Mentorship Residency Program

About the Open Call

Located in Portland, Maine, this pioneering residency concept serves as an arts incubator for visual artists, performance artists, music composers, and creative writers. The program fosters mentorship by pairing two artists—one National/International and one Local/Regional—to exchange knowledge, industry information, and technical skills. Participants receive 1:1 feedback from staff and engage in studio visits with curators and scholars. The program is specifically dedicated to serving artists from the African Diaspora, Indigenous Peoples, Latinx, and other communities impacted by colonialism.

What is Offered

Stipend for National/International artists, travel expenses covered for out-of-state travel, private one-bedroom housing for visiting artists, 24-hour access to a 3,000 square foot community studio, and professional networking.

Requirements

Applicants must be descendants of African nations, Indigenous peoples, Latinx, or other specified groups impacted by colonialism. Must have 2+ years of studio or exhibition experience, be 21+ years of age, and not be enrolled in a full-time academic program. A commitment of 8-10 hours a week for co-mentorship and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination are required.

How to Apply

National and International artists are selected via nomination and must submit application materials through a Submittable portal after being nominated. Artists from the Maine/North Eastern Region (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI) can submit rolling applications via Submittable to join an artist pool for future opportunities.