Arts on Main launches the Artists in Residency program inviting artists from around the world to stay and work in Gloucester, Virginia. Supported by the Cook Foundation, the residency program encourages artists to engage with the community while living and pursuing their work on the Goshen estate. Artists enjoy deeply focused time to explore, experiment and to work independently. The residency is open to emerging and experienced artists of all disciplines. “This exciting new program enables invited artists to bring creative energy to the Gloucester community. To find inspiration in the people and in the beauty of this area while allowing the artists to work creatively at the highest levels,” said Melanie Chambers Hartman, director of the Artists in Residency program for Arts on Main.
Establishing an artists in residency program in Gloucester is the realization of a dream of Adrianne Ryder Cook Joseph, founder and president of the Cook Foundation. “Gloucester’s surroundings are exceptional in their beauty, tranquility and authenticity. By sharing our unique environment with artists from around the world, we hope to nourish the creativity of artists from all disciplines. The interaction of these artists with our community will, in turn, stimulate our own creativity, grow our artistic community, and develop our reputation as an arts center,” explained Joseph.
Residency periods range from 2 to 8 weeks and artists partner with Arts on Main for community engagement events. “We look forward to encouraging these artists with the support of the local community and engagement through Arts on Main hosted events such as demonstrations, talks, workshops or performances,” said Betsy Henderson, Executive Director of Arts on Main.
Initially, residencies will be available on an invitational basis. Artists are invited to submit applications for consideration. Selection is based on artists’ work and community engagement proposals, and by evaluating the benefits of a residency period in Gloucester to the individual artist. Residencies are open to artists age 25 years and older who are not local residents. Degree-seeking students at the time of application are not eligible, however, post-graduate students will be considered.
