Alex and I are very excited about the upcoming Artist in Residence Program at Moosicorn. Our goal is to dedicate 1 cabin at Moosicorn for an Artist in Residence full time. We plan on hosting on-line competitions to source individuals looking for an opportunity to chase down their dreams. We will give these individuals full room and board for 1-6 months, access to our workshop/studio space and as much (or as little) consulting as they need to make things happen.
Our motivation is to help a few of the countless numbers of people with real passion and talent take a chance at making their dream a reality, as we try to do the same. How many of us have moved directly from highschool to college to work to marriage to kids to more work to retirement, never taking the time to fully invest ourselves in something we were passionate about because of a lack of opportunity or means? For these folks, this could be their chance.
As this program takes shape we hope to get much more input, advice and questions on how we will arrange this. Some of the most obvious questions we are just beginning to wrap our heads around. Here’s a bit of how we are approaching this.
Who will be chosen?
We will look for people who are motivated, talented, resourceful and ambitious (and nice as well). These individuals may be involved in any number of pursuits such as painting, sculpture, writing, programming, business start-ups, etc… We’re really open towards any medium of expression as long as they believe in it, have good intentions, and believe it may take them somewhere in life. These individuals will be expected to have a stated goal for their time spent at Moosicorn, one in which we can sense the potential for success, however they choose to define it.
What will we give them?
First and foremost, we will provide them with a supportive environment in which they can free themselves to focus on their work. They will not have to worry about paying for rent, utilities or food for the length of their stay. The accommodations won’t be luxurious, and we won’t be cooking every meal for them, but this isn’t a resort stay. Some meals will be provided but not all, and their humble cabin will be stocked with things they can prepare for themselves. It’s an opportunity to work. They will have access to our workshop/studio space, free-internet, run of the grounds and limited use of one of our vehicles for transportation. They will need to provide for their own art supplies, computers etc… (One of these days we hope to earn enough supplemental income for the program to afford them an allowance for materials/supplies.)
What will we expect in return?
We will expect output. Work. We want them to be successful. We want them to enjoy it. We require that they respect us, our land and our rules, limited as they are. We hope that they choose to be engaged with their environment. Programmers excluded. 
We want it to be somewhat free form as we understand everyone works in different ways. We won’t necessarily expect them to produce art for us or commit themselves to working the grounds. We want them to be as unfettered as possible to pursue their passions. Each person selected will be expected to sign a contract before coming to stay that will set out our expectations and what we will provide for them. (One of these days I’ll get a sample of this contract posted.)
How will we choose people?
At first we will probably source people organically. Friends of friends and such. Eventually we would like to host on-line competitions through our web-site in which the merits of their work and need for the residency are first voted on by people who visit our site. Then the finalists will be decided upon by a panel of 6-10 hand-picked individuals who represent a high-level of competency in their given field. Alex and I will reserve final approval or veto power as we will be opening our home and dreams up to them.
How can you help?
When will this happen?
We’re not sure yet, but we’re working hard on making it a reality.
I hope to continue to build out this page as not only a resource for individuals looking to participate in a program such as this one, but also as a resource for Alex and I to further define the program ourselves. If you are interested in contributing/participating further please contact us.
Talk to you soon.
