Resident Artist Program
There is no doubt we are living in a difficult time– a time of reduction, uncertainty, tension, and polarization. Arts funding– both directly to artists and via organizations that support them– is being reduced or eliminated on the federal, state, and local level. Artists have no artistic home due to the lack of physical space for creation. And opportunities for growth and mentorship through organizational administrative support is being deprioritized.
If artists are to continue to be the catalysts for hope we need, now is the time to step up and in to offer support to our storytellers in all disciplines.
This is why this year The Dance Hall is launching our first-ever Resident Artist (RA) program. Our first cohort of four emerging and/or established artists across artistic disciplines– from musicians to dancers to actors—who are at a transformational point in their careers will call TDH their artistic home starting in July and running through Dec 2025.
RAs will receive a range of resources customized to their needs, such as: development, rehearsal, and performance space; production support; and opportunities for group and individualized mentorship and growth.
How does it work?
One Tuesday per month, each artist will have use of TDH space for 8+ hours for their craft. The usage of space could include classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances– how each artist uses the space and time is completely up to them, on each day. Some may want to pull back the proverbial curtain on their craft and invite the community in to experience what making looks like for them. TDH staff will be on-site to support whatever is needed, meeting each artist where they are in the moment
How will it benefit the community, the artists, and TDH?
As an arts organization, it is critically important that we show up for our artists at this moment. TDH is doubling down on our commitment to not only showcasing art, but investing in our local creative talent.
The community will have opportunities to experience the process of creation from sitting in on an evening of development or rehearsal to then witnessing a public performance as part of TDH’s ticketed programming.
Resident Artists will build connections with each other, sharing experiences, ideas, and challenges, and will have the opportunity to collaborate and create with each other, possibly even teaming up and sharing their residency time to co-create.
RAs will also act as champions for TDH in the community, and this first cohort will help guide the program overall by sharing radically candid feedback about what is working well and where they need more support. In some ways, this will be a bit like building the plane as we’re flying it, but now is the time for action, and with patience and grace our first cohort will share lessons that guide the program’s future years
How can I become a Resident Artist in future years?
While this first cohort has been specifically curated, for 2026 we anticipate opening an application period toward the end of 2025. A small committee will review applications and choose the second cohort of RAs for The Dance Hall for 2026. As the program grows, we hope to be able to secure financial support in order to offer direct funding to RAs through small stipends, and/or cover costs to help RAs produce content. We will also explore the possibility of increasing the number of RAs selected in order to invest more deeply in the artistic community.
TDH will take a holistic approach to the selection process and prioritize artists who are:
based in Southern Maine or the Greater Seacoast area of New Hampshire
at a transformational point in their career
aligned with TDH's values of accessibility, collaboration, respect, and curiosity.
If you have specific questions about the Resident Artist program, please reach out to Artistic Director, Eric Klaxton : eric@thedancehallkittery.org