Residency

If contemporary artists are going to succeed they must have a place to create serious work, and the support and freedom to explore new ideas.

The Independent Studio residency includes ample studio space open 24 hours a day with some specialized facilities, exhibition space, computer room, and free access to all CAC events. The living area includes double rooms, a large living room, and communal kitchen and showers.

Residencies must be a minimum of one week and can be as long as 6 months. The residencies are artist scheduled and can begin and end on any day although artists are encouraged to arrive by Saturday morning at 10am for weekly orientation to studios, staff and North Adams. The residency includes use of all CAC studios and equipment. Specialized facilities include our monster press, with a 5 x 10 bed, a wood shop, video/sound lab and limited sculpture facilities. A small 17x9 ft gallery on the first floor is kept unscheduled in order to allow artists who are working here to propose and put on spontaneous exhibitions.

Time spent at the CAC allows artists to revitalize their ideas, develop their work and explore new options. During a summer residency, artists also have the opportunity to participate in other CAC programs, including residency exhibitions, studio and museum visits, workshops, demonstrations and artist's lectures. Our new summer calendar will be posted in April. If you're interested in workshops, we offer several in various mediums during the summer months. Please see our workshop page for more information.

[pics of current residents]

Application

[ Click here to access our application form ] and print it out!
File is pdf format. Go here for Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The CAC focuses on emerging, professional contemporary artists.

We seek artists who want to produce, explore, test new concepts, and expand the current debates and ideas in contemporary art and culture. The CAC accepts artists for residencies who offer quality in their art and encourages diversity of style, medium (2-D, 3-D, 4-D) and concepts.

Artists are insured maximum space and quality time- because the number of artists working at any one time is small.

Costs and Awards

Residency fees are a flat rate of $300 a week or $1100 a month and include accommodation and access to all the CAC facilities. For artists also using printmaking facilities and supplies, an orientation with our Master Printmaker and an additional $35 supply fee is required. All returning artists receive a 15% discount on residencies.

The CAC provides awards to approximately 90% of Residents. Please apply by priority deadlines for consideration. Award amounts range from $50/wk to full cost.

To apply for an award you must provide the short statement of proposed residency project and check the "apply for award" box on the application. Detailed instructions can be found on the form. Awards will be given based on the strength of the proposal and demonstrated artistic ability. If you would like to be considered for financial aid please check "apply for financial aid" box and send a photocopy of your most recent tax return. Artists receiving financial aid will also be expected to donate between 5-10 hours of their time per week working for the CAC.

Season resumes May 2008 at our new facility.
We are currently accepting applications with start date after May 1, 2008

Yearly deadlines for priority consideration and awards

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if the priority deadlines are passed, in the event that the dates requested and/or funding may still be available. As a general rule summer residencies and January Term residencies fill much faster than other seasons.

*College students applying for our January Term student rates should apply by Dec 1 for priority consideration.