hudson valley RESIDENCY/retreat

The Jumpslide Artist & Activist Residency/Retreat is intended to provide space for artists, activists and others to create, collaborate, rest, and / or explore new ideas in New York’s Hudson Valley.

The residency includes a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house near Gardiner, NY available for up to 3 weeks. It is open to artists, activists and others creating change in the world, and those who wish to support these endeavors.

The Costs: We have two primary types of stays, one for those wishing to experience the great outdoors and beautiful Shawangunk Mountains while also supporting artists and activists in residence, and another low-cost option for artists and activists staying for residency, retreat or other projects.

The Requirements: The residency requires you to do nothing. We may host a community dinner or dinners at some point during your stay that you’ll be welcome to join, and any artistic contribution to the space itself are welcome. Our hope, but not expectation since change takes a lot of forms and happens over time, is that the residency will create positive change in the world in some way, shape and form.

About the space: The main floor of the updated 1950’s farm house includes 2 bedrooms with queen size beds, a full bath, a living room, dining room, sitting room and full kitchen with filtered water and a dishwasher. You’re also welcome to use the hot tub and outdoor grill. Washing and drying machines are available in the basement.

How to Apply: The residency is currently by invitation only.

F.A.Q.s

What is the space like? Is it shared?

The house is located on a 5 acre property we share with the three generations of our family, who you will likely meet at some point during your stay. The residency house can be shared by as many as 4 people. There is also an apartment upstairs that is often occupied and not available for guest use. The property is relatively remote and intentionally pretty quiet. 

What are the dates for the residency?

The process is super simple--folks can suggest dates that work with our calendar (sorry we’re currently not accepting residents).

What kind of work is required?

We don’t require any particular line of intellectual work (or even work for that matter—sometimes we just need to rest to be able to continue on the path, right?). And no deliverables either. Here's what other residents have been up to.

This is not an airbnb. By staying at the Jumpslide Artist & Activist Residency/Retreat, you’re joining a community of diverse dreamers, thinkers and doers who also deal with the practicalities of sharing a house together. We ask that you help maintain the residency for other guests by letting us know about any repairs that are needed, along with the usual chores of keeping things clean while you’re there, taking out garbage and recycling, replacing any stained linens or broken glasses, etc.

What is nearby? Do I need a car?

We are about an hour and 45 minute drive from New York City. Nothing is really walking distance but things are close by car. The town of Gardiner is about 10 minutes away, and New Paltz is about 20 minutes away, both of which have great shops, restaurants and stores. Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve are 15 minutes away and offer tons of amazing hiking of all skill levels. 

The trick is, you kind of need a car to access all of these things in the area. You could take the train from NYC to Poughkeepsie or Beacon and rent a car, or take the Trailways bus from NYC to New Paltz and take a cab or car service. We can talk about other possible options.

Is there Internet?

Yes.

Is there heating and air conditioning?

Yes, there is a combination of central air in the summer and forced air heating in the winter.

What types of artists is this residency open to?

There is no definition for artist nor activist nor artist-activist that we are using. And no single discipline is preferred. We just want to have people who are doing good / creating change in the world use the space.

Can I nominate someone else?

Right now the residency is by invitation only.  Past residents can nominate others. You can use this form to do that.

Why did you start this residency? 

The residency builds on the decade of work that we did with Revolutions Per Minute in New Orleans after the floods and the subsequent retreat we set up for Jumpslide New Orleans. It also comes from the personal experience that artists and activists sometimes  need space for rest and inspiration free of deliverables, expectations, or other strings.