Artist Programs
Salem Art Works offers residency options for artists of all levels working in any medium. Whether an Artist Internship or a Fellowship, the residency programs allow for artists to develop their work in a creative and supportive environment. All programs include housing, meals, staff support, and 24-hour access to studio spaces and on-site facilities.
Another strong component of our artist program is community involvement. Living in a community of artists enables learning and personal growth through the exchange of ideas and techniques. This manifests during group evening meals prepared by the residents on a rotating cooking schedule, participation in local cultural events, and weekly presentations of past and ongoing work. The nature of the campus, however, allows for both communal and solitary experiences. Artists looking for silence and serenity may find it throughout the grounds, fields, and forest, or in a camper set back from the campus center.
SAW supports discussion and collaboration though weekly studio visits as well as presentations from resident and visiting artists. Artists are encouraged to reach out to the SAW community during their stay in whichever way they feel is most appropriate in relation to their work.
Orientations are provided for each arriving guest at Salem Art Works. SAW’s staff is here to support the creation of every artist’s work. Artists should never hesitate to ask for help or information regarding facility use or residential concerns.
Fellowships
2012 Fellowship Application.pdf
SAW offers a limited number of fellowships. These residencies vary on average from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the project proposed. SAW selects applicants whose vision will be realized best at Salem Art Works. All proposals must be for new work, and must detail how Salem Art Works’ community and unique multi-media facilities will assist in the completion of the work. Artists of any medium are accepted. During colder months, SAW suggests writers, visual and performing artists who can work in enclosed, shared studio spaces apply.
Fellows are provided with modest room and board, studio space and facility access for no fee* and a stipend of $25 per week. Aside from producing new work, fellowship artists are required to reach out to the community. Fellows can fulfill this requirement in whichever way the artist sees most appropriate.
Applications for the Fellowship Program are accepted on a rolling basis, however space is limited and artists are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Self-Funded Residency
2012 Self-Funded Residency Application | Work Exchange Application
Self-Funded Residencies provide an opportunity for artists or a group of artists to immerse themselves in new projects and ideas in a creative environment, free from everyday pressures. Single artists and groups of any discipline are accepted. During their stay, artists are invited to present their work to the SAW community and to attend weekly on-site studio visits.
The Self-Funded Residency fee is $350 per person per week for up to four months. The fee covers modest room and board, 24-hour studio space, and access to facilities*. Artists should contact the office to customize each residency to best utilize their time and SAW’s facilities. Artists who wish to work in iron, ceramics or glass will be subject to a material fee.
Applications for the Self-Funded Residencies are accepted on a rolling basis, however space is limited and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Emerging Artist Program
2012 Emerging Artist Program Application.pdf
The Emerging Artist Program (EAP) awards four artists a year with a work exchange residency. In exchange for room, board, studio space and facilities access*, EAPs are required to work 20 hours each week as a shop technician or through general work. Shop technician work includes fixing and maintaining ceramics, iron, glass or blacksmithing studios with instruction from the program director. Knowledge of running a studio is required to fulfill duties as a shop technician. Another way to complete the work exchange is through tasks including grounds keeping, maintenance, gardening, assisting artists, and event preparation.
During their stay, EAPs are asked to make a presentation of their work to the SAW community and are invited to attend weekly on-site studio visits. EAPs are also invited to contribute to SAW’s annual resident artist exhibition.
All EAP applications must be received by April 1st. Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 15th.’
Internship Programs
2012 Artist Internship Application | 2012 Administrative Internship Application
Salem Art Works offers Artist Internships and Administrative Internships. The internship programs are an integral part of SAW. In exchange for 30 hours a week of work interns are provided with modest living accommodations (tent platform), board, 24-hour access to studios and facilities*, one workshop for material costs only and the experience of working in an artists’ community.
Session One: May 23rd – July 29th
Session Two: August 1st – October 7th
Typical work for Artist Interns includes gardening, event preparation, gallery upkeep and installation, maintenance of residential facilities, studios and Cary Hill Sculpture Park. Interns are also asked to assist the staff in hosting guests and resident artists. This includes providing orientations, giving tours, and/or assisting workshop instructors.
The Administrative Internship is geared toward those interested in arts management and administration. Administrative Interns work 30 hours a week for SAW working closely with the Associate Directors and the Artist Program Coordinator. Responsibilities can include organizational development, web management, bookkeeping, graphic design, media outreach, data entry, office upkeep and giving tours, gallery work, among other tasks.
When interns are not working for SAW they are expected to take advantage of the facilities and focus on developing their own work. All interns are required to participate in weekly studio visits as well as give a presentation of their work. Interns are also invited to contribute to SAW’s annual resident artist exhibition.
All internship applications must be received by April 1st. Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 15th.
*GLO glass studio not included. Please contact the office if you are interested in a glass residency.