Artist-In-Residence program

Announcing the Residency: The East Quabbin Land Trust is pleased to offer its inaugural series of Artist-In-Residency program during the summer months in 2026. 

Artists working within the cross-section of Art – Nature – Community should consider applying for the residency. The goal is to allow space and time for artists to explore their chosen medium while being inspired by the natural environments of central Massachusetts. Diverse artistic expressions are welcome, including writing, music, dance, sculpture, watercolor, collage, multimedia, and photography. 

The residency is available to individuals or couples. 

Date of Residency. Multiple residency opportunities are available during the months of May, June, July and August. Residencies are for two- to four-weeks, based at the East Quabbin Land Trust’s office, 120 Ridge Road in Hardwick, Massachusetts. 

Entry Deadline: Online applications are accepted in an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically

No Entry Fee

East Quabbin Land Trust’s Mission: The organization fosters a meaningful relationship with the natural world by conserving, connecting with and caring for the farmlands, woodlands and waters in the East Quabbin region of Massachusetts. Engaging in the outdoors in a variety of ways broadens our understanding and connection to the land that sustains us. 

Art focus and ideal candidates: Artists participating in this residency program should be:

• Inspired by nature
• Interested in developing deep connections
• Share your passion and work with others
• Create new works of art or complete an ongoing project, and
• Self-motivated

Residency Benefits to artists: This residency is designed to provide the artist time to work on your art free from daily obligations, convenient access to EQLT conservation lands and other open spaces in the region, opportunity to give a workshop or educational program to community members, and present your work to the public. 

Residency Includes:

• Furnished Apartment above EQLT office with studio space
• Opportunity to teach, mentor, and/or advise the public about your art
• Easy Access to EQLT properties for inspiration
• Periodic meals with EQLT community members

Accessibility: Our facilities are not currently ADA compliant. The apartment is on the second floor, accessible only by stairs.  

Selection: A diverse committee which includes artists and EQLT members will evaluate your application.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to artists at all career stages wanting dedicated time to explore their craft.

Resident Responsibilities: Residents will provide their own materials. Due to the nature and location of the apartment, toxic materials (turpentine, mineral spirits, etc) will not be allowed. At the end of the residency, the resident will share their work through a public workshop. It is expected that the resident will take advantage of EQLT preserves to create work that illustrates the relationship between nature and art and community.

To Apply: Your application will largely be evaluated by your work samples. Artist statements and CVs provide supplementary and contextual information to the review committee. Applications are taken in an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically. Artists will be notified of their status within 30 days of submitting their application.  

Click here to apply.

References: May be requested at the discretion of the review committee. 

Non-Discrimination Statement: East Quabbin Land Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, family structure, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the arts. Equity is central to our mission, and we seek out and select diverse candidates. Jurors reflect a broad set of backgrounds and approaches.

Questions? email Cynthia Henshaw at [email protected].