Frequently Asked Questions
- How many artists apply to each Master Artist?
- What kind of benefits will I get from a residency?
- What can I expect from my Master Artist?
- What is expected of me if I am selected as an Associate Artist?
- What level of ability are the other Associates?
- What is the timeframe for completion of the application process
and the residency itself?
- How often will I have access to the studios?
- What are the language requirements?
- Do I need to bring my own computer and printer?
- Are phones and televisions available on property?
- Do I need a car?
- How can I prepare for the residency?
- What kind of financial aid is available?
- Does ACA accommodate special diet needs?
- Can I bring my dog?
- Can I bring my significant other/spouse/friend?
- Do you supply linens?
- Is there a laundry room?
- Where is New Smyrna Beach and what is it like?
- How close is the beach or water access?
- What is the weather like in Florida?
- Why didn't I get accepted?
- Can I apply at another time?
- Can I attend another time?
- How do I become a Master Artist?
1. How many artists apply to each Master Artist?
Anywhere from 10 to 70, depending on the time of year, the Master Artist,
the residency statement and application criteria, and which way the wind is
blowing. Click here to download an application.
2. What kind of benefits will I get from a residency?
A residency at Atlantic Center allows artists to devote time and attention
to their art in a community of like-minded artists. Atlantic Center for the
Arts provides workspace and equipment to create without interruption. After
the residency, many artists-in-residence continue to maintain close ties with
one another.
3. What can I expect from my Master Artist?
Master Artists spend two hours per day, five days per week with their Associate
Artists. This time can spent in formal or informal group settings, individual
conferences, or just working in the studio. Master Artists are available for
questions and consulting.
4. What is expected of me if I am selected as an Associate
Artist?
ACA residencies are not product driven, although many artists complete new
and existing projects while in residence. Many artists come with specific
personal goals and objectives, and are self motivated to work towards those
ends. Many artists see the residency as an opportunity for research and development
within their discipline. All artists are encouraged to take advantage of the
multidisciplinary aspect of the residency by interacting with artists from
the other disciplines as well as possibly collaborating on projects during
the residency. There is an opportunity for presenting work to the public during
the final Saturday event at the end of the residency. Participation is optional.
5. What level of ability are the other Associates?
The Associate Artists are selected by the Master Artist. The Associates are
selected on their merits as revealed through their application materials.
Associate Artists are self-motivated, accomplished individuals who come to
ACA to gain insights and knowledge from the Master Artists and other Associates
about the arts. ACA often uses the terms talented, emerging, and mid-career
interchangeably, with the thought that talent is the common denominator.
6. What is the timeframe for completion of the application
process and the residency itself?
Applications are due at least four months prior to the start date of the
residency. One week after the applciation deadline date, all applciations
are forwarded to the Master Artist for review. The review process can take
anywhere from two to four weeks. Applicants will be informed as soon as the
Master Artists have selected the participants. ACA informs the applicants
by email or writter letter, depending on the time frame and the residency
start date.Residencies are three weeks long.
7. How often will I have access to the studios?
Studios are available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the
residency. Please note that the studios are shared spaces. Click here to see
the studios and equipment.
8. What are the language requirements?
Many of the artists-in-residence are from other countries and English is
their second language. During a typical residency, a basic command of the
English language is necessary. During an international exchange residency,
an interpreter is sometimes brought in to assist those artists from the exchange
country.
9. Do I need to bring my own computer and printer?
If you have a laptop or personal computer you are encouraged to bring it.
ACA does have a limited number of computers available for use by artists-in-residence,
but that may mean as many as 28 artists vying for 8 Macintosh and 5 Windows
machines. Printers and peripherals are also available, as are copiers. Artists
should bring specific software programs that they need in order to complete
their work. Associates working with very large file formats, such as video
files, should bring their own external hard drive. The Internet can be accessed
through several computers and Ethernet access points around the studio complex.
Click here to see the studios and equipment.
10. Are phones and televisions available on property?
There are no telephones or televisions in Associate housing units. Housing
units are equipped with a clock radio. There is a free phone in the commons
area for local calls only. We suggest you bring a phone calling card. There
is a television and VCR in the library for Associate use. Master Artist cottages
are equipped with a phone and television that gets very basic channels. Cellular
phone service is marginal on the ACA property; however, most services can
be used when in town.
11. Do I need a car?
Atlantic Center is approximately 15 miles from Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and 65 miles from Orlando International (MCO) airport. Taxi rates, per person, run $35 from DAB, and $100+ from MCO. The Center itself is approximately 3.5 miles from the center of New Smyrna Beach, 5 miles from the nearest shopping center and 6 miles from the beach. Rental car agencies are located at both airports, as well as in New Smyrna Beach (however, the local agencies are closed weekends!). We suggest you rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car which has a chain location in New Smyrna Beach (ask for the ACA corporate rate to be billed to your credit card). Van transportation is provided from ACA two days per week at regularly scheduled times to the shopping center and art supply stores. Many artists do bring their own vehicles and car-pooling may be an option. ACA does provide van transportation to outreaches, when possible. Master Artists are supplied with a car. Bikes are available at ACA.
