NEW YORK MILLS ARTS RETREAT
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Arts Retreat program is now accepting new applications for artists’ retreats. The application deadline is April 1, 2010 for retreats from May-December, 2010. A second application deadline of October 1 will consider applications for the period January, 2011 through June, 2011.
Artists from all performance or visual media will be considered for a retreat. The selection committee awards retreats to artists based on merit and plan of work during the retreat period.
The retreat program provides stays of two to six weeks for artists at no cost for room. Each artist provides her or his own transportation and board. There is no stipend.
Introduction
The Arts Retreat of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center (NYMRCC) focuses on providing dedicated artists time for creative development and exploration. The program provides a unique taste of life in rural Minnesota while allowing the artists two to six weeks in which to immerse themselves in their artwork. Click here to go to the application page.
About our community
The town of New York Mills was founded in 1870 by lumber barons from New York State who took advantage of the area’s rich forests. As the lumber industry declined in the area, farming became the main source of income for most residents.
The town of just under 1,200 people is located in Otter Tail County in west central Minnesota along the Continental Divide. The closest major cities are Moorhead and Fergus Falls, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota.
This growing community is enriched by the arts programming at the Regional Cultural Center and by artists participating in the Arts Retreat Program. The Arts Retreat encourages visiting artists to become involved in the community. Direct contact with the community is accomplished through an outreach program in which artists spend a small portion of their retreat time offering their skills in schools, workshops, or mentoring interested individuals.
Regional Cultural Center
The NYMRCC is an innovative nonprofit whose goal is to expand the cultural and creative opportunities in rural west central Minnesota.
Housed in a restored 1885 general store, the Center houses a main floor gallery, a small second floor gallery, and a large dance/studio space. Visiting artists are welcome to use the dance/studio space during their residencies.
The NYMRCC offers a wide array of programs including: gallery exhibits, musical performances, theatrical performances, educational programs, literary studies and the Great American Think-Off philosophy competition. Visiting artists are welcome and encouraged to attend performances at the NYMRCC.
During Your Stay
The New York Mills Arts Retreat owns a cozy one bedroom bungalow approximately three blocks south of “downtown” New York Mills.
The house is within walking distance of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, a grocery store, restaurants, two banks, the bakery, the swimming pool and the New York Mills schools.
The house is equipped with a queen sized bed, rocking chair, writing desk, drafting table, comfy chairs and more. The kitchen is well stocked with dishes, pots and pans, coffee pot and even an electric wok. Linens and some bathroom toiletries are provided as well.
The house does not have a computer, television, or car. While on retreat we hope to keep away the everyday distractions that can impede the creative process. The City library has computers that are available to you while on retreat. There are bicycles provided at the retreat house for getting around. Mass transportation in our rural community is limited. Having your own automobile would be a help to you. You can get along fine without the transportation afforded by your own car. It all depends on your life style.
When attending an arts retreat, don’t forget:
Seasonal clothes
Medications
Phone Card
Credit Cards
Art Supplies
Books
Lesson Plans (if teaching a class)
Address Book
Laptop Computer
