Elf School of the Arts is a nonprofit artist residency in Hayesville, NC. Situated beside the Appalachian Mountains and Lake Chatuge. Elf was originally an elementary school started in 1928 but has been renovated from 2022-2024 into an artist residency and concert venue. Elf's primary mediums are book arts, casting, cooking, drawing, jewelry, music, lapidary, paper arts, photography, printmaking, weaving, welding, woodworking, and writing. 

​L’AiR Arts is committed to supporting intercultural artistic exchange through international arts residency programs, while promoting diversity, inclusion and international understanding through artistic and cultural heritage. Just like L’AiR Arts historical base at Atelier 11, our residency program mirrors the symbol for equality = a horizontal exchange between artists and cultural professionals from various cultural backgrounds, of different ages and genders, working in various disciplines and at all stages of their professional careers.

L’AiR Arts residency program is supported by 4 main pillars:

• intercultural exchange
• research
• professional development and;
• contemporary creation

The purpose of L'AiR Arts multidisciplinary residency programs is to foster cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations between international artists and cultural professionals within the local art ecosystem. Located in Montparnasse, known as a historic hub for international artists in the beginning of the 20th century, the L’AiR Arts residency program grounds its commitment to contemporary arts within a historical perspective. 

Focusing on intercultural artistic exchange as the legacy of the École de Paris, the program offers an insider’s view into the important role that international artists have played in Paris from the late 19th century to the present day.

A retreat-style residency in the Quonset Hut Headquarters in Bakerton, WV.

At its most basic, a residency is a place for someone to live and work. What to work ON is determined by the resident.  

The self-guided residency does not require any involvement with the community, any sort of exhibition or output, or even frequent interaction with your hosts.  It is self-catered, and no administrative help is included other than guiding potential residents towards possible funding sources (if needed) and connecting the resident to local resources.

Any specialized equipment needs, administrative help, exhibition or workshop assistance can be arranged for a fee.

Material needs must be provided by resident

Potential for collaboration with local community, exhibition in the Wayside Wondercabinet exhibition space, or other site-specific venues depending upon the project.

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.

Residents can be 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.

AMENITIES

*Convertible bed/sofa, re

Collaborative exchange between artists from Fujian Province, PRC and the exurban areas around Washington DC.  Focus on the intermingling between traditional folk arts and experimental and conceptual modes of expression in an exception setting.   China Folk House (CFH) creates a place for experiential learning, people-to-people exchange, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.  https://www.chinafolkhouse.org/copy-of-our-mission

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.

Located in the historic town of Hillsboro, Virginia, the Farwell Cottage hosts 1-3 residents in the month of January every year. The focus of this residency is community engagement through various creative opportunities—including workshops, open studios, walks, talks, parades, or friendly waves from the front porch! Opportunities to participate in a Farwell Cottage Residency will be announced by an Open Call when applicable.

Preference is given to LGBTQIA+ artists, but all artists are considered.  Selection is based on whether the proposed work is relevant to the town and its community.   Projects which examine the history of the area (including racial and identity histories,) gardening, agriculture, geography, and community engagement are prioritized.

As a 18th-century building in a confined lot, the home is generally not accessible for artists with disabilities that limit mobility.

Participation as a speaker or panel-member for a salon-type presentation is required (Eat, Drink, and Be Literary Series) and comes with a stipend.  Open studio preferred.  Workshops and collaborations encouraged but not required.

Living space is a 18th century stone house with all amenities.  Depending upon the artist's proposed intention, there are space workspaces within the home and other workspace can be arranged outside of the living space.
 

There is NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION in this area and very minimal conveniences in the town itself, so a vehicle or other ride arrangement is required.