Celestial Inspiration - Annual Perseids Meteors - AUGUST 2025

Celestial inspiration in this light pollution free zone is one of the best reasons to spend time here for a residency. And during the day you can hug donkeys, take walks into a rural rolling hill landscape, and sink into a different pace of life. The meteor shower peaks August 12 - 13, 2025. The full moon is August 9th and the new moon is August 23rd which will provide dark skies for general star-gazing.

That means the annual Perseids Meteor Shower should be on your bucket list especially if you live in an urban environment. These are evenings where you'll want to be up late, hang out in an adirondack or on the porch and gaze at the colorful action. "The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24."  -seasky.org

If 'summer' is the only time you can get on the road for a residency or retreat, then consider spending a week or two in the foothills of Appalachia where you can venture daily to our private spot on the Buffalo River. If nature is your muse, inspiration, or collaborator, then you will want to relish in the lusciousness of the environment at our rural location. Many from outside the area typically comment on how green it is here. By August, some of the leaves will start to change as the days are shorter, but it's still a time to connect to your inner child feeling the last bits of 'summer'.

If you are in academics, get one last dose of creative flexibility and freedom before another academic year envelopes you.

Take advantage of the low light pollution in this special area called the Western Highland Rim of mid-south Tennessee. Make sure to take time to star-gaze!

Minimum stay is one week. Apply today to secure your spot for this year's star-gazing residency opportunity. Visit the program f.a.q. page for more information.

Deadline
Residency Length
1 week - 4 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
3
Collaborative Residency
May apply as a team
Discipline
Acting
Architecture
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Biology
Book Arts
Choreography
Criticism
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Ecology
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Environmentalism/Conservation
Fiction
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Graphic Design
Illustration
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Landscape Architecture
Literature
Literary Nonfiction
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
New Genres
Nonfiction
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Public Art
Science
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Translation
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
Pets (Non-service animals)
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Other
Accessible Housing
Inaccessible
Meals Provided
Residents have access to shared kitchen
No meals are provided
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Inaccessible
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Shared bedroom
Additional Eligibility Information

Let your creativity FLOW LIKE THE BUFFALO river on the edge of our acreage. Applicants with nature as their muse, inspiration, or collaborator will receive priority.

Individuals must be able to let the normal world and lifestyle go during your stay and it is encouraged that you utilize the time and access to the benefits of being away from contemporary society. If you cannot go a day without your favorite coffee shop visit, have fast food on the brain, or need lots of people around to function, this is not the place for you.

Be prepared for a different sense of time here and your project goals may actually go faster because you don't have your normal life distractions. Please review the policies and other information about the place on the main website www.sarasvati.space including a blog about past participants.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
10
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
25
Artist Stipend
0
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
Fee Details

Please visit https://www.sarasvati.space/residency-overview for the most up to date information on rooms and residency fees. 

Program fee starts at $450 and lodging fee ranges between $250 and $850 depending on length of stay and room choice.

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Ask about the farm stay scholarship in your application.

Application Fee
21
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application