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NEW YORK MILLS ARTS RETREAT CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN APPLICATION FOR ARTS RETREAT Introduction The Arts Retreat of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center (NYMRCC) focuses on providing dedicated emerging artists time for creative development and exploration. The program provides a unique taste of life in rural Minnesota while allowing the artists two to four weeks in which to immerse themselves in their artwork. This program is funded through grants provided by the Jerome Foundation, a private foundation supporting the arts located in St. Paul, Minnesota. About our community The town of New York Mills was founded in 1870 by lumber barons from New York State who took advantage of the area's rich forests. As the lumber industry declined in the area, farming became the main source of income for most residents. The town of just under 1,200 people is located in Otter Tail County in west central Minnesota along the Continental Divide. The closest major cities are Moorhead and Fergus Falls, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota. This growing community is enriched by the arts programming at the Regional Cultural Center and by artists participating in the Arts Retreat Program. The Arts Retreat encourages visiting artists to become involved in the community. Direct contact with the community is accomplished through an outreach program in which artists spend a small portion of their retreat time offering their skills in schools, workshops, or mentoring interested individuals.
The NYMRCC is an innovative nonprofit whose goal is to expand the cultural and creative opportunities in rural west central Minnesota. Housed in a restored 1885 general store, the Center houses a main floor gallery, a small second floor gallery, and a large dance/studio space. Visiting artsts are welcome to use the dance/studio space during their residencies. The NYMRCC offers a wide array of programs including: gallery exhibits, musical performances, theatrical performances, educational programs, literary studies and the Great American Think-Off philosophy competition. Visiting artists are welcome and encouraged to attend performances at the NYMRCC. During Your Stay The New York Mills Arts Retreat owns a cozy one bedroom bungalow approximately three blocks south of "downtown" New York Mills. The house is within walking distance of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, a grocery store, several restaurants, two banks, the bakery, the swimming pool and the New York Mills schools. The house is equipped with a queen sized bed, rocking chair, writing desk, drafting table, comfy chairs and more. The kitchen is well stocked with dishes, pots and pans, coffee pot and even an electric wok. Linens and some bathroom toiletries are provided as well. The house does not have a computer, television, or car. While on retreat we hope to keep away the everyday distractions that can impede the creative process. The City library has computers that are available to you while on retreat. Wireless internet connection can be arranged for a small fee. There are two bicycles provided at the retreat house for getting around; however, if the trip is longer than a bike ride, the Arts Retreat Coordinator will be available to get you where you need to go. When attending an arts retreat, don't forget: Seasonal clothes Medications Phone Card Credit Cards Art Supplies Books Lesson Plans (if teaching a class) Address Book Laptop Computer Our calendar Application Deadlines are April 1st and October 1st annually. The Jury process takes two full months and notice of the results is sent by mail. Retreats are scheduled through-out the year. Our application asks for three alternative dates in case of competition for certain months. Plan on spanning the 1st through 30th for a retreat, though it is occasionally possible to begin in mid-month.
Jerome Fellowships Jerome Fellowships are available to artists applying for a retreat. Based on Jerome Foundation guidelines 51% of the Arts Retreat participants will be residents of either Minnesota or New York City. Emerging artist status The purpose of a Jerome Foundation Fellowship is to assist promising artists during formative stages of their careers. The definition of emerging artist remains somewhat flexible in order to accommodate individual circumstances. Still, certain broad indicators are useful:
Stipend The Jerome stipend is generous, and it is intended to be comprehensive. It will cover all the artist's personal costs including; transportation, food, entertainment, supplies, etc. A four week retreat carries a $1,500 stipend which is presented in two payments during the artist's stay. From this a reasonable deposit of $150 is held to insure proper cleaning and treatment of the retreat house. A two-week retreat carries a $750 stipend. In the end, much of the stipend will remain available to apply toward bills or projects back home. Community outreach Jerome fellows return 15 hours of their time toward the benefit of the community while on a one month retreat, and 8 hours if on a two week retreat. This usually involves teaching in area schools; however, other options are available. The retreat coordinator will help facilitate the outreach. The application asks for three different outreach ideas in short form. These should include a project or class description, the educational goal (if relevant), target age group, necessary supplies, and number of hours for completion. Opportunities for minority artists The Arts Retreat is dedicated to assisting talented artists from all media, all backgrounds, and all cultures. In addition, The Jerome Foundation reserves one fellowship, annually, as solely available for the benefit of an artist-of-color. Sculpture park fellowship The community of New York Mills has a small sculpture park. This exhibit is kept fresh through the creation and installation of one new work each year by a special fellowship for monumental sculptors. The $1,500 stipend is inclusive and should be considered when planning the cost of materials, labor, and installation. However, with enough advance notice it may be possible to find other cash, material and labor contributions locally. Selection process and criteria A panel of independent jurors selects candidates for the Arts Retreat. Each member receives a packet of written materials three weeks in advance. Work samples are presented on the date of the review. A pool of finalists is identified after a lengthy discussion. Below is a list of the major points considered, along with the approximate importance of each:
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Telephone:
(218) 385-3339 Fax: (218) 385-3366 |
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Regional
Cultural Center