What kind of artist is this residency best for?
Shandaken: Catskill is ideal for artists who are interested to expand their practice to include bookmaking and printmaking, or for those who already focus on prints and books and are interested in unstructured, studio-based experimentation. The former will be offered hands-on training in Risography and the creation of artist books.
What is the difference between this residency and the "production opportunity" described elsewhere?
This residency is for artists who want to explore Risography and bookmaking. The production opportunity is for artists who have completed a project and want to print it themselves using our equipment. The residency is a 2 to 6 week opportunity, has a specific application cycle, and is scheduled farther in advance. The production opportunity is 1 to 5 days, has a rolling application, and can be scheduled as quickly as two weeks ahead.
Why is this opportunity only for artists interested to use printmaking equipment?
Shandaken: Catskill offers residents 24-hour access to our print studio. The one-room apartment available to residents is comfortable but very small. Shandaken's print studio, where residents are invited to work alongside Shandaken staff, is able to accommodate low-impact practices that are ancillary to print- and publication-making like drawing, collage, digital work, etc; but there is no private space set aside for residents to make other kinds of objects. The print studio also features purpose-built areas for Risography, bookmaking, block printing, and silkscreen. If you have questions about what you would like to accomplish while onsite, we encourage you to get in touch to see if this opportunity is right for you.
Why are artists with print-ready projects discouraged from applying to this opportunity?
Shandaken Projects offers a different, production-focused opportunity with a rolling admission policy and flexible scheduling for artists who just need equipment access to complete their project.
Why is Shandaken interested in candidates who want to pursue open-ended studio-based experimentation?
Shandaken Projects has offered process-focused residencies since 2012. We've learned that giving artists a strong break from the context of daily life in combination with unlimited, unstructured time can create transformative change in their practice. The Village of Catskill offers strong creative community at a significant affective distance from the frenetic pace of New York City. Candidates are encouraged to tell us about any new directions in their work that they are excited to explore.
What is the length of each residency?
Candidates can select 2, 4, or 6 week terms on their applications, at their discretion.
What are the dates of the 2023-24 application cycle?
Opportunities resulting from the December 5 through January 7 application cycle will be awarded from March through June 2024. Candidates can let us know which window will be best for them on their application.
How do residents get to and from Catskill? How do they get around once they arrive?
Residents are asked to provide for their own transportation to and from the Hudson, NY Amtrak train station, or to and from Catskill by car. Once onsite, regular errand trips will be offered to residents who do not have their own means of transportation.
Can alumni from other Shandaken programs apply?
Yes, we'd love to continue supporting your practice!
Can I bring my partner or family?
Unfortunately our accommodations are not large enough to host more than one person at a time.
Can guests visit?
Guests are welcome for day trips only. No overnight guests are allowed.
Can I leave the residency during my stay?
Residents are free to travel for work-related purposes while in residence. Traveling for other purposes is strongly discouraged.
What equipment is available onsite?
Please see out live inventory of print studio equipment here.
What will be required of me if I am awarded an opportunity?
Residents are offered a print studio materials (ie: ink and paper, etc.) stipend of $100 biweekly, but are asked to pay for any additional materials they use at cost. Residents are also asked to consider placing one print from any edition produced onsite in the Shandaken archive. Residents are invited to make a public presentation about their work at the end of their term. There are no fees or other deliverables associated with this opportunity.
What happens during residencies?
Residents’ time in Catskill is unstructured, with the exception of 2 half-day training sessions at the beginning of their term.
Are pets allowed?
We love pets and want to see pictures of them, but no, pets are not allowed.
Can collaborative teams apply?
The one-room apartment available to residents of Shandaken: Catskill is very small. It's more like a hotel room than a real apartment. If this works for your collaborative team, please apply with a single application.
Can current students apply?
No, this opportunity is for candidates who have completed their formal education.
Can artists who do not live in New York City apply?
Yes, artists from elsewhere are welcome.
Can artists who do not live in the United States apply?
Yes, however please note that Shandaken is unable to offer visa support outside of supplying basic documentation.
Does this opportunity come with a stipend or a travel budget?
There is a print studio materials stipend of $100 biweekly offered as a credit toward ink and paper, which are offered to residents at cost. Otherwise, this is an opportunity for free short-term housing and print studio access only.
Can this program meet my access needs?
We invite candidates with disabilities to contact us to discuss their needs person-to-person in advance of applying.
How can I ask a question about the application?
We are happy to provide thoughts over email about questions that cannot be answered by reading our extensive online materials. This service is available until the date described in said materials—generally about a week before the call for entries closes. We cannot accept phone calls regarding applications.
I made a mistake on my application, but I can't log back in!
Please contact our application service provider, Submittable, for technical support. Shandaken is not able to make adjustments to any application after the call for entries has closed.
I haven't heard back from you! When will I know if I got in?
Please be patient. We read every single word in the hundreds of applications we receive. You will hear from us as soon as possible. Reading emails about your application will take valuable time away from our jury process.
Can I apply again if I was not successful in years past?
Yes, we have had numerous residents succeed with their second, third, and sometimes even fourth applications.
Can I defer a successful application?
No, we are not able to accommodate deferrals.
Photograph by Adam Deen, 2023.