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). Artists in other disciplines will be accommodated as facilities and resources permit.

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 one week to four weeks. 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 four 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 in Artcroft’s one-story 1840s Greek Revival farmhouse. There is also a two-story 980 square-foot studio with private bedroom and bath. A rustic cabin is under construction. Primitive camping is available throughout the 380-acre farm.

Will I need to bring towels and sheets?
Linens are provided. The town of Carlisle offers a “Fluff ‘n Fold” for personal laundry.

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.

Can I request a specific room?
We work hard to match specific residents with room that would work best for them. If there is a reason you wish to be scheduled for a specific studio or room, please let us know.

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 is a 3600 square-foot 1910 tobacco barn with an open plan suitable for woodworking, sculpture, large-scale painting and drawing, pottery, spinning and weaving. The barn can also accommodate group activities. In addition, there is a 16X20 studio equipped with power tools, private bedroom and bath.

Where are the studios located?
The barn is a ten-minute walk from the main house, at the entrance to the farm. The smaller studio is located just across from the main house. 

Can I request a specific studio or room in the house?
Again, we work hard to match specific needs of residents. If you would prefer to be located in the barn or the studio, please do let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.

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. <space> Artcroft has an internet connection for limited use by residents. 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?
Individuals can apply for a work-exchange for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Each work exchange program is negotiated based on the interests of the prospective resident and the concomitant needs of Artcroft. Work exchange can be in the form of helping on the farm or participation in Community Arts Programming.

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 and the Ed McClanahan Fellowship for Writers.

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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 either Lexington, KY or Cincinnati, OH. Contributions towards gas are gratefully accepted. Car rentals are available through Enterprise in Paris, KY. 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. We will also make available a listing of cultural events in Lexington and the surrounding area so that those interested can avail themselves. These include the monthly Gallery Hop and readings at the Good Foods Coop. Transportation to these events can be planned in advance. Of course, attendance at local events is strictly voluntary.

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Other Questions

Are there animals at Artcroft?
Two house dogs, two house cats, 37 cows with calves and 15 dairy 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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