art Residencies

Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.

Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.

Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.

Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.

Application Requirements include:

• Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples
• A letter of intent for your time at the residency
• C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)
• Two reference names

2025 Residency Schedule

Winter

Jan 6-16: 2 week 

Jan 20 – Feb 13: 4 week ( with Abbott Watts)

Feb 17 – Mar 13: 4 week

Spring 

Mar 24 – Apr 17: 4 week (with Abbott Watts)

Apr 21 – May 15: 4 week

May 19 – May 29: 2 week (with Abbott Watts)

Fall

Sep 8 – Sep 18 : 2 week (with Abbott Watts)

Sep 22 – Oct 16: 4 week

Oct 20 – Nov 13: 4 week (with Abbott Watts)

Our next application period will be open Aug 1st – Sep 15th for residency sessions taking place in the Winter of 2026.