Peace Gardens Retreat & Residency Program
Situated in the heart of West Asheville in North Carolina, the Peace Gardens Retreat and Residency is the newest addition to the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens. Founded in 2003, the Peace Garden draws visitors from across the globe. Initially, just a small community garden for growing food with our neighbors, the gardens have since expanded and are now a haven of learning, healing, and community – including seating areas, countless paintings & art installations, performance stage, outdoor oven, fire pit/gathering space, library/classroom, greenhouse, small workshop, composting toilet, native plants, and vegetable gardens.
Peace Gardens Retreat & Residency was created to provide a regenerative space that supports and expands artists’ creativity and self-care. It’s important to note that we define “artists” as anyone who uses their skills and talents to create – whether they be creating visual art, built environments/structures, performance art, community, social change, gardens, etc. Selected artists will enjoy a 6-week stay in our 2-bedroom, fully furnished bungalow located on site at the gardens. Walk out the door and directly into the amazing and inspiring Peace Gardens.
Artists selected for this retreat/residency are at all stages of their careers and work in all media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, interdisciplinary, gardening/horticulture, social practice, community organizing, and carpentry/architecture.
Artists are selected to attend the residency by a team of local judges from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. The team reviews all applications submitted to the program. Selection is based on the merit of the artist’s portfolio and the residency/retreat proposal. All artists are expected to submit a project proposal for the six-week residency, along with supporting images/examples of your work (at least 5). Writers should submit a maximum of 20 pages. All project proposals should align with our vision of creating a culture of sustainability that is inclusive and just.
Project proposals may range in scope from “retreat-only” to proposals culminating in a tangible contribution to the space and the surrounding community. If your project proposal is “retreat-only”, please include a detailed description outlining why the retreat is needed and how it will improve your work moving forward.
Artists must provide transportation to and from the program, as well as any transportation needed during the residency. Artists are responsible for all food and supplies.
The residency cannot accommodate partners, spouses or pets. Your guests are welcome to visit, but we request notice for overnight visitors.
Artists chosen for the residency are asked to donate one creative piece to The Peace Gardens – the creative piece may include, but is not limited to, visual art, performance for the community, workshop for the community, built infrastructure in the community, additional design/installation in the gardens (approved ahead of time), etc. In addition to the small classroom and performance stage in the Peace Gardens, we partner closely with a local gallery and can make arrangements for indoor shows/exhibits when needed.
Artists are expected to remain at the residency for the duration of the program – If you have commitments that compromise your availability, please inform us prior to accepting the residency.
It is understood that each awardee will contribute a piece to the Peace Garden community (see above) – Please take this into consideration when carrying out your proposal.
The Peace Gardens Retreat & Residency assumes no liability during the residency. You are responsible for any damages to your accommodations. We take great pride in our space and expect you to leave it in the same condition as when you arrived.
Application fee is $45.00 (USD). Please note that we use the Zealous application platform and their application fees are shown in British Pounds (£) ~ but will always be the equivalent of the $45 USD application fee.
Application entry fee is nonrefundable. This is the only fee associated with the residency – awardees will enjoy accommodations for the 6-week residency at no cost to the applicant. When possible, we will include a small stipend for awardees to use however you best see fit.
The residency is housed in a cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow on site at the Peace Gardens. One bedroom has been converted into a small studio/creative space for use during the residency. The bungalow is fully furnished and includes air conditioning & WiFi.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the safety of visiting artists we have strict cleaning protocols in place, as well as a full 2-week vacancy, between residencies. We also require all visitors to the Peace Gardens to wear cloth masks and maintain appropriate social distancing. We request the same of all visiting artists and strongly recommend a 14 day quarantine period before interacting in the local community. Should you need cloth masks or hand sanitizer during your visit, we will have them available at no charge. Most groceries and supplies can be ordered online or via app for delivery for increased safety.
Six Week Solo Artist Residencies for 2020-2021
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- October 4, 2020 – November 14, 2020 (apply here/call for entry)
- January 3, 2021 – February 13, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
- February 28, 2021 – April 10, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
- April 25, 2021 – June 5, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
- June 20, 2021 – July 31, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
- August 15, 2021 – September 25, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
- October 10, 2021 – November 20, 2021 (apply here/call for entry)
Details about application deadlines and award announcements are outlined within each of the Calls for Entry on the Zealous website.
