Residencies

Q: When can I expect my residency to take place?
A: Residencies are typically scheduled 1-2 years out from acceptance during the months of September-June. Accepted artists will work with WSW staff to choose a residency period that works with both the artist’s schedule and our programming.

Q: Can I break up the residency and do it in parts?
A: Preference is given to artists who can work full-time over one residency period.

Q: I’m currently a student. Can I apply?
A: You are welcome to apply if you’re currently enrolled in an academic program, but it cannot overlap with the residency period. Our residency period is September to June.

Q: I’m not based in the US. Can I apply?
A: Yes. The only residency you’re not eligible to apply for is the Ora Schneider Regional Grant.

Q: Can I apply for more than one residency?
A: Of course, but please bear in mind that not all residencies have the same requirements. If you plan to apply for multiple residencies, then you should submit an application for each. For the Artist’s Book Residency Grant and Art-in-Education Artist’s Book Residency Grant, you must submit two digital applications, but can send just one mock-up to be reviewed for both opportunities.

Q: How are artists selected?
A: WSW composes panels of 2-3 artists, organizers, curators, or librarians, and these panelists review and select artists for residency.

Q: How much technical assistance will I receive as a grantee?
A: All residents receive a general studio orientation at the beginning of the residency and are expected to work independently. Studio staff will check in with you daily to see how things are going. Deep technical support can be provided for an additional fee of $65/hour.

Q: Can I bring my partner, child, pet, etc.?
A: No. The Parent Grant is our only opportunity that allows artists to bring a partner/caretaker and children, and we do not allow pets in our studios or housing. Note: The Parent Residency Grant is currently paused.

Q: How should I format my application images?
A: JPGs, RGB, 72 ppi, and no larger than 2,000 px on the longest side. The images should be named using our “LastName_FirstName_01.jpg” format, where the numbers (01, 02, 03, etc…) correspond directly to your image script. If you want to submit video files, we ask that the videos be no longer than 3 minutes. The video file types we accept are MOV, MP4, AVI and MPG.

WSW reserves the right not to review files that are formatted improperly.

Q: What is the image script?
A: The image script should correspond directly to your application images. So, if you have an image named “Doe_Jane_01.jpg” then your image script should have an entry for “01” with that image’s title, medium, dimension, and date. The image script should be a Word document or PDF. Do not send slide shows or movies.

Q: Is there access to wi-fi on campus?
A: We have wifi throughout the studios and artist housing. Please note that cell service is very touchy in the immediate vicinity of WSW. However, landlines can be made available for use.

Q: What is a WSW residency like?
A: Most days, we gather at 12:30 for potluck lunch. The selection of contributions is generally vegetarian friendly, and those with other dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Usually, 10-20 artists and staff share lunch together and it is a great opportunity to engage with staff and fellow resident artists. It is not obligatory to participate in potluck.
WSW hosts a monthly artist talk series called Slide Night, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. All residents are expected to prepare a 15-20 minute presentation for the event.
WSW is an active, thriving community space. In the studios, interns work with artists and staff on special studio projects. It’s also common for local artists to rent the studios, and for volunteers to be working in various areas throughout the building. WSW has regular exhibition openings in our gallery space and frequently hosts public programming and special events.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: A car is not a necessity, but many artists find it beneficial due to WSW’s rural location. WSW staff and interns can schedule pick-up and drop-off during the start and end of your residency and take you grocery shopping during your stay. The town of Rosendale is less than two miles from our studios. WSW is located near the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, a 22+ mile rail trail and linear park that is a great resource for travel by foot or by bike. 

Q: What’s Rosendale like?
A: We’re located on a rural road about a mile and a half from the Village of Rosendale, a small, artist friendly community. Rosendale’s Main Street is walkable from our campus via the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and has lots to offer. There are delicious dining options including vegan-friendly restaurants, a gourmet cheese shop, and a coffee shop. You may also spend your time visiting specialty shops, enjoying the local movie theater, or relaxing at the yoga, massage, and acupuncture practitioners available.

Artist’s Book Residency Grant

Q: What do you mean by “mock-up” for the artist’s book grants?
A: The mock-up is a 3D version of your book proposal. It exemplifies the binding and structure of the book that you intend to produce. We also ask that you include one to two full spreads, so that we can get a better idea of the final product. Suffice it to say, we want a strong idea of your final product, and know that it is generally not possible to produce a complete mock-up for the proposal.

