Organizer Information
The Wassaic Project is a non-profit organization that leverages art and education to foster social change and nurture connections between artists and the local community. For 2026, their signature Halloween event, previously the Haunted Mill, is being reimagined and hosted at the historic Luther Barn, the home of the Wassaic Project Summer Studios.
Title & Description
2026 Haunted Barn Open Call.
This program invites artists to transform the Luther Barn—a space featuring soaring ceilings and rustic beams—into a PG-13 haunted experience. The Wassaic Project is seeking zany and spooky proposals for site-specific installations, outdoor works, and performances. Priority is given to interactive and immersive projects, such as haunted games, creepy trick-or-treat stations, and site-responsive experiences.
Categories
Installation Art, Sculpture, Performance, Sound, Video, and Immersive Practices.
Eligibility
- Artist Profile: Open to self-directed, independent artists who embrace the strange and unexpected.
- Content: All works must be suitable for a PG-13 audience.
- Financial Hardship: Applicants who cannot afford the application fee may request a waiver.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Honorarium: Participants receive between $500 and $1000, depending on the scope of the project.
- Residency: A fully funded 1–4 week residency (taking place between October 2 and November 3, 2026).
- Space: Private studio space in Maxon Mills and additional workspace in Luther Barn.
- Housing: Accommodations in one of the Wassaic Project residency houses.
- Facilities: Access to on-site print and wood shops.
Fees
- Application Fee: $25.00 USD.
Application Requirements:
- Proposal: Detailed description of the spooky experience or installation.
- Work Samples: 1–10 samples (at least 5 images of completed works and 1–5 sketches or mock-ups of the proposed project).
- CV: Maximum of 2 pages in PDF format.
- Performers: Explanation of functionality and optional links to YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the SlideRoom portal.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026, at midnight EST.
- Residency Window: October 2 – November 3, 2026.
- Public Hours: October 23–25, 2026.
Location
United States, Wassaic, New York.
Additional Details
Selected artists maintain complete creative control over their projects within the PG-13 guidelines. The event is one of the project's most well-attended annual traditions, offering high visibility for participating artists.