MAY 23–JUNE 4, 2027

Haystack’s Open Studio Residency fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas among peers, providing two weeks of studio time and an opportunity to work in a community of makers. The program supports approximately 50 participants—from the craft field and across all creative disciplines—with uninterrupted time to work in Haystack's studios (ceramics, fiber, glass, graphics, metals, wood, and Fab Lab) to develop ideas and experiment in various media. Residents can choose to work in one particular studio or move among them depending on their interests and the nature of their work.

Each studio is staffed by Technicians who can assist with getting settled in the space and acquaint Residents with proper equipment use. Residents are expected to be independent in producing and fabricating their own work, and knowledgeable in general studio processes they intend to use during the Residency. Please note that Studio Technicians will not lead workshops or fabricate work for Residents. If you are interested in learning specific skills, you may wish to apply to one of the summer workshop sessions.

Individuals must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the Open Studio Residency.

In addition to open studios, there will be dedicated time for Residents to share work and discuss ideas, interests, and influences across disciplines. Individuals working in craft, art, design, writing, and other creative disciplines—and who are self-directed and focused—are encouraged to apply.

The Open Studio Residency program is generously supported by Haystack’s Windgate Foundation Endowment for Programs.

How to Apply

RESIDENTS

An independent committee of artists reviews Open Studio Residency applications. National and international artists working in various disciplines are eligible for consideration. Past participants may reapply, but preference may be given to first-time applicants. Selection is based on work samples, the nature and scope of the project that will be done during the Residency (if applicable), and the ability to work in a creative community. Only applications for the entire two-week session are considered.

In order to give each application a considered and appropriate review, Open Studio Residency applications will be limited to the first 1,000 submissions. 

Resident applications are submitted through SlideRoom.

2027 RESIDENT APPLICATION

Application Opens: Monday, November 16, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Prior to applying, we encourage all applicants to review the Fees + Materials and Frequently Asked Questions.

STUDIO TECHNICIANS

Open Studio Residency Studio Technicians (Studio Techs) are responsible for supervising and supporting Residents during their use and navigation of the studios. Studio Techs must be well-versed in their studio’s equipment and processes, and willing and able to maintain a safe, clean, organized, welcoming, and creative workspace for Residents.

Studio Techs help create a sense of community within the studio. Haystack trusts Studio Techs to watch over studio equipment, tools, safety, and the overall well-being of the communal environment. Studio Techs will be a facilitator and resource serving the entire group, and may be assigned small studio-specific projects and tasks by Haystack staff.

Studio Techs receive an honorarium of $1,500, room and board on campus, and limited travel costs covered. Studio Techs must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and navigate the campus’s many stairs and terrain comfortably. Most of all, Studio Techs should genuinely enjoy working with and supporting artists in a shared studio space. 

Studio Technician applications are submitted through SlideRoom.

2027 STUDIO TECHNICIAN APPLICATION

Application Opens: Monday, November 16, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Prior to applying, we encourage applicants to review the Fees + Materials and Frequently Asked Questions.

All Residents are financially responsible for individual amounts of materials used over the course of the Residency. While some materials and supplies are available for purchase through the Campus Store, Residents should bring, or have shipped to campus, the majority of materials they anticipate needing for their work. Residents are also encouraged to bring any specific tools or supplies required for their work if unavailable in the Haystack studios—please refer to the studio equipment lists for more information. The Campus Store stocks wood and a limited clay selection in the studios. Glass for glassblowing will be calculated by weight of items made, and Residents will pay for this material at the end of the Residency. Other materials and supplies are also available for purchase in the Campus Store.

Studio-associated Residency costs covered by Haystack are gas, studio consumables, and kiln firings.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has partnered with Travel Insured International to provide travel insurance coverage to interested participants. Haystack recommends that participants with concerns about refunds for cancellations or unforeseen disruptions to travel consider acquiring travel insurance coverage. For more information and plan information, please refer to Travel Insured International’s website.

All applications for Open Studio Residency are submitted online through SlideRoom. The applications for the 2027 Residency will open on Friday, November 16, 2026 at 10:30 am ET and close Wednesday, December 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

In order to give each application a considered and appropriate review, Open Studio Residency applications will be limited to the first 1,000 submissions.

An independent committee reviews applications to the Open Studio Residency, and national and international artists working in various disciplines are eligible for consideration. Past participants may reapply, but preference may be given to first-time applicants. Selection is based on work samples, the nature and scope of the project that will be done during the Residency (if applicable), and the ability to work in a creative community.

Studio Technicians (Studio Techs) are determined by an internal review panel. Reviewers consider aspects such as previous studio management and relevant craft experience. Studio Techs are responsible for supervising and supporting Residents during their use and navigation of the studios. Studio Techs must be well-versed in their studio’s equipment and processes, and willing and able to maintain a safe, clean, organized, welcoming, and creative workspace for Residents.

No. Thanks to major support from the Windgate Foundation, there is no application fee for the 2027 Open Studio Residency.

Yes, up to four images are required for all visual artists in the Open Studio Residency application. There is also an opportunity for writers to submit a writing sample instead of images. If you work in another discipline, such as video or sound, you may share links to such work in the application. SlideRoom addresses file size requirements at SlideRoom Support.

If you are collaborating on a project, each collaborator must submit individual application forms and supporting materials. Each applicant must include the name(s) of all collaborators in their application. Please note that acceptance is determined individually and is not guaranteed for all collaborators.

Yes, students who are enrolled in an academic program—and are available during the time of the Residency—are eligible to apply.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the Open Studio Residency. There is no age cap.

Notifications of acceptance for Residents and Studio Technicians will be sent via email by March 5, 2027.

There is no charge for participation or room and board for the Open Studio Residency. Residency participants are responsible for their travel costs and materials used over the course of the program. Please see the Fees + Materials section above for more information.

No. All of Haystack’s studios are shared spaces. It is important for Residents to be comfortable working in a community setting. Residents should also be self-sufficient and able to work independently.

Accepted Residents and Studio Technicians will receive a Participant Guide in their acceptance email that includes information about what to pack. 

In general, spring weather on the coast of Maine is variable, with warm days and cold evenings and nights. To be best prepared, accepted Residents should bring clothing ranging from shorts and pants to sweaters, sweatshirts, swimwear, and rain gear. Residents should also bring a sleeping bag or other warm bedding.

If particular supplies are needed for your work, we strongly advise that you bring these with you. Haystack is located far from major supply sources. The Campus Store stocks, wood, and a limited clay selection. Glass for glassblowing will be calculated by weight of items made, and Residents will pay for this material at the end of the Residency. Other materials and supplies are also available for purchase in the Campus Store. For lists of equipment and supplies that can be found in the studios, see the Studios page.

Housing will be assigned among the various options – an overview of Haystack’s housing options is available on the Housing page. All Residents should be prepared to share housing. All housing includes twin beds with a lightweight blanket and pillow provided.

No. To participate in the program, you must attend the full two weeks.