Sea Breeze Artist Residency
for writers and visual artists
Mission
We established the Sea Breeze Artist Residency program because we truly believe that art and art-making are essential to making our world a better place. We aim to provide emerging and established artists and writers with a welcoming and inspiring environment to focus on their work.
The Residency on Block Island
One visual artist’s residency and one writer’s residency is awarded for each session.
Located on a small island off the coast of Rhode Island, this residency takes place within a unique community that has a rich history in supporting the arts and nature conservation. The residencies are scheduled during the off season, when the island is generally quiet and peaceful. Each resident will have their own private guestroom at Sea Breeze, known as one of the loveliest Bed and Breakfasts on Block Island. Sea Breeze also provides breakfast delivered each morning, and a bicycle to explore the island.
There are two sessions scheduled for 2024, in early May and mid-October.
Our artist residency is intended to foster community within Block Island. At the end of each session, residents will be asked to share their work at The Island Free Library with a brief artist talk and reading.
Session 1
May 3 - 12, 2024
Application deadline: March 1, 2024
Notification: March 15
Session 2
October 10 - 20, 2024
Application deadline: August 15, 2024
Notification: August 25
Apply
We are accepting applications from both visual artists and writers.
The applications for residency are judged solely on the quality of the applicants’ submission, and are reviewed by a panel of experts.
A $35 fee is required to process all applications.
We are currently accepting applications for the fall session only. The spring session is now closed.
Writers
Writers may apply in the following fields: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, translation and graphic novels.
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Work sample. Please submit your work sample in manuscript format, double-spaced, in 12 point font, at a maximum of 25 pages. This can be work in progress, published pieces, excerpts, or a selection of short works. You can add one page explaining the contexts for the work you feel are important. Work samples completed within the past four years are required.
Artist’s Statement. On a single page, in 12 point font, tell us about your work and what you plan to focus on while in residence at Sea Breeze. We hope to get an understanding of who you are as a writer, your creative process, and how the residency can positively impact your own writing practice.
Biography. On one page in 12 point font, in narrative form, please tell us about your relevant educational background, professional experience, and your accomplishments to date. Please include a link to your website, if you have one.
Artists
Visual artists may apply in the following fields: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and cross-disciplinary arts.
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Images. Submit up to 10 jpegs of individual works. Please identify each image by title, year, medium, and dimensions. Work samples completed within the last 4 years are required.
Artist’s Statement. On a single page, in 12 point font, tell us about your work, and what you plan to focus on while in residence at Sea Breeze. We hope to get a firm understanding of who you are as an artist, your creative process, and how the residency can positively impact your work.
Biography. On a single page, in 12 point font, tell us about your relevant educational background, professional experience, and a summary of your accomplishments to date. Please include a link to your website and Instagram account, etc., as applicable.
Visual Artist’s Residency Workspace
For the visual artist, you will have your own private guestroom, plus a studio workspace. The studio consists of a spacious 14x14 foot studio, with great natural light, a 3x6 foot work table, and a 7x7 wallspace. The workspace also has a private entrance and an outdoor lounge area.
Writer’s Residency Workspace
For the writer, you will have your own private guestroom, with a table to write. You will have the option to write in your room, on your porch, or on the property. For inclement weather days, there is the option to work at The Island Free Library, which has free wifi.
Session 1
May 3-12, 2024
Application deadline: March 1, 2024
Notification: March 15
Session 2
October 10 - 20, 2024
Application deadline: August 15, 2024
Notification: August 25
FAQs
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The year-round ferry leaves from Pt. Judith, R.I. The closest Amtrak station is Kingston, RI. Taxi or Uber can be arranged from Kingston to Pt Judith. Passenger-only ferry tickets do not need to be booked in advance. There is parking available near the ferry (fees do apply).
Ferry schedules: https://www.blockislandferry.com/point-judith/
Daily flights to the island leave from Westerly, RI. Weather-permitting, 12 minute flight. Free parking at airport. Luggage is limited to 50lbs per person.
Flight schedules:http://blockislandsairline.com/
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The residency is FREE except for the $35 application fee.
The Sea Breeze provides a delicious breakfast every morning, delivered to your room. We do not provide the majority of your other meals, or travel costs. There are no cooking facilities available at our location. We are conveniently located close to the main town of Old Harbor, where you will find shops and restaurants a short walk away.
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Travel lightly is one of our favorite mottos. Weather can be unpredictable on the island and often is different than the mainland. Since we are located right on the coast, winds can be strong at our location. We recommend you check the weather report before your stay, and bring layers and comfortable waterproof shoes.
The Sea Breeze is a ten room bed and breakfast, in business on the island for over 40 years. We provide all of the following as part of our service to our guests : linens, towels, beach towels, irons, hairdryers, bath amenities (soap, shampoo, conditioner). Daily housecleaning provided. Concierge service is available.
It is very important that you bring all of your writing and art supplies needed during your residency. The island has very limited resources.
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The average temperature is between 50’s - 60’s F in both May and October. Typically the island runs 5-10 degrees cooler than the mainland and New England area.
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All cars require advance reservations on the ferry, and these book up quickly, even off-season. A car is not necessary on the island. Block Island is small, 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. We are conveniently located within a 10 minute walk to the main town, Old Harbor, the ferry, great restaurants, and best shops. We provide a beach cruiser bike to use during your stay, which is a great way to explore the island. Taxis are also available.
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Yes, cell phones work fine. Service can be spotty on the island at times (due to bad weather). We do not have Wifi at our location. The best free WiFi service is at The Island Free Library, a short 10 minute walk from Sea Breeze. https://islandfreelibrary.org/
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The residency guestroom is for a single guest. We cannot accommodate any pets.
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We get that circumstances may change. If you need to cancel your residency, we require a 30 day notice, which would be by April 3rd for the first session, and by September 10 for the second session. This would give us enough time to reach out to someone else. Thanks for your understanding.
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Yes ! We accept donations to help us cover the costs of the residency. As a donor to the program, we will keep you updated on the residencies and list your name on the website as an appreciated sponsor. Donations may be made by check or PayPal. Please see below for more details on how to make a donation.
Meet the Team
Andrea Moynier
Partner and General Manager of The Sea Breeze Inn, Co-founder of The Sea Breeze Artist Residency
contact@seabreezeblockisland.com
401.466.2275
Sue Muskat
Director and Co-founder of The Sea Breeze Artist Residency seabreezeartistresidency@gmail.com
413.404.6060
Donate
By supporting the Sea Breeze Artist Residency, you become part of the creative process and help make the world a better place.
Your donation will assist us in providing this unique opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment.
If you would like to donate directly to the residency, please click the button below.
Checks can also be made out to: Sea Breeze Inn and mailed to: Sea Breeze Inn, PO Box 141, Block Island, Rhode Island 02807.
Aa a donor to the program we will update you on the residency, and will list your name as a valued supporter on the website.
ThAnk you for your generosity
You can also make a donation directly to The Block Island Arts Council.
BIAC is a non-profit community building organization, connecting artists on the island. Visit them here @BIAC