Outreach
Watermill is a center for both local and international communities. We cater our programming to individuals, groups, audiences, collaborators, and researchers of all ages and demographics. Robert Wilson’s vision historically has already pulled these communities together as equal partners to create new work. At Watermill, individuals and communities are encouraged to become involved as engaged students, supporters, collaborators, and audiences.
“I really love this place, I think it's cool that anyone can come in.” — Samantha Bedard, U.S., Hayground School, age 9
Public Events
From September to June, there are dozens of opportunities to attend a public rehearsal, reading, workshop, demonstration, or other open format as presented by our artists-in-residence. Each Fall and Spring Residency is required to present an open house for the community that offers insight into their creative process. These events are then followed by a reception with the artists and a tour of Watermill’s collection of art & artifacts.
Each summer Watermill hosts DISCOVER WATERMILL, a large Open House where summer participants present the results of the program’s workshops, organize children's workshops, and transform the entire building and grounds into a mini arts festival.
Community Programs
The Watermill Center encourages its residents to consider community engagement as an integral part of their work. The program offers diverse ways in which the artists can intersect with the local community, often as occasional performers in open rehearsals and presentations.
Tours and visits of the Watermill Collection are open to the general public by appointment, as the entire space is an active laboratory for resident artists to work. The Watermill Study Library will be open to the public at the end of April, and will be run by volunteers from the community, ranging in age from middle school students to the retired enthusiast.
Community Board
For over ten years, our active Community Board has served as the mouthpiece for the organization, representing artists, the business community, local schools and universities, and the Shinnecock Nation. This past year, special committees have been formed to focus on Education, Local Artists & Humanities, Outreach (including the Latino communities), and Volunteerism, working collectively to bring new audiences, partners, and supporters to the East End.