wild and wonderful rural residencies
>>>Currently accepting applications for Self-guided residencies in the qhhq only<<<
>>>Currently accepting applications for Self-guided residencies in the qhhq only<<<
One of our locations/venues in West Virginia!
V4L initiates and facilitates customized creative residencies across all disciplines. Our focus is on identifying and addressing the themes of rural transition—through participatory research with creatives and communities in the exurban environment of the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland.) Our approach is simultaneously artist-initiated and community-driven.
Residents are given production help and space, administrative assistance, networking opportunities, as well as guidance on local customs and issues relating to contemporary rural life. Open to all artists, movers, scientists, farmers, historians, musicians, writers, journalists, filmmakers, and others.
Our program is multi-locational—meaning that we partner to build a network of hosting locations and interested communities in which residents may engage, based on the artist or collective’s intended work.
While each residency venue and housing situation is customized based on the artist and project, V4L does have one permanent hosting location/workspace (QHHQ) and one permanent production and exhibition venue (Wayside Wondercabinet)
Katie Prock, “His Beer is Often Warm”. In residence (January 2024) at the FARWELL COTTAGE RESIDENCY in Hillsboro, VA
Multi-disciplinary artist, Pat Arnao floats in a rowboat while scouting a location for an installation as part of her “Drifters” project.
residency types
we are currently only accepting applications for Self-guided residencies in the QHHQ
we are currently only accepting applications for Self-guided residencies in the QHHQ
QHHQ self-guided Residency (april-November)
At its most basic, a residency is a place for someone to live and work. What to work ON is determined by the resident. A self-guided residency does not require any involvement with the community, any sort of exhibition or output, or even frequent interaction with your hosts. It is self-catered, and no administrative help is provided other than guiding potential residents towards possible funding sources (if needed) and connecting the resident to local resources.
Minimum stay of one week required/Maximum stay one month
$500/week
2 weeks=$800; 3 weeks=$1,100; month=$1,50
other residency types and rates (2025)
project residency
You have an idea, a thing, a pull, a reason, an impulse you want to explore that is particular to rural life, or this area, or something that we have to offer—and you would like to develop something and share it. The “sharing’ can take any form, but it requires the help of V4L to make it happen. We love these types of residencies, and will work together with you to develop a plan and connect you with resources to realize your goal. The rates for these types of occasions are variable and depend upon the amount of administrative work required of V4L. Part of this administrative work can include finding outside funding or support for your project so that you can compensate us for our trouble! May also include use of Wayside Wondercabinet as an exhibition or work space.
$2000/month
Includes lodging and 15hrs of admin
collaborative residency
If you are part of a collaborative community project initiated by us (or initiated by someone else and organized by us) the fees associated with your experience vary greatly. You may actually even get paid or a stipend—depending on the project! In general, these situations involve open calls for participation or invitation, and any money concerns will be communicated in the initiation stage.
In the future, CALL FOR PARTICIPATION will be listed on our page and broadcast widely.
fees/stipends and duration vary
farwell cottage residency
Located in the historic town of Hillsboro, Virginia, the Farwell Cottage hosts 1-3 residents in the month of January every year. The focus of this residency is community engagement through various creative opportunities—including workshops, open studios, walks, talks, parades, or friendly waves from the front porch! Opportunities to participate in a Farwell Cottage Residency will be announced by an Open Call when applicable.
Funding resources
While we do not provide funding for self-guided residencies, explore some of these lists for grant and award possibilities. In most instances we can provide and invitation or letter for your grant application if you are applying to finance your residency with us
Arts and Mobility (travel) Grants https://artistcommunities.org/funding-fees-fellowships
State and Local Arts Councils https://www.arts.gov/state-and-regional-arts-organizations , https://usregionalarts.org/
>>It also is worth contacting any affinity groups that correspond with any themes you may be working with, or whose mission includes working with artists or projects which share your regional, ethnic, or national identity. Additionally, many foreign cultural foundations, or embassies, consulates, or cultural attachés in the U.S. will offer support for exhibiitons, performances, or presentations. Corporations or businesses can also be helpful partners if your activities will somehow promote their business<<
