Summer Program FAQs This page provides answers to the questions most frequently asked about the Watermill Center International Summer Arts programs. If you still have questions after reading these FAQ, please let us know by using our general contact form. We'll respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible.
What kind of work should I submit with my application? Please submit materials that you feel best represent who you are as an artist. These can include, for example, video samples on VHS or DVD, photos/images of your work, or writings/reviews. Most importantly, your submissions should be short (3-5 minute performance excerpt, 1-2 pages of written text, or a concise portfolio, for example.) Work samples can be submitted online or via post. Please note that materials cannot be returned.If you are submitting your works samples online, please upload only JPEG or PDF files. Each file should be sized 5 MB or less. Files larger than 5 MB will not be considered. Your letter of motivation should be no longer than two paragraphs. Your CV should be concise and include experience that are relevant to the Summer Program. › Back to top
I want to come to Watermill to work on my own project. Is there a place for me? The International Summer Arts Program is an apprenticeship program where artists work with Robert Wilson and his contemporaries on new projects that Robert Wilson is developing in all areas of the arts. Each year, several artists-in-residence are invited to Watermill to work on their own projects. However, these opportunities are by invitation only. If you would like to come to Watermill to work on your own project, please visit the page for Fall and Spring Residencies. › Back to top
Based on what do you select the participants? Participants are selected based on the quality of their work, their artistic potential, and their openness to the Watermill spirit and philosophy of cross-disciplinary exploration. We choose artists at a stage in their careers where they can benefit from the apprenticeship learning model of the Center. Attention is also given to ensure diversity of participants from various countries, and artistic disciplines, as well as a balance of new and returning participants. We look for artists that with the appropriate skills and backgrounds for each year's particular workshops. › Back to top
How selective is the program? Each year, approximately 10% of the artists who apply to the Summer Program are accepted.
I am a 55 year old artist. Am I too old for the Summer Program? Watermill participants have ranged from 14 to 70 years of age. The free interaction of participants from many ages, nationalities and artistic disciplines is one of the unique characteristics of the Watermill Center. However, the majority of the participants are young professionals or students between 20 and 30 years of age. › Back to top
Can my 15 year-old daughter apply to the program? Although generally Watermill artists are over the age of 18, we have in the past had 14-17 year-old participants. Mature younger artists are welcome, as long as their parents understand that their child will be on site 12 hours each day, and sharing an unsupervised group house with other teenagers and adults. They must release the Byrd Hoffman Watermill Foundation from any liability. › Back to top
What computer facilities does the Watermill Center have? The Center has a limited number of computers that are available for shared use by program participants for web browsing, e-mail, and for working on Watermill projects. Participants who use computers for their work are encouraged to bring their own laptops. The Watermill Center is equipped with wireless internet access. › Back to top
