Mentoring Artist-in-Residence Program
Atlantic Center for the Arts is an innovative nonprofit interdisciplinary artists-in-residence program that provides artists with an opportunity to be mentored by, work and collaborate with some of the world’s most distinguished artists and art practitioners. Since the program began in 1982, we have hosted 191 interdisciplinary residencies, bringing together 600 Mentoring Artists and over 5250 artists worldwide.
Mentoring Artist Pepon Osorio and his Associate Artists
“I cannot praise the architecture and game plan for ACA highly enough. For professional creative artists, this program is a godsend.”
– Mentoring Artist, Eric Bogosian | Playwright, Actor
Each residency features three Mentoring Artists in different disciplines, including environmental arts & social practice, literary arts, media & time-based art, performing arts, and visual arts. The essence of the program is to provide a collegial environment for artists of all disciplines where they can engage in meaningful interaction and stimulating discussions, while pursuing individual or group projects. It is an ideal setting for the exchange of ideas, the inspiration for new work, and the cross-pollination of disciplines. The program includes studio time, advising, group discussions, critiques, and voluntary collaborations.
The residency program is at Atlantic Center for the Arts, main Campus, 1414 Art Center Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168 and held at the award-winning Leeper Studio Complex. The complex includes a painting studio, sculpture studio, digital media studio, dance studio, audio studio, writers’ studio, a black box theatre and library. There are four residencies held per year that receive an average of 500 applicants; Mentoring Artists review applications to accommodate 18 juried Associate Artists per session at a 6:1 ratio with the Mentoring Artists. Residents have 24/7 access to shared studio spaces, equipment, supplies, and surplus resources.
Private accommodation includes room and board, and meals for all residents. Each Mentoring Artist receives a cottage with views of the surrounding landscape, queen-size bed, full bathroom, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and living room. A breakfast bar, lunch and dinner are provided during the week; A breakfast bar and leftovers are provided on the weekends. Special dietary needs are accommodated at the request of the artist. In addition, we arrange transportation to the market once a week for supplemental grocery needs. The entire facility is ADA accessible. Special need accommodations are provided upon request.
“ACA provides an exciting, unique, and invaluable atmosphere for discussion and reflection among talented artists across many disciplines – blurring their boundaries and reminding us of all what our expressive impulses have in common.”
– Associate Artist, Jenny Johnson | Composer
Mentor Artist-in-Residence Selection
All Mentoring Artists are vetted and nominated by our National Council members and the Residency Program Department, juried and invited to participate in the residency program. We do not accept unsolicited requests to be considered for the position at this time.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email Exhibitions & Residency Director Sadie Woods at swoods@atlancticcenterforthearts.org.