Q: Can I print my book digitally?
A: You may incorporate digital printing into your project, but keep in mind that a percentage of your project must be hand printed. This means that hand printing must come into play at some point in the production. We are not looking for a concrete percentage.

Q: I know nothing about binding. Can I still apply if I have a great idea for a book?
A: Yes, but make it clear in the application that you will need our advice and help when it comes to the binding portion of your project.

Q: How much technical assistance will I receive as a grantee?
A: All Artist Book Residency Grant recipients receive a general studio orientation at the beginning of the residency. Studio staff will check in with you daily. Our goal is to provide you with the assistance necessary to complete a high-quality project in a timely fashion. Deep technical support can be provided for an additional fee of $65/hour.

Internships

Q: How should I format my application images?
A: JPGs, RGB, 72 ppi, and no larger than 2,000 px on the longest side. The images should be named using our “LastName_FirstName_01.jpg” format, where the numbers (01, 02, 03, etc…) correspond directly to your image script. If you want to submit video files, we ask that the videos be no longer than 3 minutes. The video file types we accept are MOV, MP4, AVI and MPG.

WSW reserves the right not to review files that are formatted improperly.

Q: What is the image script?
A: The image script should correspond directly to your application images. So, if you have an image named “Doe_Jane_01.jpg” then your image script should have an entry for “01” with that image’s title, medium, dimension, and date. The image script should be a Word document or PDF. Do not send slide shows or movies.

Q: Can I apply for multiple internships?
A: Of course, but please submit an application for each position, and make sure that your cover letters are tailored to the different opportunities.

A: I’m still in school. Can I apply for an internship?
Q: You can apply as long as you won’t be enrolled in an academic program at the start of the internship period. The Spring/Summer internship period typically runs April – September, and the Fall/Winter internship period typically runs October – March.

Q: Can I intern part-time or reduce the length of the internship?
A: No. We’ve carefully structured our internships to create a mutually beneficial program. If you know that you cannot complete the full internship term, then please apply for the next round.

Q: I’m not based in the US. Can I apply?
A:Unfortunately, due to work visa requirements, we are unable to offer our internships to international candidates.

Q: I’m applying for the Nonprofit Management internship, but I don’t have a strong arts background. Do I still need to include images of my work?
A: Not necessarily. If you would like to include work, then please do, but we do not base our decision for this opportunity on artistic work or skill. Depending on the application pool, however, preference may be given to those who have an active knowledge of WSW’s studio disciplines.

Q: How are interns selected?
A: Interns are selected by the Studio Manager and Operations Manager, who co-lead the internship program.

Q: Where will I be living?
A: You’ll live in one of the single-occupancy rooms in our Anne Atwood Artists’ Housing. Atwood is located two doors down from the studio, and has a living room, dining room, kitchen, 1½ bathrooms, two porches, ample storage space, and a washer with several clotheslines. The house is equipped with most necessities (pots, pans, utensils, furniture, etc…). You’ll receive all the details if awarded an internship.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: A car is not a necessity, but many artists find it beneficial due to WSW’s rural location. WSW owns a company vehicle that can be used for studio business and for grocery runs. The town of Rosendale is less than two miles from our studios. WSW is located near the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, a 22+ mile rail trail and linear park that is a great resource for travel by foot or bike.

Q: What’s a WSW internship like?
A: Interns work Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm in support of WSW’s mission. Internships are paid and receive holidays off. In addition to studio or administrative work, interns are responsible for tasks on a rotating, shared chore wheel.    

Most days, we gather at 12:30 for potluck lunch. The selection of contributions is generally vegetarian friendly, and those with other dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Usually, 10-20 artists and staff share lunch together and it is a great opportunity to engage with staff and residents. Interns are tasked with plating and reheating everyone’s potluck contributions and clean up once the meal is over.

WSW hosts a monthly artist talk series called Slide Night, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. All interns are expected to prepare a 15-20 minute presentation for their Slide Night. 

WSW is an active, thriving community space. Interns work with artists and staff on special studio projects. It’s also common for local artists to rent the studios, and for volunteers to be working in various areas throughout the building. WSW has regular exhibition openings in our gallery space and frequently hosts public programming and special events.