Since announcing that I’ll head to The Hambidge Center for an artist residency this fall, several writers have asked for advice about how to find and apply to similar programs, places where writers gather to produce and share creative energy.
I’m no expert. Remember, I applied to five colonies, and was accepted at only one. But here’s what I learned from the process:
Join the Alliance of Artists Communities. There’s a $25/year fee, but it’s worth it for access to this organization’s searchable database of residencies. You can also sign up for monthly e-mail alerts about upcoming program deadlines.
Aim high, but be realistic. Use the same strategy as when you applied (or helped your kids apply) to college: Pick a few “reach” residencies (programs that will be difficult to get into) and at least one “safety” (a sure bet). My mistake in my first round of applications was picking only super-selective colonies, including MacDowell, the most prestigious program in the country.
After receiving rejections from three of the four programs I initially applied to, I decided to give it one more shot, with a different strategy. Using the AAC database, I found a program — Hambidge — that met my desires but also had a higher acceptance rate. And what do ya know, I got in.
Be selective. Applications take time. Most require statements about what you’ll work on while you’re there (you’re expected to propose your own project), an assortment of writing samples, recommendations and an application fee. Again, like college applications, the bulk of the material is the same for each program, but most residencies ask for at least one statement that must be personalized for them. So think hard about which programs make the most sense for you, which ones are likely to invite you to become part of their community.
Know what you want. Each program is different. Do you prefer a colony that hosts only writers, or one that’s more diverse, with other types of artists as well? Can you afford to pay a weekly fee, or should you apply only to free residencies? Do they offer scholarships? Is food included? How much would it cost to get there? How many weeks would you want to stay? Some colonies have set time frames, while others ask applicants to request a certain number of weeks. Do you need an Internet connection? These questions — criteria you can use during your AAC database search — will help you narrow the field.
Plan ahead. Most colonies require applications months before the actual residency, so you’ve got to be able to look ahead at your writing schedule and ask: What will I be working on then? If your project will be complete by the time your stay rolls around, it probably isn’t worth applying.
I hope that’s helpful! If you have other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
I received a Fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center, four weeks, totally paid. It was heaven and I got sooo much writing done. Loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. Have fun on your adventure to Hambidge.
Helen
Straight From Hel
I want to go to Ragdale in Lake Forest, Illinois. I have never applied but it is on my list of things to do.
Great post!
I applied to Ragdale! Rejected, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try again in the future. Looks wonderful!
Great tips, Alexis! Wish I could escape like that…
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
You sure do know a whole lot for being such a young lady. I’m impressed. 🙂
The Old Silly
Marvin — I’m not THAT young! But happy I look it 🙂
Very interesting, maybe I should explore what we have here in Oz too. I’ve never gone through a formal critique or writing group.
Bargain with the Devil
Great post! This is really interesting – something I definitely would like to check out. I just heard about a writer’s intensive three day weekend that sounds incredible too but I don’t know that three days is really long enough to accomplish what appears can be done here. Thanks so much for the info!
Nancy, from Just a Thought”¦
Hi Lexi…I’ve been enjoying your posts and think it would be heaven to enjoy the natural peace and quiet that Hambridge affords. What a wonderful experience!
You should add Hedgebrook Writer’s colony to you list. On beautiful Whidbey Island, and is only for women. Beautiful setting, great food and peaceful setting.
Sounds wonderful!
Glad you found a place!
Being someone who likes to get away (but not be around other writers), I’ve discovered youth hostels to be a fun, not-so-expensive way to get out of town with my notebook and pencils. Applying for stuff eats my brain.
Some I’ve enjoyed have been a treehouse place in Brunswick, GA, and a more urban one, smack in the middle of DC, where I made final edits on my last book 🙂
Enjoy!
Dear Alexis:
I went to the Alliance of Artists Communities website. an indidviual membershipis 100 dollars not 25. Did you get a discount or did they change their rates? Please help. I want to see if I can get into one this summer for a few weeks. Thank you.
Oh no! They must have increased their fees since I wrote this post.
Macdowell is one of the most selective U.S. residencies at 11% acceptance (as most recently reported to the AAC; all these stats are a little high because those reports can be out of date and percentages are gradually going down).
Others from the AAC site (not necessarily the lowest, just the lowest I noticed because I’m personally interested in them) are Caldera (11%), Saltonstall (10%), Sitka (9%), Djerassi (8%), Headlands (5%), and Hedgebrook (4%).