We offer a range of residencies to visual artists in terms of funding, duration, and season. Residents are encouraged to share their work through workshops, slide presentations, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Artists selected for this program are at all stages in their careers in painting and drawing, printmaking, ceramics, digital arts, and crafts.

Program Goals

• To provide a restorative experience space for artists of all levels who are dedicated to taking their practice to the next level.
• To connect artists into a professional network of creative practitioners and thinkers.
• To encourage artists to explore their ideas and work within the context of Nantucket’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and preserved history.
• To create opportunities for engagement and cross-cultural exchange with local artists and audiences.

Selection Criteria

Residents will be chosen based on the merit of work, readiness to engage with and benefit from the residency experience at Nantucket AIR, and the potential to develop creative practice that impacts our island community and beyond. Fully funded residencies will be awarded to artists who exemplify creative excellence according to the specific focuses.

Living and Creating at the Artists Association of Nantucket

Residents stay in the AAN’s bright, spacious studio apartment located in our Visual Art Center (VAC) on 24 Amelia Drive. This apartment is fully furnished with a dining area, living area, kitchen, full bed, and attached private bathroom. Residents also are provided with a private studio with tables and chairs, easels, glass topped rolling carts, a large sink, and cleaning supplies. (Our printmaking and ceramic studios are available for resident use, but personal use must not conflict with regular classes, so please make sure we can meet your studio needs.)

The VAC is located in the center of the island and is convenient to all services. Although we have great bike paths and public transportation, in the colder months residents may choose to ferry a car over, especially if traveling with extensive supplies.

Fully Funded Residencies

Artists chosen receive $500 toward travel and a $2000 stipend for materials and living expenses.

The Hale Masters of Fine Art Residency funds artists who either have recently graduated (within 5 years) from or are currently enrolled in an MFA graduate program. This is a month long residency is designed for an artist whose work explores aesthetic beauty. The Hale MFA Residency provides space and time for artists to focus solely on their work. There is no expectation to teach, exhibit, or present work. Hale Residencies take place only during the months of January, February, and March. There is no expectation for the resident to teach, but we do encourage exhibition and other community engagement. View the application here.

The Erin Donohue and Family Ceramics Artist Residency This is a five week residency for a ceramist to come and teach at least 2 five week classes in the fall session. One of these classes will be free to community members who could benefit from a Healing in the Arts experience. Another class must be geared toward intermediate and advanced level students or professionals. View the application here.

Land, Sand, Story, Sea, Wind and Star Residencies are inspired by Nantucket’s abundance. These two week residencies take place between May and September. During the first week residents are encouraged to engage with the community through presentation, demonstration, and radio interview. For the second week residents are required to teach a three day workshop. All applicants should have teaching experience, and propose a workshop that highlights their area of interest.

Star
The Star Residency is awarded to artists who exemplify mastery of their creative discipline. Inspired by island astronomer Maria Mitchell, special consideration will be given to applicants whose concentration belies a sense of light and discovery.

Sea
The Sea Residency is awarded to artists whose inspiration is drawn from underwater exploration, maritime art or travel, seascapes, or conservation of coastal life. Applicants may choose to collaborate with the Shipwreck or Whaling Museums.

Sand
The Sand Residency is awarded specifically to craftspeople whose work shows a high level of skill, design, and dedication. Both innovative artisans and classic crafters are encouraged to apply.

Land
The Land Residency is awarded to artists whose work is influenced by a sense of place and a connection to the earth. This residency is for artists who use natural materials to create, or those whose work reflects the landscape in imagery, environmental awareness, or flora and fauna.

Wind
The Wind Residency is awarded to artists whose work investigates the boundaries of our world and looks for innovative direction whether through travel, science, or energy. This is a visionary award, and could be given to any genre or media.

Story
The Story Residency is awarded to artists whose work incorporates a strong narrative element, whether in imagery, history, or a literary nature of actual illustration or bookmaking. Besides figurative and portrait art, abstraction that uses the written word, letters, or symbols will also be considered.

Non-Funded Residencies

The Artists Association of Nantucket welcomes two week and one month residents to be part of our community in late fall, winter, and early spring. Teaching and other events may be proposed at the time of application, or upon award.

• 2 week residency is $750
• 1 month residency is $1500
  This includes the use of a private studio.
  Printmakers and ceramists must adhere to regular class schedules, and leave studios clean and ready to be used not less than 1 hour before class begins.

Application Requirements:

1. Current CV/Resume highlights (maximum 3 pages)
2. Artist Statement (200 words or less)
3. Artists Bio (200 words or less)
4. 12 digital images of your work, including a list of images with title, media, dimensions, date, and your name.
5. Cover letter with a brief description of your work and any specific circumstances that you would like us to consider (in 300 words or less). Please tell us why you are applying, what your goals are for this residency, and how you believe you can contribute to our island arts community. Stipulate which residency you are applying for and when you would like to come.
   If you are applying for a 2 week summer residency, please include a brief proposal of your workshop, including duration and your teaching fee. (Our workshops typically run Tues-Thursdays, at 3 to 8 hours)
6. Email and phone contacts for 3 references. Please describe their relationship to you. Your references should be a current or recent (within 5 years) employer, teacher, gallerist, mentor.

FORMATTING:

Space all your text at 1.5
Send your full application in a PDF to Elizabeth Buccino, Director of Education