Student Application 

Dates of program: May 19 - July 25, 2025

Deadline for submission: February 1, 2025

Introduction

Artists residency programs offer time and space to work, exposure to the art practices of others, and the prospect of future collaborations. Some of these programs have been in operation for over 100 years—such as McDowell, which has hosted over 9000 artists since 1907. Many of your professors have attended these residencies, and do so regularly. Here are listings of residencies around the world, not all of them free, but quite a few. In the life of an artist, a residency can blow open what’s possible, through collaboration, prolonged and intense studio time, or maybe just an offhand remark made by a composer to a sculptor over lunch.

Program Summary

This interdisciplinary arts residency provides a collaborative space for visual and digital artists, performers, writers, and filmmakers to merge their skills and perspectives. Through collaborative learning and mentorship, the residency program fosters creativity and prepares students for the challenges of making art independent of a degree program. Working in various art forms on their individual projects, participants will follow flexible yet structured schedules to refine their craft while receiving guidance from experienced mentors from across artistic disciplines. By encouraging cross-disciplinary partnerships, the residency inspires innovation and shared experimentation, equipping students with the practical skills, confidence, and exposure needed for long-term success in the arts.

The residency aligns with Davidson College’s mission to promote creativity and intellectual engagement. By integrating the arts into a supportive and interdisciplinary context, the program enhances the college’s commitment to preparing students for lifelong learning and cultural contribution. Participants emerge as not only better artists but also as impactful contributors to their communities, embodying Davidson’s values of innovation, collaboration, and social impact.

Program Stipend: $6,000

• Students will use part of this stipend for housing. 

For more information, please contact Sherry Nelson, Director of Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement, shnelson@davidson.edu.