Organizer Information:

Elf School of the Arts is located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, right beside Lake Chatuge. Housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old elementary school, the venue has been lovingly transformed into a place of inspiration, creative passion, and rest for artists. The program intimately hosts four residents at a time and has successfully welcomed 85 artists in its first four rounds.

Title & Description:

Applications are now open for the Elf School of the Arts Summer/Fall 2026 Residency.

Designed for early to mid-career artists, this program offers flexible residencies ranging from 1 week up to 3 months. It provides creators with the dedicated time and space to experiment, produce a new body of work, utilize specific equipment, or expand on a developing idea. Because the venue is located in a rural mountain setting (the nearest large art supply store is an hour away), artists are encouraged to bring all necessary supplies with them or ship them ahead of time.

Category:

Multidisciplinary.

(Book arts, drawing, jewelry/casting, mixed media, music, painting, paper making, photography, printmaking, textiles, weaving, welding/forging, woodworking, dance, and writing).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Early to mid-career artists, musicians, writers, and makers.
  • Scope: National/International (Artists must be able to travel to Hayesville, NC).

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Workspace & Accommodation: A private bedroom and a dedicated private studio space.
  • Facilities: Access to specialized equipment for various craft and fine art mediums. Residents also share a fully equipped kitchen stocked with basic amenities, condiments, and cooking utensils.

Application Fee:

Free.

Program Costs:

  • The residency stay itself is Free.
  • Artists are fully responsible for their own art materials, food, and travel expenses. (Note: While Elf supplies equipment and some basic consumables, artists must bring their core supplies).

Application Requirements:

Applicants must submit a proposal outlining their goals for the residency—whether that involves experimenting with new techniques, producing a cohesive body of work, or utilizing the school's specific equipment.

How to Apply?

Submit your application via the Elf School of the Arts official website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (For residencies between July and September 2026).
  • Residency Dates: 1 week to 3 months (scheduled between July and September 2026).

Location:

Hayesville, North Carolina, USA (Approx. 2 hours from Asheville Regional Airport or Atlanta International Airport).