betterArts

2024 Artist Retreat Program:
Rolling sessions May 15-Oct. 31

betterArts offers an artist retreat program to artists, writers, performers, and musicians based at Better Farm, a 65-acre sustainability campus nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks and the Thousand Islands Region. Residencies are designed to offer artists of every discipline space and time to work on specific projects; whether a series of paintings, a composition, book, set of sculptures, or album.

Located 10 miles from the Canadian Border along the St. Lawrence River and Indian River Lakes System, Better Farm offers an unparalleled rural living experience. There are more than a dozen lakes within as many miles (the closest is 1.5 miles away); an on-site pond; vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens; shop space; and two-story Art Barn with gallery, studio, and recording space (downstairs gallery space has climate control; upstairs is seasonal). A private room, 24/7 access to a fully stocked communal kitchenette, linens and towels, WiFi, parking, and round-the-clock access to the Art Barn are all included in a low stipend required of all residents. 

The environment is simple and communal. Residents are expected to do their share in maintaining the condition of Better Farm as well as its peaceful environment.  

betterArts residents are afforded extensive time and privacy to create; they are also encouraged to interact with and participate in the goings-on around the property as desired, and to help out with farm-related projects between three and five hours each week (projects generally occur over the weekends). These responsibilities may include working in the gardens, participating in arts-related community outreach projects, helping with house chores, cooking, or assisting with other odd jobs. At the conclusion of each residency, an artist is invited to present his or her work to the public in a gallery show, reading, performance, or another appropriate medium.

Residencies are for two weeks, three weeks, one month, or two-month periods. Basic facilities at Better Farm will be provided, but betterArts residents are expected  to provide the majority of materials and equipment they would need for the production of their work. To provide maximum studio space for each artist, betterArts accepts between one and three residents at any one time on the property.

The standards for admission are talent, desire to live and work at Better Farm, and a willingness to have a go at the Better Theory: a belief that each moment presents us with the opportunity for exponential personal growth.