Artist in Residence
“We work not only to produce but to give value to time.”
Independent Residencies
Makers Circle hosts two types of residencies.
Independent Residencies provide space for artists and makers to work independently on their chosen projects. Independent Residencies typically last 2-3 weeks in length, but longer stays can be negotiated. If you are looking for a shorter stay, check out our artist’s retreats.
Who can apply for a residency? Our residencies are open to artists and makers at all skill levels looking to incubate, grow or launch a personal body of work or creative community project.
Application Deadlines: We accept applications throughout the year for independent residencies. Applications for 2019 are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Number of Residents: 1-2. In order to provide each resident with plenty of space to work, we only accept 1-3 residents at a time. If you want your residency time to overlap with another artist, please be specific about the preferred dates and the name of the other applicant, on your application.
Residency Fee:
During COVID-19 we are granting sliding-scale residency rates to anyone who needs assistance. Below are the sliding scale residency rates that are currently available.
One week – $425 - $550
Two weeks – $725 - $900
Three weeks – $975 - $1100
Work Trade and Skillshare Scholarships: We have a small number of work trade positions available each year to help cover 50% of your residency fees. References will be required. If you are applying for a partial scholarship, use this application. Be prepared to provide work references.
Payment and Deposit: Selected and invited artists are required to pay a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the start of the residency and is non-refundable. If something unforeseen arises, and a residency has to be canceled, we will do our best to reschedule your residency within one year of the cancellation, space permitting.
How is a residency different from a retreat? In practice, independent retreats and residencies look very similar on the surface. They both offer makers time to explore, play and create. Residencies help artists focus on their goals, and include support and work reviews. They also require a formal application process and offer a limited number of scholarship and work-exchange opportunities, while retreats require only a short phone interview and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Residencies typically range from 1-3 weeks while retreats can be scheduled for 2 days up to 3 weeks.
Thematically Focused Residencies
Thematic Residencies are for those makers who are drawn to interdisciplinary dialogue and/or collaboration, Makers Circle facilitates thematically focused residencies twice a year. Thematic residencies draw artist across multiple mediums who wish to deepen their personal work within a collaborative and communal context. Makers are encouraged to work independently while also engaging in dialogue with other makers who are asking and exploring the same questions.
One of the most important features of our thematic residency is a chance to experience and contribute to our unique brand of creative circles. Circles blend the best elements of a supportive critique with the inspiring and collaborative exchange of a salon. While our small residency center can only accommodate four live/work artists at a time, thematic residencies are often populated with local and regional artists who join in on circles, salons and skill-sharing events.
There are no thematic residencies currently scheduled for 2021. Please check back, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on facebook or instagram for updates.
Past Thematically Focused Residencies
photo+sphere residency November 5th - 12th 2018
photo+sphere is a four-day art-science event in Asheville focusing on the environment and our role in determining its future. As one of the event’s +and partners, Makers Circle will host a 1-week residency for artists and scientists who work at the intersection of photography/film/video and the environment.
photo+sphere, November 7–11, 2018, in Asheville, North Carolina, explores the environment through photography and photo-media. This art and science event includes nationally known speakers and panelists Mel Chin, Sharon Harper, Justin Brice Guariglia, and many, many more. In addition, you will attend extraordinary exhibitions, films, and performances at venues throughout Asheville.
A groundbreaking interdisciplinary event, photo+sphere brings attention to how we see the environment and the role humans play in determining the future of our planet.
This residency will provide you the opportunity to attend the festival and to engage in thoughtful and inspiring dialogue with other like-minded artists.
What kind of residency are you looking for?
