The Artist Residency Program
The Watermill Center’s Artist Residency Program began in 2006 when The Center officially opened as a year-round facility. Each year collectives and individuals take up residence at The Center to live and develop works that critically investigate, challenge, and extend the existing norms of artistic practice.
The Artist Residency Program is process-based, without the expectation or promise of a final exhibition of the work. Watermill provides artists with time and space to focus on developing their practice in a communal environment that encourages experimentation. Artists-in-Residence share their creative process with the community through open rehearsals, workshops, and artist talks.
Artists-in-Residence receive access to an extensive collection of resources central to the Watermill experience: 20,000 square feet of rehearsal/design spaces and outdoor stages; a theater production archive; The Watermill Center Study Library; The Watermill Collection; and The Center’s ten-acre landscaped grounds and gardens.
Applications are reviewed by a distinguished international committee composed of artists, academics, and cultural leaders across disciplines. To date, we have hosted over 250 residencies featuring artists from more than 65 nations.
39 Water Mill Towd Road
Water Mill, NY 11976
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program 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.
Accessibility
The building is generally accessible by wheelchair (with a few exceptions) and the building is equipped with an elevator. The Watermill Center grounds and gardens are not wheelchair friendly and include rough or rocky terrain that can be difficult to navigate. Special arrangements can be made for those with audio/visual impairments if given advance notice.
We advise arranging to visit the space prior to applying, and contacting us to discuss any specific needs.
The building is generally accessible by wheelchair (with a few exceptions) and the building is equipped with an elevator. The Watermill Center grounds and gardens are not wheelchair friendly and include rough or rocky terrain that can be difficult to navigate. Special arrangements can be made for those with audio/visual impairments if given advance notice.
We advise arranging to visit the space prior to applying, and contacting us to discuss any specific needs.
The Watermill Center grounds and gardens are not wheelchair friendly and include rough or rocky terrain that can be difficult to navigate.
We advise contacting us to discuss any specific needs.