Residency · New Smyrna Beach, FL, United States · 1 program
The theme for my portion of the residency is Bearing Witness – a residency for Bold Artists
Step into a powerful creative lab where history, art, and truth collide. In this residency, artists will join Hannah Drake to dig deep into the urgent issues facing our nation today. Together, we will explore ways to create poetry and performance that speak truth, spark conversation, and push back against silence and erasure.
Drawing from historical narratives, poetry, dance, monologues, and personal storytelling, participants will shape new work that challenges injustice, honors our past, and imagines a more equitable future. This is a space for artists who are ready to create with courage, intention, and heart. Whether you are a writer, dancer, spoken word artist, actor, or storyteller, you will leave with new tools, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how art can shift culture.
If you are ready to create work that meets this moment, lifts voices, and refuses to be quiet, this residency is for you.
Housing · Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house). Each Associate Artist receives a full-size bed, bathroom with a shower, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and desk space with a view of the natural vegetation. Teams have the option of requesting an individual or shared housing unit. Accessible housing: partially accessible (50% or more). Pets are not allowed.
Meals
All meals. All meals are prepared Monday through Friday by on-site chefs who can accommodate all dietary restrictions. A continental, self-service breakfast bar is available 24 hours; lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday, and leftovers on the weekends.
Mentorship
Each Mentoring Artist determines the requirements and basic structure of their residency and selects up to eight Associate Artists. Programs can include formal classes, discussions, individual meetings, individual and group critiques, collaboration, and studio time. Residency #198 is mentored by Hannah Drake; her mentorship is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
Equipment
Theater, dance studio with sprung floor, piano, printers and scanner, music/media studio (non-recording), music/media/recording facilities, oil painting workspace, woodworking tools, tablesaw
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for those who qualify and can reduce the $1,350 residency fee. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Compensation details
The residency is tuition-free, but artists are responsible for a $1,350 fee covering room and board for the full three weeks, due two weeks before the residency begins. Travel, transportation, and artist materials are the artist's own responsibility. No artist stipend or travel/materials stipend is provided. Scholarships are available for those who qualify to reduce the residency fee. The application fee is $25.
Accessibility
The entire facility is ADA accessible; special needs accommodation can be provided upon request, and special needs and emotional support animals require approval. Housing and studios/facilities are listed as partially accessible (50% or more).
Partially accessible housing (50% or more) · Partially accessible studios/facilities (50% or more) · Ada accessible facility · Partially accessible studios/facilities · Dietary restriction accommodation · Special needs accommodation upon request
Ages 21+
Individual artists and collectives
Requirements
Application Requirements (Hannah Drake): Submit three to five creative work samples — poetry, spoken word, monologues, dance excerpts, short performance clips, or narrative writing that reflect your artistic voice; these can be submitted written or via video. Provide a brief artist statement: share who you are as an artist, the themes you explore, and why you want to participate in Bearing Witness. Write a short reflection: describe one current national issue you feel compelled to explore and how you hope to engage it through your art.
History has informed much of my work — how do you utilize history in your artistic practice? Share how historical narratives shape your creative approach, inspire your work, or influence the stories you feel called to tell. Confirm your commitment to collaboration: agree to work collaboratively with artists across disciplines including poetry, movement, and performance.
More about eligibility
Applicants must be over the age of 21 and must speak English. Associate Artist Eligibility & Requirements: Open to artists of all disciplines in the United States and abroad; applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of the residency; individual artists or collectives of up to two artists can apply to one or more residencies in any discipline of choice; applicants can attend one or more residencies in consecutive sessions upon acceptance, there is no limit; Language Requirement: A basic command of the English language is necessary. Open to artists based anywhere in the world; any stage of career.
Collaborative residency: must apply and be accepted individually, may apply as a team. Pets are not allowed.
Through Oct 24, 2026