V4L initiates and facilitates customized creative residencies across all disciplines. Our focus is on identifying and addressing the themes of rural transition—through participatory research with creatives and communities in the exurban environment of the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland.) Our approach is simultaneously artist-initiated and community-driven.

Our program is multi-locational—meaning that we partner to build a network of hosting locations and interested communities in which residents may engage, based on the artist or collective’s intended work.

Residents are given production help and space, administrative assistance, networking opportunities, as well as guidance on local customs and issues relating to contemporary rural life. Open to all artists, movers, scientists, farmers, historians, musicians, writers, journalists, filmmakers, and others.