Arts Retreat Residency Program
Dedicated Time and Space for Creative Exploration
The Arts Retreat Residency Program at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center offers artists the gift of uninterrupted time for creative development, research, and reflection—along with a meaningful connection to life in rural Minnesota.
Originally founded in 1990 as the New York Mills Arts Retreat by John Davis before expanding as the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in 1992, the Arts Retreat Residency Program remains at the heart of the Cultural Center’s mission to support artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and community vitality.
Residency Overview
The Arts Retreat welcomes artists from all disciplines—performance, literary, audio, and visual media—to apply for residencies.
Participants are selected based on:
- Artistic merit
- Dedication to their craft
- Commitment to creative growth
- Interest in developing community through the arts
To ensure focus and solitude, only one artist is in residence at a time, providing an atmosphere conducive to deep creative engagement.
Residencies last two to six weeks and include:
✅ No cost for housing or studio use
🏡 Private lodging in a one-bedroom bungalow
🎨 Access to studio space at the Cultural Center
🌐 Wireless internet at both locations
Artists provide their own transportation and meals. No stipend is offered at this time.
Community Outreach
As part of their residency, the Artist in Residence will create and lead a community outreach program designed to engage local residents in the arts. This program could take the form of a workshop, reading, performance, or other interactive event held at the Cultural Center, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the artist’s creative process and medium.
Additionally, the artist may collaborate with local organizations such as the New York Mills Schools, Senior Center, or Library to expand the reach of their project. These partnerships could include student art sessions, intergenerational storytelling workshops, or community art displays, fostering meaningful connections through shared creative experiences.
Residents can partner with our Artistic Director, Megan Shirley-Ross, for assistance in designing and executing their community outreach program.
Visiting Artist Adam Spaeth leading a community mural project at the local pool in New York Mills.
Application Information
Deadlines
- April 1: for July–December residencies
- October 1: for January–June residencies
Applications are accepted year-round.
How to Apply
- Click the link below.
- Attach all required materials.
- Email questions or concerns directly to airapps@kulcher.org.
If you experience issues attaching documents, please email them to the same address.
Questions
For questions or support, contact:
Megan Shirley-Ross, Artistic Director
megan@kulcher.org | 218-385-3339
Please use “AIR Application” as your email subject line.
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance or non-acceptance within 30–45 days after each deadline.
During Your Residency
Your stay includes a comfortable one-bedroom bungalow located three blocks south of downtown New York Mills, within walking or biking distance of:
- The Cultural Center
- Grocery store and bakery
- Local restaurants
- Parks, walking trails, the school, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool
Amenities
- Queen-sized bed, writing desk, drafting table, and comfortable seating
- Fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, and coffee/tea pots
- Linens and towels provided
- Wireless internet at both the home and the Cultural Center
The house intentionally does not include a television, computer, or car, allowing artists to step away from daily distractions. Staff or community members are often happy to assist with transportation when needed. A personal vehicle is optional but can be helpful for exploring the surrounding region.
A Space for Reflection and Renewal
The New York Mills Arts Retreat provides an opportunity to slow down, focus deeply, and rediscover the joy of creation. Surrounded by Minnesota’s quiet landscapes and a welcoming small-town community, residents find space to experiment, grow, and connect with their artistic purpose.
We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to New York Mills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to New York Mills (without a car)?
Air Travel: Regardless of the chosen airport (MSP best large option, Fargo, ND next best midsize, Brainerd, MN closest), we request that artists then take a bus to a neighboring town (such as Perham or Wadena), from which a member of our organization will pick you up and deliver you to the Retreat House.
Bus Travel: Both Jefferson Lines and Greyhound bus lines run to the surrounding towns. Again, we ask artists to arrive in either Perham or Wadena, and a member of our organization will pick you up and bring you to the Retreat House.
Train travel is not recommended, as station arrival is typically within the 2-4 am hour, and members from our organization will not be able to pick you up. Additionally, the rurality of our retreat limits public transportation, so Ubers, Lyfts, and buses are not available past 6 p.m. or before 8 a.m.
If I don’t have a car, will I be able to get around New York Mills?
Yes, necessities are within walking distance of the Retreat House. New York Mills has a grocery store, several restaurants, convenience stores, and the Cultural Center within a mile of the house. Should you have mobility issues or need to run to a neighboring town for any reason, we will work with you to find someone willing to help with transportation.
Can my partner accompany me during my residency?
No, our program does not permit more than one person to stay in the retreat during a residency. However, this is amenable on a short-term case-by-case basis under the discretion of the program director.
Is the retreat house handicap accessible?
No, the retreat is not currently handicap accessible.
Can I bring my pet during my residency?
No, we do not allow pets into the retreat house for both allergenic and cleaning purposes.