About

We are pleased to announce that the 518 Regional Artist Residency is now the NY / VT Artist Residency.  This newly expanded program invites artists of all disciplines from New York and Vermont to apply.

The NY / VT Artist Residency Program was created to celebrate and support underserved artists from both states. 10 Artists will be awarded a two-week residency at Salem Art Works - located on a picturesque 119-acre former dairy farm in Salem, New York. The residency dates are June 20th through July 5th, 2022. Artists will present their work at the culmination of the residency during a group closing reception on Friday, July 1st, 2022 5-7 PM. 

With this new aspect of the program, the application date has been extended. Applications are now due Monday, April 18, 2022.  Artists will be notified of a decision by Monday, May 2, 2022.

Salem Art Works designed this program to remove obstacles that may stand in the way of artists wishing to apply. This includes no application fee, free lodging, fully catered meals (satisfying almost any diet), travel reimbursement (and assistance for those without a vehicle), and most significantly, SAW offers a variety of facilities including blacksmithing, glass, ceramics, foundry, screen printing, woodworking, stone carving, and welding with access to basic instruction and support for those wishing to deepen and develop their skills and practice. 

Eligible artists must be 21 years or older, have an individual income of $30,000 or less. They must prove residence in New York or Vermont, and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

This program also offers a variety of opportunities for professional development! These opportunities include an open studio, artist talk, exhibition space for pop-up shows, studio visits with invited artists and curators from the area, and a group exhibition and catalog.


The artists’ collective work will be exhibited in Upstate New York with an opening where all media is celebrated. These artists will create work from painting to performance, writing, sculpture, music, and others. The exhibition is where this body of work will be galvanized and help define the arts in this region, enhancing our collective cultural identity. This collection of artists will see themselves as a part of this region while spawning new opportunities and growth for themselves through this project. Our vision is that the participants of the project will build new connections, collaborations, and work together after the residency concludes.

Summary

Benefits

  • Free Studio (Furnished with Table, Chair, Shelves)

  • Free Housing (Camping, Arthouse, or Indoor Room)

  • Free Meals

  • Access to SAW Facilities Including: blacksmithing, glass (hot shop, flame working, and kiln casting), ceramics, foundry (aluminum, bronze, iron), screen printing, woodworking, stone carving, welding, large spacious barns, and 120 acres.

  • Access to instruction and support for those wishing to deepen and develop their skills and practice.

  • Flexible Schedule: Artists must participate for 14 days, however they may choose to commute or work part time, as long as they are at SAW at least 30 hours a week.

  • Events and Outreach: Artist Talks, Open Studio, Studio Visits with guest artists and curators, Group Exhibition and Availability for Pop Up Exhibitions, and a Catalog.

Program Requirements

  • Artists must be 21 or older to apply.

  • Artists must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of the residency. Upon acceptance, proof of vaccination is required.

  • Artists must prove their residence in New York or Vermont.

  • Artists must prove their income is $30,000 or less.

  • Artist must donate one piece of art to SAW’s annual Fall Auction.

Artists must submit 10 work samples of completed projects, title sheet, artist statement, letter of intent, and a CV or resume, and one letter of recommendation.

Review Process

The NY / VT applications will be reviewed by SAW staff and a guest jury of local artists and curators. Applicants will be selected based on their application materials, work samples, statement of intent, references, and recommendation letters, and must meet all the application requirements regarding their income, vaccination status, age (over 21 years), and geographic location in the 518 / 802 area.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline:
    April 18th, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST

  • Letters of Recommendation Due:
    April 19th, 2022

  • Artists are Notified:
    May 2nd, 2022

  • Residency Dates:
    June 20th-July 5th, 2022

  • Closing Reception
    Friday, July 1, 2022 from 5-7

2021 Program Participants:

2021 Program Catalog:

Support this initiative

This program has been generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. Any additional contributions towards this initiatives will go toward artist stipends, activities, visiting artists, and professional development. Your donation is tax deductible.