Location: Salem, New York

Mission: Salem Art Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art center and sculpture park located in rural Upstate New York. Founded in 2005 by artist Anthony Cafritz, Salem Art Works is dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists in the creation of new and progressive work, as well as promoting the understanding and appreciation of contemporary art within the region.

Every individual who experiences Salem Art Works becomes integral to the voice and meter of this Upstate art colony. Simultaneously, the SAW experience is life changing for many people who take part, whether as an artist in residence, young artist, community member, or workshop participant. Without the confines of limitation, an openness is created, expanding what is possible. I am very proud of this dynamic.

We are constantly in pursuit of honing our identity and offering multi-faceted possibilities to our community both locally and globally. SAW maintains a flexibility in programming, opportunities, and workshops in order to allow accessibility to all individuals and groups.

A strong community is at the core of our artist program. Participation in communal life is meant to foster personal growth through the exchange of ideas and techniques. Collaboration manifests during group evening meals prepared by the residents on a rotating cooking schedule, participation in local cultural events, and weekly critiques of past and ongoing work. The nature of the campus, however, allows for both communal and solitary experiences. Artists looking for an introspective approach may find it throughout the grounds, fields, and forest, or in a camper set back from the campus center.

Cost: Fellowship-Funded Residency: Fellows are provided with modest room and board, studio space and facility access as well as a stipend of $25 per week. Aside from producing new work, fellowship artists are required to reach out to the community in a way that integrates Salem Art Works and regional participation.  Fellows can fulfill this requirement in a variety of ways the artist sees most appropriate.

Self-Funded Residency: Self-Funded Residencies provide an opportunity for artists or a group of artists to immerse themselves in new projects and ideas in a creative environment, free from everyday pressures. Single artists and groups of any discipline are accepted. During their stay, artists are invited to present their work to the SAW community and to attend weekly on-site studio visits.

The Self-Funded Residency fee is $350 per person per week for up to four months. The fee covers room and board, 24-hour studio space, and access to facilities*. Artists should contact the office to customize each residency to best utilize their time and SAW’s facilities. Artists who wish to work in iron, ceramics or glass will be subject to a material fee.

Applications for the Self-Funded Residencies are accepted on a rolling basis, however space is limited and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Emerging Artist Program: The Emerging Artist Program (EAP) awards four artists per year with a work exchange residency. In exchange for room, board, studio space and facilities access*, EAPs are required to work 20 hours each week as a shop technician or through general work. Shop technician work includes fixing and maintaining ceramics, iron, glass or blacksmithing studios with instruction from the program director. Knowledge of running a studio is required to fulfill duties as a shop technician. Another way to complete the work exchange is through tasks including grounds keeping, maintenance, gardening, assisting artists, and event preparation.

During their stay, EAPs are asked to make a presentation of their work to the SAW community and are invited to attend weekly on-site studio visits. EAPs are also invited to contribute to SAW’s annual resident artist exhibition.

All EAP applications must be received by April 1st. Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 15th.

Application Fee: no application fee

Number of Artists: About 30 artists per year

Accommodations: Programmatic support includes housing, meals, staff support, and 24-hour access to studio spaces and on-site facilities.

Orientations are provided for each arriving guest at Salem Art Works. SAW’s staff is here to support the creation of every artist’s work. Artists should never hesitate to ask for help or information regarding facility use or residential concerns.

Length of Stay: A few weeks to a few months

Demographic/Medium: Salem Art Works offers residency options for artists of all levels with an emphasis on diversity of mediums. Whether a Young Artist or a Fellow, the residency programs all artists to enhance their work in a creative and supportive environment.

Benefits: SAW strives to nurture a continuous stream of creative development through weekly studio visits as well as presentations from resident and visiting artists. Artists are encouraged to reach out to the SAW community during their stay in whichever way they feel is most appropriate in relation to their work.

Deadline: Fellowship Program have a November 15th, 2013 deadline. All Emerging Artist Program applications must be received by April 1st; Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 15th.

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