The Mentor Artist-in-Residence is a three-week, process-based interdisciplinary residency program that provides artists with an opportunity to be mentored by, work and collaborate with some of the world’s most distinguished artists in literary, performing, visual arts, environmental arts and social practice. Since the program began in 1982, we have hosted 191 interdisciplinary residencies, bringing together 600 Mentoring Artists and over 5260+ mentee Associate Artists worldwide. Past Mentor Artists include Sanford Biggers, Nick Cave, Renee Cox, Coco Fusco, Sky Hopinka, William Kentridge, Audre Lorde, Rick Lowe, Kerry James Marshall, Ryan McGuinness, Larry Ossei-Mensah, Catherine Opie, Ed Paschke, Robert Rauschenberg, and Carrie Mae Weems to name just a few.   

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, inspiration for new work, and cross-pollination experimentation of disciplines. The program includes shared studio space, group and individual advising, critiques, and voluntary collaborations. 

All Mentoring Artists are vetted and nominated; we do not accept unsolicited requests for consideration. Visit the National Council Advisory for more information. 

These extraordinary artists are supported by ACA Mentoring Artist Endowment, funded by a $50,000 gift from each of these generous donors: Joe and Lynn Conte, Don Funk, Ed and Jeanie Harris, Roy and Peggy Hester, the Pabst State of Florida Cultural Endowment, Bob and Genie Stine, Jim and Alexis Pugh, Bryce West, and John M Jeronimo, FAIA.

Each residency, Atlantic Center for the Arts partners will Central Florida institutions to present our public colloquium series OUTreach, featuring talks from Mentoring Artists. To inquire about partnering with us to co-present a colloquium, please review and complete our Mentoring Artist Outreach Request Form.

Associate Artist-in-Residence Application Information

Associate Artist Eligibility & Requirements   

• Open to artists of all disciplines in the United States and Abroad  
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of the residency  
• Individual artists or collectives of up to two artists can apply to one residency or more in any discipline of choice 
• Applicants can attend one or more residency in consecutive sessions upon acceptance, there is no limit 
• Language Requirement: a basic command of the English language is necessary  

Residency Accommodations & Fees  

Atlantic Center for the Arts’ Artists-in-Residence Program is sponsored, in part, through the generous support of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; National Endowment for the Arts; Pabst Steinmetz Foundation; University of Central Florida, TD Charitable Foundation; Volusia County; and Legacy Campaign donors.  

Each Associate Artist receives a full-size bed, bathroom with shower, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and desk space with a view of the natural vegetation.  

All meals are prepared Monday through Friday by our onsite chefs that are able to accommodate all dietary restrictions. A continental, self-service breakfast bar is available 24 hours; lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday, and leftovers on the weekends. 

The entire facility is ADA accessible; Special needs accommodation can be provided upon request, and special needs and emotional support animals require approval. For information regarding service animals, review the State of Florida’s Statues & Constitution: Chapter 413 for Employment and Related Services for Persons with Disabilities and reference Americans with Disabilities Act Title II & III. 

Apply to Be an Associate Artist-in-Residence 

1. Review the Residency Schedule to select a Mentoring Artist you are interested in working with, review application requirements, and deadlines. Each Mentoring Artist determines the requirements and basic structure of their residency and selects Associate Artists to participate in the residency program. Individual artists and artist collectives up to two collaborators are welcome to apply. Be aware that if you are a team, your time in the group will count as one with the Mentoring Artist and studio space will be shared as one, but you do have the option of requesting an individual or shared housing unit.  
2. Prepare the required application files for your application submission before starting in Submittable. Submittable does allow you to save your progress, but it is recommended that you save written text and files separately on your computer or cloud as a backup in case you lose online progress and need to start over. All applications are made electronically through Submittable. We do not accept applications by email or mail. 
3. Select the Mentoring Artist page that you want to apply for as an Associate Artist and click “Apply”. From here, you will be directed to the Submittable site. You will need to sign into your account or sign up for an account to complete the application. 
4. Fill out the application form and enter all the required information. At the bottom of the form, you can upload the files listed in the application requirements. It is highly recommended that you read the requirements for your desired residency and prepare files in advance of submitting your application as you will not be able to make revisions once the application is completed.  
5. The application fee is $25 unless otherwise specified. Enter your payment information at the bottom of the page.  
6. Click Submit to complete your application. You will receive two confirmation emails: one confirming your payment and another confirming receipt of your application submission. Be mindful that if you wait until the last minute to load files and make payments, there is a possibility that you will get kicked off the site and will lose your application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline to avoid technical difficulties or being kicked offline at the scheduled cut-off time.  No extensions will be granted.  
7. Applicants with completed submissions will be notified within 6-8 weeks (about 2 months) of application status unless otherwise specified. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No exceptions will be made. 

Note that due to the volume of applications, we cannot offer feedback on submissions. 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email Program Administration at program@atlanticcenterforthearts.org.

Website link: https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org/residencies/mair-schedule/