Thinking of applying for a residency? Most residency programs ask for roughly the same things and you can prepare some of these in advance. When an exciting opportunity catches your eye, applying will be easier, because you will have already done most of the work in advance. Here is what you’ll most likely need:
Artist statement. According to CENTER Awards, Grants, Review Santa Fe, “The artist statement is very important and will often move a submission forward in the judging process or conversely, a poorly executed statement will eliminate the project.” This statement is about you and your practice in general and may include information about your influences, inspiration, and creative intent. An artist statement should answer these very basic questions: What do I make? How do I make it? Why do I make it? After you have created a 250-word statement, you can add and subtract information, depending on the requirements of the residency. If you get stuck get a little extra help here!
Work samples. Make a selection that will give residencies an idea of the breadth of work, while still conveying a sense of cohesiveness. If you work in more than one medium (like photography, performance, and video), feature a few selected works from each. Keep these images ready in Adobe Bridge or Lightroom. That way, you can quickly export them at the specific dimensions required by the residency.
Project proposal. According to the Alliance of Artist Communities, “Artists’ communities focus on the process, rather than the product, of art. However, some residency programs ask what you plan to do while in residence. The purpose of a project proposal is not to tie you to a specific project; it is to demonstrate that you’ve thought through how you might make good use of a residency.” A project proposal should answer these very basic questions: What will I make? How will I make it? Why will I make it? Who will see it? How will they access it? After you have created a 250-word proposal, you can tailor each application’s project proposal to the unique geography, residency length, facilities, and other opportunities at the residency. If you get stuck get a little extra help here!
References. Send your potential reference a quick email letting them know you are applying to residencies this month/season/year and include a link to your work samples, artist statement, and project proposal. That way, when you are ready to apply for each residency, they have had ample time to familiarize themselves with your work and can write you a recommendation. Be prepared to write the letter yourself! Many people are too busy and will ask you to write your own letter in their voice so that they can sign and send it. Don’t panic! We’ll do this one for you too.
Online presence. The residency may look at your social media presence. Shoot every painting, sculpture, or crafty thing you make—even if you are not sure if you like it. Have a friend or partner—preferably a photographer with a real camera—shoot every exhibition you participate in. Have them shoot a video every time you perform. If the venue you perform in documents performances, ask for a copy. If they don’t, give them a copy! Don’t have a videographer or photographer in your life? Make friends with one. You don’t like people? Okay, shoot it yourself with a selfie stick. It’s better to document your work with a phone than not at all.
Get stuck anywhere along the way? Don’t let that prevent you from applying! Reach out to us for a little extra boost here.
