Before beginning the online application, please prepare your materials thoughtfully. All applications must be submitted through the online application system. Incomplete applications and those that fail to follow the guidelines below will be rejected without review.

Application Form

The application form has basic questions about you, your work, working habits, and preferences. You will be asked to self-identify the selection panel that will review your work.

Work Sample

Work samples are attached to your application by uploading media within the online application. For technical support, see the applicant help page at SlideRoom.com or contact support@slideroom.com. For other issues or questions, please contact us. For visual artists, in addition to the work samples, you should write one-sentence description captions that provide context and explain the artwork to someone who might be unfamiliar with your work. Assume that the reviewers are familiar with conventions in contemporary practice within the medium that they are reviewing, but feel free to add any specific social context or specialized knowledge. The caption for each artwork should be easy to read and should be limited to 100 words.

Work Sample – Visual Arts

You will be asked to upload up to ten files as a work sample. These ten files will be considered in two sets. The first five files are most important, as they are the only files considered during the first round of our selection process. The remaining five files of your work sample will be considered by our panel should your application progress. Video samples included in the first five files should not exceed 2 mins in length. Full-length video works may be included in the second set of five work sample files.

Formatting 2D/ 3D Image Files
Each image file cannot exceed 5 MB and be no larger than 1,280 pixels in any direction. Each image should be accompanied by a title, year, medium, and dimension. Space is provided for a description of each image file, should you like to give context for the work. For flat work, we recommend formatting your images in a way that the edges of the work are visible. Please do not include your name anywhere in the work sample.

Formatting Time-Based Files
Each video cannot exceed 250 MB in size. External links to videos hosted outside of Slideroom will not be accepted or viewed. Each video file should be accompanied by a title, year, and the original running time of the work. Space is provided for a description of each video file, should you like to give context for the work. Please do not include your name anywhere in your video files.

Work Sample – Literature

You will be asked to submit a writing sample by uploading a single PDF file in manuscript format in a 12-point legible font. Files cannot exceed 10 MB each. Your PDF file should be accompanied by a title and year. Space is provided for a description of your work sample, should you like to give context. Your name should not appear anywhere in the submission.

Poetry: 5-10 poems or 15 pages
Fiction: No more than 15 pages, double-spaced
Creative Non-Fiction: No more than 15 pages, double-spaced
Playwriting: No more than 25 pages

Work Sample – Choreography

Submit up to 30 minutes of video, along with any other material that adequately describes your work – including written text, movement scores, or other applicable documentation. Please note: the first 10 minutes of the video will be used for the initial review. Your name should not appear anywhere in the submission.

Each video cannot exceed 250 MB in size. External links to videos hosted outside of Slideroom will not be accepted or viewed. Each video file should be accompanied by a title, year, and the original running time of the work. Space is provided for a description of each video file, should you like to give context for the work. Please do not include your name anywhere in your video files.

Work Sample – Music Composition

Submit an audio recording and a PDF of the accompanying score of no more than three representative works.

Please title the audio file to correspond with the title (and movement) of the score. For works with multiple movements, include not more than three movements. Composers who do not use traditional scores must upload a PDF describing the transmission/performance method of their work in the work sample section of the application.

Audio files are limited to 30 MB in size. Larger files may be excerpted.

Please title the PDF of the score or lead sheet to correspond with the title of the audio file. Your name should not appear anywhere in the submission.

Supporting Documents

CV
You will be asked to upload your CV as a two-page PDF. We are most interested in seeing any upcoming shows, performances or publications, your recent shows, performance or publication history, your educational experience, any other residencies you have attended, and awards you have received. This document can include your name and will be available to our juries if you should reach the final stages of the selection process.

Work Sample Statement
You will be asked to upload, as a PDF, a 300-word statement that answers directly the question, “What are we looking at?” or “What are we listening to?” This statement should include any information you think necessary to provide further context to your work sample. Your name or other identifying information should not appear in this text.

Our F.A.Q. is here to answer any questions about the fellowship program; if any remain, please email us at [email protected].

About

Where is Fishers Island?

Applying to the Fellowship Program

How do I apply?

When does the application open and close?

How should I prepare my work sample?

What is the most important piece of advice you can give an applicant?

Who will review my application?

What is the timeline of the selection process?

How do I apply with a collaborative project?

What are the open session dates for the fellowship?

What is the cost to apply?

Are international artists allowed to apply?

I applied but haven’t heard back from you!

Will you waive my application fee?

How often am I allowed to apply?

I work in various disciplines; which discipline should I apply to?

I missed the deadline. Can I have an extension to submit my application?

I don’t have a BFA or an MFA. Can I still apply?

How many applications do you receive each cycle?

I am a composer/performing musician/choreographer/dancer can I apply?

Are applicants advised to submit new material each time we apply?

Fellowship Program

How many fellows are in residence at Lighthouse Works in each session?

How long is the fellowship session?

Is there a cost to attend the fellowship?

Are fellowship sessions grouped by discipline or genre, or other factors?

If I need to leave the island midway through the session to install a show/do a reading/visit family, can I?

Is there an age requirement or limit?

Can I come for four weeks? Can I come late or leave early?

Are pets allowed to accompany fellows?

Where do fellows stay?

What does a typical day look like during the Fellowship?

How far do I have to travel between the Hoffort House and the Annex?

How do I get from the house to the studio?

What kind of facilities are there at the studio building?

What are the meals like?

Are family members or significant others allowed to accompany fellows?

Can I bring my bike?

Are cars allowed on the island?

Public Art Commission

How do I apply for the commission? Can I send you my portfolio?

I live in NYC or Boston. What's the best way to visit the commission?