Applying to Artcroft

Where might I find an application?
Applications can be printed off the Artcroft website at www.artcroft.org. Residency Application forms are available in either .PDF or Word format for downloading and printing.

How is one selected for a residency?
Completed applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of professionals in your discipline.

Is there an age requirement?
Residents must be eighteen or older.

Might I visit the farm?
Visits by prospective residents are welcome if arranged in advance.

Do you return application materials?
Materials will be returned if a self-addressed stamped envelope is enclosed with the application. In general, we retain the materials of individuals who have been offered a residency, although slides and larger photographs can be returned at the end of the residency.

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Residencies

What type of artists does Artcroft offer residencies?
We offer residencies to writers (poetry, fiction, non-fiction) and visual artists (painters and sculptors). We are now able to accomodate ceramics, woodworking, and etching

Does Artcroft host photographers or video artists?
We look at each application individually; if valuable work can be done over the course of a residency then we will seriously consider the applicant. Artcroft does not have darkroom or editing facilities at this time.

How long do residencies last?
Residencies can last from 2 to 4 weeks. It is suggested that residents schedule 1-14th of the month and 15-30 of the month for 2 week residencies and from 1st to 30th of the month for 4 week residencies. Individual residencies may be extended for longer periods under certain circumstances and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How many artists are at Artcroft at a given point?
Our facilities currently accommodate 6 individual residents. Groups or collaborative projects can be coordinated with Artcroft’s staff.

Are Artcroft residents allowed to return in subsequent sessions or years?
We’re always happy to host returning residents. Returning residents are asked to submit a new or updated work proposal with each residency application.

Is there any specific work requirement for residencies?
Artcroft residents are considered to be self-directed and professional. There is no specific creative work requirement.

What is expected of Artcroft residents?
We strongly believe in striking a balance between solitary work and social interactions. Artcroft will be happy to work with individuals to develop an informal calendar of activities for residents. We encourage artists to enter into a dialogue with one another. It is our experience that this communication — the sharing of insights and ideas — strengthens the work of all artists, regardless of media produced over the course of the residency. We appreciate when residents leave creative work with Artcroft. Past residents have chosen to leave poetry, prints, sculpture installations, bronze and stone carvings and contributions to the Artcroft library.

What happens if I need to cancel a residency?
If you accept a residency, we will do our very best to organize things at the farm so that your stay will as productive as possible. Therefore cancellations following acceptances are problematic. If an unexpected emergency crops up, please advise us and we will deal with this in the best way possible.

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Accommodations

What kind of living quarters are provided?
There are four private bedrooms with shared bath and kitchen (individula bath and shower to be completed 2009) in Artcroft’s one-story 1840s Greek Revival farmhouse. There is also a two-story 980 square-foot studio with private bedroom and bath. There are two visual art studios with separate loft spaces.

Will I need to bring towels and sheets?
Linens and towels are provided. Residents take their personal laundry to area laundromats.

What kind of storage space is available?
We encourage residents to travel lightly. Clothes and personal items can be stored in living quarters. Studios are sparsely furnished, and can accommodate short-term materials for works-in-progress.

What is the policy on spouses and partners?
Artcroft is not suitable for couples. Persons wishing to attend in conjunction with other applicants are subject to individual review.

Might I invite a guest?
Out of consideration for all other residents, guest visits should be conducted off-site.

What is the policy of privacy at Artcroft?
Rooms and studios are considered strictly private. Visits are by invitation only.

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Board

Will I need to pay for food?
Artcroft provides food staples for residents. Specialty foods can be purchased either in Carlisle or Lexington.

Do I prepare my own food?
Residents are responsible for preparing their own breakfast and lunch. We strongly believe in the value not only of sharing dinner together, but also in sharing in the preparation for dinner. We do our best to arrange a comprehensive schedule that takes into consideration the needs of all residents present.

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Studios

What kind of studio facilities are provided?
There are two multi-use studios 24x24 12' ceilings. There is a 3600 sq. ft. tobacco barn with an open plan, equipped with ceramic, woodworking, and sculpting and printmaking equipment. The barn can also accommodate group activities.

Where are the studios located?
All studios are within walking distance from the main residence.

What communications are available?
Artcroft is located in rural Kentucky. Wireless phone service is available for emergencies only. Cingular has the strongest signal for those who wish to bring a private cell phone. Wireless internet is available for those with laptop computers. Payphones are available in Carlisle.

What is the policy on smoking?
Smoking is limited to outdoors. We ask that residents be responsible when disposing of cigarette butts.

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Work Exchange/Scholarships

What is the work/exchange policy?
All residents are required to participate in preparation of food, cleaning and maintenance of facilities, and community arts programing, for a maximum of 20 hours weekly. Work exchange is intended to complement the creative work of individual residents and support the common good.

Are there any grants, stipends or travel allowances?
All Fellowships are funded by the Directors of Artcroft and through the generosity of donors who have established the Florence Thorne Visual Arts Fellowship, the Elizabeth Locke Hughes Writing Fellowship, the Ed McClanahan Fellowship for Writers, and the Ed Taylor Visual Arts Fellowship. Artcroft is unable to provide travel allowences.

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Getting There and Away

What about transportation to and from the facility?
As a courtesy, we are able to provide transportation to and from the airports in Lexington, and the Amtrack station in Maysville. Contributions towards gas are appreciated. Car rentals are available in the area. Parking for personal vehicles is plentiful at the farm, however, the farm roads are unpaved.

If I don’t have a car, will I be able to get around while at Artcroft?
Supplies can be picked up when frequent trips are made into Lexington by Artcroft staff. For other local personal travel, car rental is suggested.

Might I ship materials in advance of my arrival?
We would be pleased to accept delivery of materials prior to your arrival. UPS and Fed Ex will deliver to the farm.

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Location

Where in Kentucky are you located?
Artcroft is an hour northeast of Lexington in Nicholas County, and fifteen minutes from the rural community of Carlisle. We are an hour and a half south of Cincinnati, one hour east of Lexington, KY and three hours east of Louisville.

How remote is the farm?
We are about fifteen minutes from the town of Carlisle.

What should be expected weather-wise?
Kentucky’s temperature ranges from hot and humid to temperate and pleasant in the summer; average temperatures reach 80-85 during the day, give or take 5 degrees. During the winter months it can be cold and dreary, with snow and ice on occasion. Really cold spells usually don’t last more than a few days.

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Activities

Are there outdoor activities?
As one former Artcroft resident put it, “I never walked the same trail twice.” The 380 acres stretch out on all four sides of the main residence. Artcroft is working with the U.S. Department of Forestry to enhance several walking trails. There are wooded areas, ridges, fields, and “hollers” — valleys — where residents are free to roam. Wildlife is abundant.

Are there any social or cultural events?
Artcroft plays an integral role in the Kentucky arts community. We are eager to introduce new residents to world-class professors of art at the University of Kentucky, as well as with area artists. Artcroft organizes readings featuring area and resident writers. These events in the past have been great successes. A list of cultural events in the area is available in the newspaper and on the internet.

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Other Questions

Are there animals at Artcroft?
Two house dogs, two house cats, 37 cows with calves, chickens and goats make their home at Artcroft.

Is it possible to create installations on the farm?
Yes. All plans should be cleared with the Executive Director beforehand. In most cases, a sketch and written proposal will need to be submitted.

All in all, what expenses will I be responsible for?
Each resident purchases or brings with them their own materials and supplies for their discipline, personal care items and specific personal food items not considered “staples.”

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