Each year, The Watermill Center invites artists to develop works that critically investigate, challenge, and extend the existing norms of artistic practice as part of our year-round Artist Residency Program.
The Artist Residency Program is process-based, providing artists with time and space to focus on developing their practice in a communal environment that encourages experimentation and innovation. Artists-in-Residence share their creative process with the community through open studios, workshops, and artist talks.
The Artist Residency Program is open to national and international artists 21+ years old. We accept artists from all disciplines, including but not limited to: visual arts, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, academic research, and music composition. Solo artists or collectives (such as theatre or dance companies) are welcome to apply.
Artists-in-Residence receive access to an extensive collection of resources: 20,000 square feet of rehearsal/design spaces and outdoor stages; a theater production archive; The Watermill Center Study Library; The Watermill Collection; and over ten acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
The Artist Residency Program is open to national and international artists 21+ years of age. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to: visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, and music composition. Solo artists or collaborative groups (such as theatre or dance companies) are welcome to apply.
Watermill Alumni are allowed to re-apply after a one-year hiatus from the program. Alumni seeking residency must submit a complete application including recent work samples and current resume. Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended.
Working knowledge of English is helpful for international artists, as an interpreter will not be provided.
The Watermill Center is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. For special needs or questions about accessibility, please contact info@watermillcenter.org
There are no fees for participating in the Artist Residency Program.
During the course of the residency, residents are responsible for living expenses such as food, travel to and from Watermill, production expenses such as art materials and supplies, and equipment rentals. Watermill will provide a modest stipend to offset these expenses. Additional details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
The Watermill Center provides local transportation, housing, and workspace.
If requested, The Watermill Center will supply signed letters of support for outside funding and, in some cases, can offer advice on potential funders to underwrite or assist.