The International Summer Program is an exceptional residency that brings 20 artists together for four weeks at The Watermill Center.
Participants are invited to develop new works alongside emerging artists and established creative professionals from various countries and disciplines. They exchange ideas, share practices, attend workshops, and collaborate on projects in a communal and experimental environment that encourages them to push the boundaries of contemporary creative practice. Participants also have opportunities to work with Founder/Artistic Director Robert Wilson on workshops, rehearsals, and installations.
The program culminates in a festival of works developed during the residency, alongside works by renowned artists across dance, visual arts, theater, music, and performance art.
During the program, artists are immersed in an extensive collection of resources, including The Watermill Center Collection, the Library of Inspiration, and ten acres of landscaped grounds and sculpture gardens.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Q: How are artists selected to participate in the Summer Program?
A selection committee, including Robert Wilson, chooses the Summer Program participants. Participants are selected based on their artistic abilities and objectives, achievements, and creative potential, as well as how they might be served by, and contribute to, the Summer Program at The Center. Selection is also determined based on the needs of the particular year’s workshops and activities and the need to maintain a diverse group of participants from varying disciplines, countries, and professional and artistic backgrounds while aiming to ensure a balance between new and returning artists.
Q: Who is typically admitted to the Summer Program?
Each year differs, but we generally select artists we are confident will be able to complete an engaging performance or installation during the program. We complement this group by inviting a select number of artists, technicians, and performers who will assist in the construction and presentation of accepted proposals. Artists from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Q: Is there an age limit? What is the average age of participants?
Any artist over eighteen years old is welcome to apply. On average, artists tend to fall between 20-40 years old.
Since 2008, the tuition for each International Summer Program artists has been provided in full by the Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation. The Foundation covers housing, food, local transportation, materials needed for work in the program, and the facility’s operating cost. The Foundation raises these funds through sponsorships from foundations, as well as individual benefactors who support the mission of The Center by joining the Watermill Mentor Program.
Artists are required to pay the costs of their travel to New York and The Watermill Center. We encourage you to find individual funding through scholarships, foundations, and grants if needed. The Watermill Center provides a modest stipend to help offset travel costs and personal expenses.