Residency Program Concept

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Atlantic Center for the Arts is an innovative nonprofit artists-in-residence community that provides artists with an opportunity to work and collaborate with some of the world's masters in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Located five miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Center is situated on a lush 69-acre ecological preserve surrounded by protected wetlands.

The residency program brings together three Master Artists from different artistic disciplines, such as the visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, film/video), architecture, music (composition and performance), literature, modern dance, performance art, and theater for interdisciplinary dialogue. Master Artists may accept up to ten midcareer artists who engage in this cross genre exchange. The program includes master classes, individual critiques, opportunities for collaboration, and private studio time. The essence of the program is to provide a collegial environment for artists 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-fertilization of disciplines.

Established to foster significant international interdisciplinary artistic dialogue, Atlantic Center is a unique catalyst in this current discourse. The intent is to give artists an opportunity to engage in a lively dialogue, not only in their own field of specialty, but with artists from other fields of inquiry, resulting in a richer, more intuitive environment for creativity. Since the program began in 1982, over 2,000 artists have been served from the US and around the world.

Since the residency program began in 1982, over 25 percent of the 2220 participating associate artists, have traveled from all over the world to participate in residencies at Atlantic Center. In 1989, Atlantic Center developed an ongoing international exchange program, offering participants the opportunity to engage in intense creative dialogue that crosses cultural boundaries and provides deeper understanding of those cultures and their art forms. A program that invites national publicity focusing on artists collaborating, eager to learn from and share with one another, conveys a message of harmony and understanding that transcends economic discontent, border provocations and trade issues.

International exchange residencies have been established, thus far with France, Japan, Italy, and in 2002, with Mexico. Sister-sites have been established at the Akiyoshidai International Art Village, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and at Civitella Ranieri, Umbertide, Italy.

Former Associates maintain correspondence to apprise us of their awards, fellowships, successes and accomplishments. They let us know that their time spent at Atlantic Center has been a positive and influential force, assisting with their professional development and personal artistic goals.