ArtWaves MDI (Acadia National Park) Artists In Residence Program
Bar Harbor, ME, United States
The Artist in Residence program invites experienced visual, performing, and interdisciplinary artists from around the country to stay at the ArtWaves campus for anywhere between one and two weeks. During their stay artists have the opportunity to teach classes while enjoying time to create, reflect, and connect with other artists on beautiful Mount Desert Island, Maine. This unique opportunity enables ArtWaves to bring a diversity of art instruction to the island and surrounding communities.
We’re currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 and Summer 2027.
Residency Program Information
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
7 days - 14 days
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
1
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
May apply as a team
Discipline
Acting
Art Education
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Choreography
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Drawing
Environmental Arts
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Glass Arts
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Music
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Spouses/partners allowed for full stay (non-collaborators)
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Emerging
Mid-career
Established
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Teach in studio
Lead workshop for the public
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
10
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Fee Details
Accepted artists are not charged a fee and are provided the following housing.
Residents stay in our on-campus residential farmhouse, featuring:
- A private bedroom and semi-private bathroom
- Shared kitchen space
- Full access to ArtWaves studio spaces
- Wi-Fi and parking
- Next door to a convenience market and Island Explorer bus stop
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Accessibility Contact Name
Office
Accessibility Contact Email
office@artwavesmdi.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
How much of the residency experience can artists with limited mobility participate?
Lower level studios are accessible. Upper level studios are not.
Please briefly describe the facilities and areas of the campus that are NOT accessible.
Upper level studios are not accessible. Stairs only.
Apartment access is not available (2nd floor)
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessible Communal Spaces
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry on campus
WIFI available in housing
Meals Provided
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Residents have access to private kitchen
Studio & Facilities
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Computer and internet connection provided in studio area (private)
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Exhibition / Installation Space
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Fine Metals / Jewelry Making
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Drawing Benches
Printmaking Workspaces
Fiber Arts Workspace
Washer And Dryer
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Studio Support/Tech
Studio/facility orientation provided
Studio support provided by staff
Additional Studio Information
The ArtWaves campus includes several visual arts studios, a movement/dance studio and (in 2027) a ceramics studio with pottery shed.
