Organizer Information
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a multidisciplinary arts organization based in rural Minnesota, USA. Originally founded in 1990 as the New York Mills Arts Retreat by John Davis, the organization expanded into the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in 1992. Its Arts Retreat Residency Program remains central to its mission of supporting artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and community vitality. The Cultural Center has provided cultural and creative opportunities to rural Minnesotans for more than 30 years.
Title & Description
Arts Retreat Residency Program
Arts Retreat Residency Program offers artists dedicated time, space, and solitude for creative development, research, reflection, and focused work. The program is designed for artists who would benefit from stepping away from everyday distractions and immersing themselves in their artistic practice within a quiet rural Minnesota setting.
Residencies last two to six weeks, with only one artist in residence at a time. In addition to independent creative work, residents are expected to develop and lead a community outreach program, such as a workshop, reading, performance, or other interactive arts activity.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Performance
- Literary Arts / Writing
- Audio / Sound
- Media Arts
- Other artistic disciplines are also eligible.
Eligibility
The residency is open to artists from all disciplines and all career stages, including emerging, mid-career, and late-career artists. Selection considers artistic merit, dedication to the applicant's practice, commitment to creative growth, and interest in building community through the arts.
The current source does not specify a nationality, citizenship, or age restriction.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive:
- 2–6 weeks of free accommodation
- Private one-bedroom bungalow
- Free access to studio space at the Cultural Center
- Wireless internet at the residence and Cultural Center
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Linens and towels
- Writing desk, drafting table, and seating
- Opportunity to work in a quiet rural environment with substantial uninterrupted creative time
- Support from Artistic Director Megan Shirley-Ross in developing the required community outreach activity
- Opportunities to engage with local schools, the Senior Center, Library, and other community organizations
No stipend is currently offered. Artists are responsible for their own meals and transportation.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Deadline for residencies taking place July–December: 1 April 2026
- Deadline for residencies taking place January–June: 1 October 2026
- Notification Date: Applicants are notified of acceptance or non-acceptance within 30–45 days after each deadline
- Residency duration: 2–6 weeks
Location
New York Mills, Minnesota, United States
Additional Details
The residency is intentionally designed for solitude: only one artist stays at the retreat at a time. The house does not have a television, computer, or car, encouraging artists to disconnect from everyday distractions. A personal vehicle is optional, although it may be useful for exploring the surrounding region.
Artists without cars can reach New York Mills through nearby towns such as Perham or Wadena, where the organization can arrange pickup. The retreat house is not currently handicap accessible, pets are not permitted, and partners generally cannot stay overnight, except potentially on a short-term case-by-case basis at the program director's discretion.