Wildacres Artist-in-Residence
Little Switzerland, NC, United States
In 1999, Wildacres Retreat opened our residency program for artists. Since that time, we have had the opportunity to host hundreds of writers, artisans, and musicians. Participants in the program stay in one of three self-catering cabins located just a quarter-mile beyond the retreat entrance. One of the cabins is completely ADA compliant and another can house two residents working on a project together.
Using the space provided by the three cabins, Wildacres hosts approximately seventy artists each year for one-week residencies from April through October. Residencies begin on Monday afternoons and run until Sunday mornings. The residency program allows artists the solitude and inspiration needed to begin or continue work on a project in their particular field of creative arts. Past residents tell us that being able to work in such a secluded, natural setting provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to step away from outside distractions and completely focus on their work.
Wildacres residencies are offered at no cost to participants. Residents have the option to eat in the dining room with other residents, guests, and staff, or they may prepare their own meals in their cabin. Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Wildacres, as well as while they are at the retreat. They are also responsible for any supplies they may need during their residency.
Residency Program Information
Residency Structure
Embedded in a non-profit inn and retreat center
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
1 week - 2 weeks
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
3
Discipline
Acting
Animation
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Biology
Book Arts
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Choreography
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Ecology
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Environmentalism/Conservation
Fiction
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Glass Arts
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Landscape Architecture
Literature
Literary Nonfiction
Mathematics
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Music
New Genres
Nonfiction
Opera
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Science
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Translation
Urban Planning/Design
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
Candidates interested in a Wildacres residency may apply using our online application. Applications open each August, and completed forms must be submitted no later than midnight on October 15th to be considered for the next season by our selection committee. There is a non-refundable processing fee to apply for a Wildacres residency. Other than that fee, Wildacres does not charge residents for their time with us.
Our Selection Committee is comprised of artists, writers, musicians, actors, scholars, and former residents. They review candidate applications by discipline. The residency program is open to all artistic disciplines. We ask that candidates who have been awarded residencies wait to apply for a subsequent residency for two years.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
75
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
275
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Fee Details
The only fee collected from Wildacres is the non-refundable application fee.
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Staff/volunteer giving directions
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility Contact Name
Wendy Burns
Accessibility Contact Email
wildacres@wildacres.org
How much of the residency experience can artists with limited mobility participate?
Our campus + facilities are ADA compliant.
Please briefly describe the facilities and areas of the campus that are NOT accessible.
Our campus + facilities are ADA compliant.
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
No housing accommodations available
Accessible Communal Spaces
Common/Communal Spaces Information
Our campus + facilities are ADA compliant.
Additional Housing Information
No laundry access
No WIFI in housing
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to private kitchen
Additional Meals Information
Vegan meal options can be requested
Vegetarian meal options can be requested
Gluten-free meal options can be requested
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated
Studio & Facilities
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Piano
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Slab Roller
Raku Kiln
Electric Kiln
Gas Kiln
Fine Metals / Jewelry Making
Jeweler’s Bench
Anvils, Stakes + Hammers
Soldering Workspace
Gas/Oxy Torches
Acetylene/Air Torches
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Studio Support/Tech
No studio support provided
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