Apply for Relief Residencies
Relief Residencies provide one-to-two week funded residencies for local, BIPOC artists and culture bearers who have not participated in an artist residency before. The mission of A Studio in the Woods, a program of Tulane University’s ByWater Institute, is to foster creative responses to the challenges of our time by providing retreat to artists, scholars, and the public in our protected forest on the Mississippi River. There have been no more acute challenges in recent memory than those presented by Covid-19. In line with our mission, we have crafted Relief Residencies to support those in our community most greatly impacted by the pandemic and the existing racial disparities it has highlighted. In 2020 we piloted this program through a nomination process and are now adding an open call to reach wider audiences.
The Studio focuses on interrelated areas of programming, including residencies for artists and scholars, forest restoration, and science-inspired art engagement for children and adults. We center interdependence, wonder, care and inclusivity in all of our work and believe the essential and transformative powers of art and the natural environment are central to a thriving future for all.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY – Local (Greater New Orleans Area), BILAPOC (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and People of Color) artists and culture bearers who have not participated in an artist residency before.
DATES – Residencies are one to two weeks and will be scheduled between August 2021 – June 2022 according to the mutual availability of the artist and A Studio in the Woods. Applications due May 5, 2021.
SUPPORT – Recipients will be provided with a $1000 stipend, a one to two week residency, staff support and an opportunity to have a documentation session with a photographer. We provide full room and board including food, utilities for living, and studio space to selected residents. Residents are expected to cover personal living expenses, additional materials and supplies, and any other expenses relating to the cost of producing work incurred while in residence.
SELECTION PROCESS – A multidisciplinary jury will judge proposals on the creativity and integrity of the proposal as well as the artist’s demonstrated commitment to their practice. Submissions will be judged solely on the content of the proposal and work samples, not the quality of the documentation.
APPLICATION – The application consists three components: an online form, a written or recorded narrative, and work samples. The narrative can be submitted as up to 2 written pages OR 4 minutes of audio recording. We aim to make this application as accessible as possible. Applicants who don’t have reliable access to a computer or internet may call 504-392-4460 to complete their application over the phone.
FORM – click here for application form
NARRATIVE TOPICS – Up to 2 written pages OR 4 minutes of audio recording
- Brief bio about yourself and history as an artist and/or culture bearer
- Artist statement or description of your work
- What the opportunity to be in residence at A Studio in the Woods might mean for you and your work
WORK SAMPLES – Up to 5 images OR 5 minutes audio or video recording OR 5 written pages (double spaced).
COVID19 – Our remote location and separated buildings facilitate social distancing and each resident will have their own bedroom, bathroom and studio. Staff is happy to address any questions or concerns in advance of acceptance and artists will receive further information before they arrive.
Questions? Please contact Cammie Hill-Prewitt at [email protected] or 504-392-4460