Open Call: ChaNorth, 2026 International Writers & Artist-in-Residence Program

About the Open Call

ChaNorth, Chashama's upstate artist residency, located just outside of Pine Plains, NY in the Hudson Valley since 2006, is holding an open call for its 2026 International Writers & Artist-in-Residence Program. The residency is self-directed, offering space, time, and inspiration to make new work, and aims to promote interest, awareness, and understanding of visual arts in a rural community through engagement with the artists. ChaNorth accepts applications in all creative fields, including Visual Arts, Writing, Music Composition, Choreography, and Performance. Each month-long session hosts up to 7 artists, curated to create small, dynamic, diverse, interactive groups. The program fosters community engagement through Artist Talks at the Pine Plains Free Library and Creative Workshops, with plans to restart these safely. Additionally, ChaNorth collaborates with McEnroe Organic Farm’s Education Garden, where resident artists participate in 3 hours of work exchange each week, in return for shared kitchen stocked with fresh, seasonal produce and whole grains. Shared meals act as the anchor of the program. The residency also participates in Upstate Art Weekend (June 25-29, 2026), a connective annual event celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York, attracting thousands of visitors and providing significant exposure. The application process is in two stages, with shortlisted artists invited for a Skype/phone interview from January - February 2026.

What is Offered

ChaNorth offers private rooms, private studios, and a fully stocked kitchen with fresh, seasonal produce and whole grains. It provides networking opportunities through 2-3 studio visits per session from critics, curators, gallerists, and residency directors. There are also exhibition opportunities, including participation in Upstate Art Weekend. One fellowship award is granted per season for a young artist under 30, offering a no-fee one-month residency. Community engagement opportunities include Artist Talks and Creative Workshops. Transportation to and from the Wassaic or Rhinecliff Train Station is provided once on arrival and departure days.

Requirements

Artists enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs at the time of their application are not eligible to apply. Applicants are required to submit a third-person paragraph Artist Statement (100 words), a third-person paragraph Bio (100 words), a Statement of Interest in chaNorth Residency (max. 150 words), a CV (max 2 pages), 10 Work Samples (including one work-in-progress/studio image), and 1 professional reference. National and international artists are welcome to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a third-person paragraph Artist Statement (100 words), third-person paragraph Bio (100 words), Statement of Interest in chaNorth Residency (max. 150 words), CV (max 2 pages), 10 Work Samples (including one work-in-progress/studio image), and 1 professional reference. If wishing to be considered for a community workshop, applicants should fill out the relevant section on the application form. For collaborative artists wishing to share studios/accommodations and for all other questions, inquiries should be directed to chanorth@chashama.org. Review the FAQ section of the website before emailing. Applications are accepted via Submittable.