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The Skinny on Writer’s Colonies
By Alexis Grant
It sounds like a dream: a quiet place of your own where
you can write without distractions. But these magical hideaways
do exist, and they’re available to writers like you and me.
Though we like to call them writer’s colonies, many residency
programs are open to all creative types, providing a place for
visual artists, musicians and writers to retreat from everyday
life and focus on our projects. While each residency has its
own setup, the programs tend to be heavy on solitude, providing
specific hours, say during dinner, for participants to socialize.
Some colonies are free, while others charge a daily fee.
If this sounds appealing – and you have two weeks or more to
spare – here are some tips for finding a colony that’s right
for you:
Join the Alliance of Artists Communities.
(http://www.artistcommunities.org/)
There’s an annual fee, but it’s worth it for access to this
organization’s searchable database of residencies. You can
also sign up for monthly e-mail alerts about upcoming program
deadlines. If you’d prefer information in hard copy, the
Alliance also puts out a book called Artists Communities, an
excellent resource.
(
http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Communities-Residencies-Creativity-Residences/dp/1581154046)
Know what you want.
Do you prefer a colony that hosts only writers, or one that’s
more diverse, with other types of artists as well? Can you
afford to pay a weekly fee, or should you apply only to free
residencies? Do they offer scholarships? Is food included? How
much would it cost to get there? How many weeks would you want
to stay? Some colonies have set time frames, while others ask
applicants to request a certain number of weeks. Do you need
an Internet connection? These questions — criteria you can
use during your AAC database search — will help you narrow
the field.
Aim high, but be realistic.
Use the same strategy as when you applied (or helped your kids
apply) to college: Pick a few “reach” residencies (programs
that will be difficult to get into) and at least one “safety”
(a sure bet). Unless you’re a well-known author, don’t make
the mistake of applying only to the most selective colonies,
like MacDowell (
http://www.macdowellcolony.org/) and
Yaddo, ( http://yaddo.org/) during your
first round of
applications. The AAC database includes information on programs’
acceptance rates, so consider applying to colonies that accept
a high percentage of applicants.
Be selective.
Filling out applications takes time. Most applications require
a statement about what you’ll work on while you’re there
(you’re expected to propose your own project), writing samples
and recommendations. Some also require an application fee.
Again, like college applications, the bulk of the material is
the same for each program, but most residencies ask for at least
one statement that must be personalized for them. So carefully
consider which programs are most likely to invite you to become
part of their community, and spend your time and money on those
applications.
Plan ahead.
Most colonies require applications months before the actual
residency, so you have to be able to look ahead at your writing
schedule and know what you’ll be working on at that time. If
your project will be complete by the time your residency rolls
around, it may not be worth applying.
Artist’s residencies not only foster creativity, they’re also
a great opportunity to learn from other writers. Best of luck
finding one that’s a good fit for you!
BIO
Alexis Grant, a journalist, is writing a travel memoir about
backpacking solo through Africa. She’s a two-time fellow at
The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences, an artist’s
residency in Georgia, and she blogs at The Traveling Writer.
( http://alexisgrant.com)
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