"ACA turns three simple weeks into a taste of what life for an artist should and could be like. It’s unlike any other three weeks of life." Nicky Enright, visual artist

Since the artists’ residency program began in 1982, Atlantic Center has provided talented artists an opportunity to work and collaborate with some of the world’s most distinguished artists in the fields of music composition and the visual, literary, and performing arts…

The year-round program brings together three distinguished "master” artists from different artistic disciplines with talented "associate" artists for three-week sessions that includes group meetings, individual critiques, opportunities for collaboration, private studio time, and public events. The mission is to nurture these talented artists.

Each year, 150 artists from all over the world travel to Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach where the lush, jungle-like vegetation – 68 acres surrounded by 2,000 acres of preserved wetlands – serves as an inspiration for artists to experiment on their own, as well as to explore new terrain by sharing ideas and projects with the other artists.

Participants are talented artists, emerging or at midcareer. Over half are college professors. Thirty percent come from Florida, and 15 percent from outside the US. Each residency is a fusion of ages, backgrounds and economic situations.

The Associate Artists represent the master artists of tomorrow, working today to create the concerts, paintings, novels and plays that will become our cultural heritage. Associates are critically successful, publishing books, receiving commissions, exhibiting in major solo and group shows, and performing at prestigious venues the world over. Two Associates have returned as Master Artists: composer Augusta Read Thomas in 1996/2008 and multimedia artist Cathy Weis in 2004.

While in residence, artists live in private rooms that include individual bath and work area. Communal studios are available 24/7, and include facilities appropriate to music, painting, sculpture, dance, writing, and drama. There is a digital media lab, library, an individual practic room for composers and the entire facility is equipped with wireless Internet access. Meals are prepared by an on-site chef.

To meet the expenses of a single residency, approximately $30,000 in direct costs, Atlantic Center requires $850 from each Associate. Additionally, artists must pay for their own travel and car rental, they must continue to pay apartment/studio rents, and often have other expenses, such as child care; 75% of the selected artists require financial aid.

Because attendance is based strictly on artistic merit, and not on ability to pay, we need your assistance.

There are two ways to give: one is to provide a contribution that will support one artist for one residency. You can choose the discipline and you’ll receive a letter from the artist giving you feedback on how your gift made a residency possible. This can be a one-time gift, or ongoing, with a three-year commitment.

Another option is to make a contribution to ACA's Endowment. This Endowment consists of dedicated funds to provide artists’ scholarships -- $20,000 will provide an annual $1,000 scholarship in perpetuity.

Your gift will be acknowledged in all publications, as well as literature pertinent to the specific residencies. You will be invited to attend a meal with the artists. Mealtime presents an informal way to meet the artists and realize the true impact of your gift.

We hope you will consider Advancing an Artist – the most direct way to assist the individual artists who are the heart and soul of ACA.

For more information on the Advance an Artist program, please contact Ann Brady, Executive Director, at 386-427-6975 or abrady@atlanticcenterforthearts.org

"Just wanted you to know that Random House bought 'Whale Season'…this is the book I was working on when I was an Associate Artist with Carl Hiaasen. Even though this is my third novel, it marks a huge change in style for me…a change you all made possible." Nicole Mary Kelby, writer.