Do I seek contemplation but also value community?
This residency consists of silence, space, nature, work, bells, chanting, and calm gatherings. It is rustic and rather off-the-grid. Our model is based on contemplation and creativity, not on workshops or masterclasses. As noted above, for most of the day artists will be free and entirely self-directed, while during our evening gatherings, the most “social” time, we emphasize community and give one another a share of our attention and time. If you are coming here to be left completely alone for a week with your work and not interact with others, this not the residency for you.
Am I cool being around monks? Can I handle people talking about God?
There will be a lot of Catholic monks walking around. People will be talking about God. It is at a monastery, after all. We are looking for artists and practitioners who would take advantage of and appreciate such an environment as described here, who would see such a week as an opportunity and a blessing for their creative and spiritual life.
Do I need to be a Catholic or Christian artist?
No. Artists do not have be Catholic or Christian to be at home here—in fact many of those who come aren’t—but we of course have the expectation that all will be respectful of the faith and the rules and customs of the monks and the monastery, as well as commit to doing their part in creating and maintaining a harmonious and compassionate community.
Do I need to be a professional artist?
Professional? No. Practicing? Yes. Artists at any stage in their career or in various disciplines are welcome to apply. We will see in your application the extent to which you take your practice seriously.
So far we have been best able to accommodate:
Songwriters, poets, translators, textile artists, fiction writers, plein air painters, pianists, clowns, collage artists, actors, mixed-media artists, film makers, composers, performance artists, folk-musicians, essayists and art teachers...
Materials:
- Letter of Application (max. 600 words) — Write us a letter. This is the main way you will introduce yourself and your practice (both artistic and spiritual). Make it specific, honest and personal. Let us know the reasons behind your desire to come to THIS residency, in a small community at a contemplative Catholic monastery, beyond just "time and space" to work, which is offered by most any other creative residency. Talk about your ability and willingness to both work alone and be part of a community. Let us know what excites you, what you hope to work on, explore, encounter, or investigate during your time here. Tell us anything really to help give us a sense of who you are and how our time together could be fruitful. Again: do NOT send us a general letter that is not specifically tailored to this residency. Upload on a .pdf on the application platform.
- Work Sample / Portfolio — We are looking for seriousness and quality. We leave the quantity/media to your discretion depending on what discipline you work in: some pages of writing, images of work, link to bandcamp, your EPK, youtube link of a dance performance, etc. If you wish (not required) this is the place to include a brief artist’s statement and/or include any pertinent information if needed to help us better understand the work. Upload on application platform.
- CV / Resume — A brief artist’s CV or resume outlining recent publications, past and upcoming shows, studio experience, accomplishments, honors, etc. If you are an emerging artist who doesn’t have a long professional resume, that is ok. Send us whatever you got. Upload a .pdf on the application platform.
- Application fee — Before submitting, you will be asked to pay an application fee. The suggested amount is $30, however you are free to input any amount above $10 according to your situation. This non-refundable fee will be put towards paying our readers and scholarships for other artists. If you have more to contribute beyond the suggested amount, we thank you for your commitment to supporting fellow artists.
- Additional things to recall — Applicants must be able to stay the full length of their session. There is no wifi. Pets, partners, children are not to accompany you. Cell phone service is limited. The monastery is an entirely smoke and drug-free campus with the exception of responsible alcohol consumption. There will be a bunch of Catholic monks around and people talking about God.
