FAQ

The Mentorship Residency Program is a pioneering residency concept that serves as an arts incubator with generous workspace and modern facilities enabling the creative work of visual artists across disciplines. Indigo Arts Alliance Co-Founders, Daniel and Marcia Minter have benefited from mentorship throughout their life and pioneered Indigo Arts Alliance to be a center for Black and Brown artists to equally exchange creative practices while increasing an individual’s cultural, creative and artistic worldview. The Mentorship Residency Program gives artists the opportunity to engage mutually as professional artists in an environment that fosters their ideas and creates space for upward expansion.

Indigo Arts Alliance Co-Founders, Daniel and Marcia Minter have experienced mentorships throughout their lives and pioneered Indigo Arts Alliance to be a center for Black and Brown artists to exchange creative practices with their peers while expanding their individual cultural, creative, and artistic worldview. The Mentorship Residency Program gives artists in an environment that fosters ideas and creates space for upward expansion. Mentoring is a dialogue between and among artists who share cultural histories and experiences. We intentionally pair artists to cultivate rich conversation, collaboration, and exchange experiences, knowledge, art industry information and technical skills. The goal of the pairing is to build positive relationships that enhance and stretch each of you as artists and human beings. Community engagement connects the artists to the general public, showcasing their creative practices while increasing awareness of the skill and thought leadership of diverse talent.

Artists should expect to be in residence for one or two months depending on their selected residency term. For nationally based artists, the residency term is one month. For international artists, the residency term spans two months. Paired artists are required to be in the studio together for a minimum of 8-10 hours per week. Outside of those required hours, artists may utilize the residency experience to focus on their own individual practice.

Yes! We encourage applications from artists working nationally and internationally. Please note, however, that Indigo Arts Alliance cannot provide visas, nor can it sponsor international applicants. All international artists in the residency program must secure their own visas and/or passports prior to their arrival. For National/International Artists: If accepted, Indigo Arts Alliance will pay travel expenses required for artist’s arrival/departure.

There is no cost to apply.

Due to the volume of applicants, we cannot offer individual feedback, but we encourage you to email ashley@indigoartsalliance.me with questions understanding that we may not be able to answer or specifically provide direction.

National/International Residents receive a $2,000 stipend paid out in thirds, and are provided off site housing on a need be basis. For any significant distances, or out of state travel, Indigo Arts Alliance will pay for any travel expenses required for your arrival/departure. We do not cover food or travel once in Portland.

Maine/North East Residents receive a $1,000 stipend paid out in thirds.

Our facilities can accommodate most disciplines, including but limited to writing, music, painting, fiber/textiles, drawing, sculpture, and more. If our facilities cannot accommodate your project, we are able to partner with other local studios with specialized equipment who can assist in facilitating your work.

There is not a formal education or training requirement, but the caliber of this program is high and there is an expectation that you have an established degree of experience and competency in your practice and craft. Residents should have 2+ years of exhibition and/or studio experience.

Yes. All applicants must submit their applications in English. If English is not your first language, and you need application assistance, please email ashley@indigoartsalliance.me.

Once every two years.

Under special circumstances your residency may be deferred.

Yes, artists that are seeking to work together to move forward ideas or concepts can apply. Artists that have a working or teaching history together can apply. Although we do not formally host artist teams, we do encourage and support collaborative work that residents ignite during their residency.

Yes, the Indigo Arts Alliance staff values the care and safety of our local and global community. The wellness of our artists, supporters, and allies is deeply important when navigating the world in a global pandemic. Please refer to our Covid Guide and Policies document for more information on how IAA is responding.

Yes, artists that are seeking to work together to move forward ideas or concepts can apply. Artists that have a working or teaching history together can apply. Although we do not formally host artist teams, we do encourage and support collaborative work that residents ignite during their residency.

While the studio building’s overall blueprint is approx. 2000 sq.ft., Black Seed residents will occupy a 500 sq. ft allocation of space. The studio is equipped with homasote walls for tacking up work, 2-3 work tables, chairs, and wifi. There is a shared bathroom, lounge space, and ample parking available. It is not a living space, work only.

Artists should expect to be in residence for three months. Selected applicants are expected to keep their own schedule while in the studio and have 24 hour access to the space.

No. This program does not require residents to facilitate or host a public engagement event as a part of the residency. We organize and schedule private studio visits for our David C. Driskell Fellows. In the instance an artist would like to host a public engagement event, Indigo Arts Alliance will fully support their project.

Yes! Be sure to read the requirement information for both programs carefully. Alumni of the David C. Driskell Fellowship Program are encouraged to apply for the Mentorship Residency Program, and are eligible for consideration one full year following their residency period.