If you do not find an answer to your question below or require further assistance, please contact the Weir Farm Art Alliance by e-mail.
What is the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program?
The Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program takes place at the only National Park site dedicated to American Painting, Weir Farm National Historic Site. The Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program keeps the artistic tradition of the site alive by offering talented individuals an environment rich with history and endless amounts of inspiration in which they can produce works of art.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Weir Farm Art Alliance encourages applications from artists representing a wide range of perspectives, demographics, and media (e.g. painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, videography, sculpture, etc.).  Emerging and established, mid-career level artists may apply. Artists who are enrolled in undergraduate programs as of the date of application are ineligible for a residency and therefore should not apply. Graduate students and Doctoral candidates may apply.
What is the cost of a residency? 
The only fee associated with this residency is the $35 Application Fee. Artists are responsible for the cost of travel to and from Weir Farm National Historic Site. Artists are also responsible for the cost of shipping supplies or artwork to  and from the site.
How long is an average residency? Is there a minimum length of stay?
The average residency lasts for 30 days. Minimum length of stay is two-weeks.
How often am I allowed to apply? ​
You may apply each year. If you are placed on the waiting list and not offered a residency or have to cancel your residency, you are encouraged to apply again. Artists chosen for a residency are invited to re-apply to the program every two years.
Am I allowed to defer my residency?
Residencies may not be deferred. 
Do you allow collaborators to apply to the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program?
No. We only accept one artist per month for our residencies.
May I apply with my spouse?
No. We only accept one artist per month for our residencies.
May I bring my partner, child, or pet with me to the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program?
Since the residency program encourages dedicated focus on creating artwork, the program is designed for one person to stay on site. Overnight guests are not permitted (and NO pets or children). Guests (including friends, family, and spouses) who may be visiting during your residency will need to find area accommodations. Many hotels are available in the Norwalk and Danbury areas. Day visits from guests are welcome, but due to parking limitations if you have guests arriving in two or more cars, you must get permission in advance from the park by contacting Kristin Lessard.
How do I apply? What does the application include?
The application for residency may be submitted online via email to apply@weirfarmartalliance.org or via mail at: Weir Farm Art Alliance, 735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897. Requirements include a description of your proposed project, two letters of reference, and information about your artistic work such as education, training, and artistic achievements, as well as examples of current work. You are also welcome to submit supplemental materials such as magazine articles, exhibition materials, etc. There is a $35 non-refundable application processing fee which is paid online by debit or credit card or paid by check via mail.
When is the application deadline?
The Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program has an annual deadline of November 1st. Applications submitted by November 1st each year are taken into consideration for the following year's program.
If I miss the application deadline may I be placed on the waiting list?
No. Each year, a waiting list of applicants is selected by the jury. If you miss an application deadline, you must wait until the following annual deadline to apply.
How do I know if my submitted application as been received?
You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.
What are you looking for in a Project Description?
Please write a brief description (max. 200 word count) of the work you intend to during the residency including any special space or studio requirements you may have. If you are proposing to continue work on a project you submitted as your work sample, please indicate where you are in the process. Visual applicants should know that the panel looks primarily at the work sample, and attention should be devoted to the quality of the sample images. The project description should include the size and medium of the proposed work along with a list of materials you intend to use. The Weir Farm Art Alliance encourages experimentation in all disciplines and the jury recognizes that your project may evolve or change completely while you are in residence.
I’ve applied before. Do I still have a letter of reference on file?
Letters of reference that were submitted as part of a completed application are kept on file for three years. Previous artists-in-residence do not need to submit additional recommendation letters.
When will I be notified of the result of my application?
Applicants will be notified of their application status approximately 6 weeks after the applicable deadline.
Do I need to mail in work samples?
Weir Farm Art Alliance accepts applications mailed to: Weir Farm Art Alliance, 735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897. However, it is preferred that your application materials be submitted digitally via email to hess@weirfarmartcenter.org. We encourage artists to submit their materials using cloud services such a Google Drive or Dropbox.
What are the work sample requirements for applying to the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program?
Applicants must submit 6 - 10 digital images in jpeg format. File size should not exceed 2MBs per image. Number and label each image with title, size, and media used. Do not put your name on individual images. It is sufficient to label the folder or CD that holds the images with your name and application deadline. (Ex.: Julian Alden Weir – July 15, 2015)
How many artists Are accepted to the Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence program each year?
Approximately 10 artists are selected for the residency program each year. On occasion, if artists are only available to stay at the residency for two weeks, additional artists may be chosen for a shorter residency.
Who reviews my application?
A three member jury of experts from throughout the art world are selected to review applications.
How often does the jury panel change?
Jury members rotate on a yearly basis.
​I’VE APPLIED BEFORE AND WAS NOT OFFERED A RESIDENCY. HOW CAN I MAKE MY APPLICATION STRONGER?
​We are not able to provide individual feedback to applicants. Our advice to all applicants is to ensure that your application is complete, that your project description is clear, and that your work samples are current. Following our application guidelines will ensure that the panelists have all the information that is needed to judge your application. We also recommend this resource from the Alliance of Artists Communities.
Can i collect materials found in nature to use in my work?
Collection of natural materials is not permitted on Federal land which includes all areas of Weir Farm National Historic Site. Collection of natural materials is permitted from within the Weir Preserve. See map on the "Weir Preserve" page of this website.