Artist Residences

[AllisonR]

Anyone done one? Useful? Did you learn a lot, grow? Did it cost a lot once you got there? I am thinking about applying for one, but it is in the states (which means I will be gone from my family including a 5 and 7 year old) for a month. So it has to be really beneficial for that kind of family upheaval.

[artyczar]

Very beneficial for me. Changed my life in many ways. I learned a lot, it changed my studio practice. I grew 10-fold. I went with a full fellowship so it only cost me a plane ticket and supplies. They fed me. I also applied for a secondary grant to help pay for my supplies. It wasn't too bad after all, financially. Well worth it. But I don't have kids. Made great friends as well. Good luck.

[timelady]

I've done two, one organised and funded by myself, and both were extremely useful. One early in my career, one just this winter. For both I only had to pay for my travel there and my food and of course any art materials I needed. (so accommodation was covered, utilities, local transport) However, I would point out that they were only useful because I had already decided on experiments and my plan for the time. And both, oddly, were quite unsatisfying while I was there (I got bored and frustrated, and was eager to leave) and it was an aftereffect that lasted and made me realise the value. So just know it could be a slow-burn sort of benefit.

For both of them it was the isolation away from my usual studio practice that was valuable - giving me the time and space to not have to worry about the commercial viability of the work, to not worry about deadlines.

Your work is really interesting and fun! If you have the time and ideas to explore, it could be very valuable in the long term.

Like artyczar I also don't have kids or family to be away from though, that would make it harder!

Tina.

[AllisonR]

Thank you both. Boo-hoo, I've given up on the idea. And I am really depressed about it.

I have to be the grown-up you know, and with 2 small kids it isn't fair to just be gone a month in the school year. Why it really bums me is because I think I had a very good chance of getting in. The residence was sent to me by someone in the company, because of the fit. For example, they have this questionnaire you have to fill out - what type of work you do, how it would fit in, what you will learn from the residence.... and every single question I can fill out totally comfortably, no grabbing at straws, in a way that works perfect to the benefit of this company. NOT because I am trying to benefit the company, or even trying to write it in a way to get in, but because my art really does fit in there. I can't explain it. It just works, naturally. And it's like someone is handing something wonderful to me, and yet I can't take it.