Absolutely not! All artists are welcome. While we still keep the historical name “Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture,” we understand art in a multidisciplinary way. Applicants should choose whichever category aligns most closely to their practices:

2D: painting, drawing, printmaking

3D: sculpture, installation

Photography: primary engagement with photographic mediums

Time-Based: video, film, sound art

Performance/Live Art: performance art, choreography, and other forms of art that may include live situations as part of the work

Social Practice/Ecological Art: art forms which involve people and communities in debate and collaborations

Yes. You must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program. There is no maximum age. However, we recommend our applicants to have some years of experience within their own practice to fully benefit from the exchanges that the program provides.

No. Skowhegan is a school that is structured as an open learning environment. We are not, however, an accredited academic institution.

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with the application for a Visa or cover the associated expenses, but we can provide a letter of invitation upon request. We are not an accredited academic institution and cannot participate in the application process for student visas. The majority of our participants come to Skowhegan on a B2 or tourist visa.

Yes. We provide grants toward travel expenses for our international applicants. Regrettably, we cannot provide financial assistance for travel expenses within the United States.

The common language at Skowhegan is English and it is important to have some knowledge of the language. All the lectures, workshops, and studio visits are conducted in English.

Applicants can only submit one application per cycle, but it’s possible to apply again every year.

Yes. Collective teams may apply but only two members can attend the program, no exceptions.

We suggest selecting individuals who are able to convey the commitment and openness of the applicant as an artist, as well as their ability to work well in a collaborative setting. We may contact them if the application advances to the final round. We do not require letters of recommendation.

Yes, there is an application fee, and it cannot be waived. Over the course of the application period, the fee increases from $20 to $50 to $80 at the end of the process. We recommend you don’t apply at the very last minute. 

The application fee is processed by Stripe. If Stripe is not available, we will provide an alternative payment method. 

Applications submitted after midnight of the final deadline will not be considered.

Our priority is to ensure that the School is accessible to all interested artists who are accepted. We have scholarship funds to support artists in need and our practice is that no accepted artists will be turned away for lack of funding.

We generally notify applicants about 3 months after the application closes (January). 

After submitting an application, everyone receives an automatic email acknowledging the receipt.

We recommend checking your spam folder and making sure that email settings accept help@skowheganart.org as a safe address.

Mail generated from our website is often blocked by spam filters (this is particularly true for those who use Hotmail, AOL, and Earthlink). 

No. Acceptance is offered for a particular year and may not be deferred except in an extraordinary circumstance. The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason including application withdrawal.

Our goal is to accommodate every artist who is accepted. All of the program facilities and some of the residential buildings on campus are accessible, however, many of the paths and spaces between them might not be easy to navigate. The campus is located in a natural environment that presents significant challenges for those with mobility or accessibility requirements: the rough terrain includes uneven surfaces, gravel paths, and hills. Please contact us at help@skowheganart.org if you have concerns or questions about residential and studio accessibility.

It’s not mandatory and artists are able to manage their own time on campus. However, if you are not interested in a learning environment in which exchange and feedback are at the center, you might reconsider if Skowhegan is the right program for you.

Our rural environment is beautiful and peaceful. It is important to remember, however, that we are immersed in nature. The buildings are connected by unpaved roads and natural paths, and the campus is quite large, so everyone should be prepared for long walks on a daily basis. There is no air conditioning or heat in the studios, communal areas, and dormitories, so they can be hot or cold during the summer months. New England's climate is also humid, particularly during this time of the year. Applicants should seriously consider whether Skowhegan is the appropriate program to attend if they are not interested in living in a natural environment with all its opportunities and challenges.

No. It is not possible to leave campus except in extraordinary circumstances (and approved by the Director). Our program includes one visitor weekend in which you may leave campus for three days (Friday to Sunday). Absences after that period are not permitted. We also organize day excursions and you are able to go to town or other locations with fellow participants if you wish.

No. Despite our understanding that everyone would like to share this experience with their loved ones, we do not allow family members or friends on campus except for visitor weekend. 

No. Pets are not allowed on campus.