Residencies
From March through November, Millay Arts invites 6-7 multidisciplinary artists for two-week to month-long stays at Steepletop, the historic estate of poet/activist Edna St. Vincent Millay. In December (March application deadline only), we offer group/collective week-long residencies. (We also allow collaborative residencies for 2 persons.)
This gift of time and space allows our Artists-in-Residence to dive deep into their creative process and projects; works made possible in part by this gift enriches lives and communities globally.
As an Artist-in-Residence, participation as an instrumental member of an intimate cohort — designed to be both supportive and inspirational — forges lifelong friendships as well as professional relationships and future collaborations.
At this time, Millay Arts offers TWO juried residencies, both of which require an online application submitted via Submittable.
STEEPLETOP RESIDENCY
Partially-subsidized two-week to month-long stays: March-November, the Steepletop Residency provides the full “Millay experience” for those who wish to forego our blind jury process and need to schedule their stay in advance.
CORE RESIDENCY
Our historic Core Residency, offered to those selected by our blind jury process, is fully-subsidized. If invited to participate, the only fee is the $45 application and a $100 nonrefundable deposit.
Wintertide Rustic Retreat
A retreat for those in need of a quiet space and inspiring surroundings, whether to rest and refuel or work on a creative project.
The Wintertide Rustic Retreat is open to all. Retreats range from 4 nights/3 days to an entire month, or you can request a schedule of your own making!
This self-directed residency includes private bedroom and studio, shared bathroom (usually with one other resident), living/dining space, fully-equipped kitchen, laundry room, workstation (desktop and printer) and B&W darkroom.
“For the last couple of years, a number of writers we call the FUEGO group has gathered at Millay for a few precious days of writing retreat and fellowship. What a privilege to work in such idyllic surroundings. Millay has been a feast and a sanctuary for us all. For a few days, we are able to be completely absorbed in our craft and leave feeling refreshed and emboldened toward what we need to accomplish as writers. Thank you for this golden raft of paradise.”
“It was such a relief to put aside the mundane concerns of everyday life, as well as the fears and stress that came with the virus, and allow myself the space and time to create. My fellow residents and I watched a documentary about Edna St. Vincent Millay on one of our first nights, and it gave me much insight into the historical significance of the location. Every walk I took around the grounds inspired me…Especially helpful to my process at Millay was hearing the composers describe their process. Inspired by them, I allowed myself to write in a way less constricted by the demands of plot. Back at home now, the experience at Millay continues to resonate. Writing can be very lonely, and it’s heartening to know there are organizations like Millay whose purpose is to support artists at all points in their process.”
