MAY 24–JUNE 5, 2026

Haystack’s Open Studio Residency fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and creative processes among peers with two weeks of studio time and an opportunity to work in a community of makers. The Residency supports approximately 50 participants—from the craft field and other creative disciplines—who have uninterrupted time to work in its studios (blacksmithing, ceramics, fiber, graphics, metals, wood, and Fab Lab) to develop ideas and experiment in various media. Residents may choose to work in one particular studio or move among them depending on their interests and the nature of their work. Each studio is supported by technicians who can assist with questions—please note that technicians will not lead workshops or provide instruction. 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 Haystack’s Open Studio Residency.

The Haystack Fab Lab will also be open and available, providing an opportunity for experimentation with digital fabrication as a way for Residents to augment and complement their creative practices. In addition to open studios, there will be 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 applications to the highly competitive Open Studio Residency, and both national and international artists, working in various disciplines, are eligible for consideration. Past participants may reapply to the Residency, 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.

2026 RESIDENT APPLICATION

Application Opens: January 6, 2026
Application Closes: January 30, 2026

All applications are submitted online. We encourage applicants to review the Fees & Policies and Frequently Asked Questions.

STUDIO TECHNICIANS

Haystack’s Open Studio Residency provides two weeks of focused studio time for a diverse mix of approximately 50 participants in six studios. 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 depends on 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.

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.

2026 STUDIO TECHNICIAN APPLICATION

Application Opens: January 6, 2026
Application Closes: January 30, 2026

All applications are submitted online. We encourage applicants to review the Fees & Policies and Frequently Asked Questions.

Fees & Materials

All participants 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 needed for their work if unavailable in the Haystack studios—please refer to the studio equipment lists for more information. The Campus Store stocks wood, steel, and a limited clay selection in the studios. Other materials/supplies are also available for purchase in the Campus Store.

Studio-associated residency costs covered by Haystack are coal, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

This list includes common questions specific to Open Studio Residency.

All applications for the Open Studio Residency are submitted online. The 2026 applications for Open Studio Residency open on January 6, 2026 and close January 30, 2026.

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 for the residency, 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.

No. There is no fee to apply to the 2026 Open Studio Residency, thanks to major support from the Windgate Foundation.

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.

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 twenty-one years of age or older to participate in the Open Studio Residency.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent to Resident applicants by March 6, 2026 and Studio Technician applicants by March 12, 2026.

There is no charge for tuition, room, and board for Open Studio Residency. Residency participants are responsible for their travel costs, and materials used over the course of the residency.

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 participants should bring clothing ranging from shorts and pants to sweaters, sweatshirts, swimwear, and rain gear. Participants 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 cullet, wood, steel, and a limited clay selection; along with other general materials or supplies. 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 participants should be prepared to share housing.

All housing includes twin beds and a lightweight blanket and pillow are provided. If you have particular physical or mobility concerns, please note these on your application.

No, participation in the program is for the full two weeks.