2027 Artist Residency Program - The Watermill Center (Due Jan. 14)

2027 Artist Residency Program - The Watermill Center
Deadline: January 14th, 2026

The Watermill Center’s Artist Residency Program began in 2006 when the Center officially opened as a year-round facility. Each year collectives and individuals take up residence at The Watermill Center to develop works that critically investigate, challenge, and extend the existing norms of artistic practice.

The Artist Residency Program is process-based, without the expectation or promise of a final exhibition of the work. The Watermill Center provides artists with the time, space, and freedom to develop their practice in a communal environment that encourages experimentation. Artists-in-Residence share their creative process with the community through open rehearsals, workshops, and artist talks.

Artists-in-Residence receive access to an extensive collection of resources central to The Watermill Center experience: 20,000 square feet of rehearsal/design spaces and outdoor stages; a theater production archive; The Watermill Center Study Center and Library of Inspiration; The Watermill Collection; and The Watermill Center’s ten-acre landscaped grounds and gardens.

Applications are reviewed by an international committee of distinguished Watermill Center alumni made up of artists, academics, and cultural leaders across disciplines. To date, we have hosted over 250 residencies featuring 2500 artists from more than 90 nations.

There are no fees for participating in the Artist Residency Program. During the course of the residency, residents are responsible for living expenses such as food, travel to and from Watermill, production expenses such as art materials and supplies, and equipment rentals.
Watermill will provide a modest stipend to offset these expenses. Additional details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

The Watermill Center provides local transportation, housing, and workspace.

If requested, The Watermill Center will supply signed letters of support for outside funding and, in some cases, can offer advice on potential funders to underwrite or assist.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Isaac Pleta