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 roughly 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 $1,000 stipend ($500 for 2-week residencies).

Application for this program is open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography). Open calls for residency applications typically 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 remodeled specifically for 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.

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 3-4 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.

*During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we have modified our residency program to operate safely and in compliance with all CDC guidelines and mandates issued by the State of Maine. We are bringing fewer residents at a time in order to provide private housing in addition to private studio space for everyone.

Application to our residency program is currently closed. Our next open call will go live on August 1, 2021 with a deadline of September 15 to apply for residencies in the winter and spring of 2022.