Application Opens: 3/16/26
Application Deadline: 5/18/26
Application Fee (USD): $25.00
*Please email Dani Klebes (danielle@wassaicproject.org) if you cannot afford to pay the application fee.
About Us
The Wassaic Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, uses art and arts education to foster positive social change. We nurture connections between our artists and our neighbors, facilitating a mutual broadening of perspectives and respect across economic and cultural boundaries.
The Haunted Barn Open Call
The Wassaic Project is thrilled to announce an open call for artists to participate in the 2026 Wassaic Project Haunted Barn.
For the first time, Wassaic Project’s incredibly popular Haunted Mill event will be reimagined and hosted at the Luther Barn, home of the Wassaic Project Summer Studios. Expect soaring ceilings, rustic beams, shadowy corners, and endless possibilities for immersive installations and performances.
We’re calling all artists to apply for a fully funded 1 - 4 week residency to create work for this one-of-a-kind Halloween experience. We’re offering $500 - $1000 honorariums (depending on the scope of the project) to participating artists and artistic teams for your hard work and creativity.
Event Dates & Public Hours
The Haunted Barn will be open to the public:
- Friday, October 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What We’re Looking For
We invite artists working in installation, sculpture, sound, video, performance, and immersive practices to transform the Luther Barn into a PG-13 haunted experience.
For installations and performances, you’ll have total creative freedom, just keep it PG-13!
If you’re an artist who:
- Loves to push boundaries
- Embraces the strange and unexpected
- Thrives working independently
- Wants to create an immersive, site-responsive experience
…this residency and exhibition is for you.
For Performance Artists
Time-based performers are encouraged to apply. If your work includes video documentation or media samples, you may include links to:
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- SoundCloud
The Residency
Selected artists will receive:
- A fully funded 1–4 week residency
- Studio space in the Luther Barn or Maxon Mill
- Access to our print and wood shops
- Housing accommodations
- Limited support from Wassaic Project staff
- The opportunity to present work to a wide, enthusiastic audience during one of our most beloved (and well-attended) annual events
Apply now and help us make 2026 the most thrilling Haunted Barn yet.
Application Requirements:
- Contact information
- Proposal
- 1–10 work samples (5 or more images of completed works and 1-5 sketches, mock-ups, or works in progress of what you're thinking about for your installation)
- CV (PDF, 2 pages maximum)
- $25 application fee
Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, midnight EST