12. How can I prepare for the residency?
Once accepted, be sure to thoroughly read the materials sent to you. These materials provide detailed information about Atlantic Center for the Arts and the residency. Bring samples of your past work with you, including written materials, slides, and/or video. You will be asked to give a brief (5 minute maximum) introduction to the artists in other disciplines. A quick sketch is all that is necessary to incite further conversations. A more through presentation of your work may be appropriate for your individual group meetings and samples of your work will greatly enhance the group experience. If you have any specific needs or questions regarding equipment, please contact an ACA program staff member.
13. What kind of financial aid is available?
Accepted artists pay an $850 non-refundable residency fee. This fee includes
private housing and 24-hour access to shared studio spaces and technology
resources. Transportation and other additional costs are incurred by the artists.
To offset the residency fee of $850, ACA provides partial/ financial aid.
The amount awarded depends on a number of factors: available funds, the number
of artists seeking financial aid, the amount of financial aid each artist
is requesting and eligibility. All artists are encouraged to apply and may
download financial aid forms online. ACA does not require that Financial Aid
forms be submitted until after an artist is accepted into a residency. ACA
also suggests contacting your state cultural office, local arts council, and/or
academic institution for financial assistance. Click here to download a Financial
Aid Application Form in PDF format.
14. Does ACA accommodate special diet needs?
Yes, to an extent. Upon acceptance into a residency, artists are asked to
inform ACA prior to their arrival of any dietary restrictions so that our
chef can adequately prepare.
15. Can I bring my dog?
No, unless it is a Seeing-Eye Dog.
16. Can I bring my significant other/spouse/friend?
ACA does not typically allow spouses or significant others to stay onsite
during a residency (we can assist with local accommodation suggestions); however,
that said, since there are always atypical cases, please contact us directly
if you have a special request. Master Artists may have a spouse, significant
other or friend accompany them for the duration of the residency.
17. Do you supply linens?
Yes. ACA supplies the following items: 3 washcloths, 3 hand towels, 3 bath
towels, 2 sets of sheets, 2, pillows, and 1 blanket. Artists-in-residence
are responsible for laundering your own linens during the residency period.
18. Is there a laundry room?
Yes, coin operated machines are located in Associate housing, at a cost of
$1 for washing and $1 for drying. Laundry machines are located in the Master
Artists cottages. Atlantic Center does NOT provide laundry detergent.
19. Where is New Smyrna Beach and what is it like?
Located on the east coast of Central Florida, 15 miles south of Daytona Beach
and 60 miles northeast of Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is a quiet seaside retreat
located at the mouth of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, which serves as the gateway
to the historic and picturesque Indian River-Intracoastal Waterway. Bounded
at the south by the 57,000-acre Canaveral National Seashore and at the north
by Smyrna Dunes Park, New Smyrna Beach is a refuge to many wildlife species
listed as endangered. While New Smyrna Beach's beautiful white sand beaches
are a major attraction, cars are allowed to drive directly on the beach in
some areas, while other areas are designated as no driving zones. Boutiques
and small local art galleries line the historic beach shopping district on
Flagler Avenue. Historic downtown Canal Street boasts wonderful antique shops.
More information is included in John Villani's book 100 Best Small Art Towns
in America: Where to Discover Creative Communities, Fresh Air and Affordable
Living. Also review the New Smyrna Beach Chamber of Commerce website.
20. How close is the beach or water access?
ACA is located on one the richest tidal estuaries in North America, Turnbull
Bay. The bay can be seen from the reading room in the library. The bay is
not recommended for swimming due to dangerous marine life such as alligators.
The beach is approximately 7 miles away by car or bicycle. A taxi to downtown
or the beach costs approximately $7.
21. What is the weather like in Florida?
Florida weather can be some of the best weather in the US. Temperatures can
range in the low 30's to mid 70's in the fall/winter months (November - February).
Spring /summer months (March - October) temperatures can range in the mid
50's to low 90's. We suggest you bring plenty of sunscreen no matter what
time of year you are coming, and a hat. Insect repellant is suggested in the
summer months. In order to get an accurate idea of what the weather may be
like during your residency, please visit www.weather.com and view the ten-day
forecast for the 32168 zip code.
22. Why didn't I get accepted?
The Master Artist determines the criteria under which his or her selection
will be made. Atlantic Center has nothing to do with the process of selecting
Associates other than forwarding the applications to the Master Artists and
serving as liaison. Do not be discouraged if you are not selected - applications
are received from artists from around the world and the application process
is very competitive, and each Master Artist has his/her own idea of what they
are seeking.
23. Can I apply at another time?
Yes. The $25 application fee must be paid each time you apply.
24. Can I attend another time?
If the Master Artist selects you, then yes, you can attend again. You may
apply to as many residencies as you like and there is no limit to how many
times you can attend a residency session.
25. How do I become a Master Artist?
Master Artists are identified by Atlantic Center for the Arts National Council members. Artists are contacted by National Council members or the Program Department for possible invitations to participate in the residency program. Atlantic Center for the Arts does not accept unsolicited requests to be a considered for the position of Master Artist-in-Residence. |