it. Deal with it. Don't whine. Adapt and overcome.

Engage with your fellow residents. Some people insist on locking themselves away and working on their art only to appear at mealtime. Talk with your fellow artists. Share a drink with them. Ask for their perspective on your work.

Your residency experience will depend a great deal on what you bring to it. Learn as much as you can about a residency before you apply for it. Contact former residents or the administrators if you have specific or even general questions. Most of all enjoy the experience and make some art!