Daily Word Count: 2,886
Cumulative Words Written: 65,343
Total Words Discarded: 14,500
Total Chapters Drafted: 26
Time Spent Writing Today: 3.5 hours
Are you interested in an artist or writing residency? You have SO MANY choices!
While I’m no expert, today I share how to get a residency.
Target areas that interest you.
My residencies revolve around places I’d like to visit. Some artists apply to specific places because they think the landscape will contribute to their art. Others go wherever they get yes. A place will always be more inspiring if you feel a tug, a curiosity, a longing.
Do your homework.
I found Buinho through ResArtis.org. Residencies from around the globe put out calls for artists and writers. Applications are usually done through the individual residency. Requirements vary. READ INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINES CAREFULLY. Don’t apply for residencies if they don’t focus on your area of expertise.
For other residencies in Wales and Switzerland, I networked with individual residencies. Once you get a slot at a residency and prove yourself a good resident, the community is very collegial. I actually found the Swiss residency through residents in Wales.
Be specific about timeframes if possible.
Because I can only do long residencies during the summer months, I always ask for those timeframes. Most residencies are year-round, though. If your schedule is flexible, you might have a better shot at getting a residency during non-peak times.
Be specific about your timeframes. Avoid canceling unless you have an emergency. Resident coordinators work hard to evaluate the mix of artists and writers. Everyone has the best experience when a residency is full.
So what’s the ideal timeframe?
Everyone is different. For me, it’s six weeks. I’ve done as little as three weeks. I was just settling into my creative groove when it was time to leave. At every residency I’ve done, residents have stayed from a week to twelve weeks. Most admit they get little accomplished in a week or two, but if that’s all you have, go for it!
Be flexible.
Residencies aren’t usually luxury hotels. Many have small-to-no staff. Some provide the barest of communication up front. Once on the ground, share time of arrival and mobile number with the coordinators.
Other tips
In my experience, pillows are the biggest residency weakness. If I pass an IKEA, I always stop and buy a couple of pillows and pillowcases for my bed.
Don’t bring much stuff. Residency studios typically have little storage space. Ditto groceries. Check out your allotted space in the kitchen before shopping, as you may not have enough room to store what you buy.
Be prepared to share everything. Toilets. Showers. Pots and pans. Towels. Personal space. Studio space. It really is like living in a dorm.
Don’t bother the coordinators with petty requests. They juggle many things for little money. If I can take care of something myself, I do.
Residencies are some of my best life experiences.
I’ve met artists and writers from all over the world. Many of us still keep in touch. I love the regimented quiet. They fuel my creative brain.
So what are you waiting for? Apply for a residency. Change your life.
To follow my residency at Buinho Creative Hub from the beginning, CLICK HERE and read forward.
4 Comments
I think about it, but am easily distracted. But the community part is deeply intriguing.
I do six weeks, in part, to allow for some distractions. What’s the point of living in a country without seeing any of it?
I might not be able to do a residency, but we have talked about a week away just to write. Can you imagine? Yes you could!
You can get a week residency!!
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