RESIDENCY/retreat
Closing the Residency
November 11, 2024
Today, we are announcing the bittersweet closing of our Artist & Activist Residency. The residency has been a self-funded passion project, born out of our observations that artists and activists need more places to rest and be inspired, and our experience that New Orleans is one of those places for so many. We wanted to make staying with us easy, and so we set it up with no requirements, no application, no hoops to jump through. We just wanted people to come. And we wanted to share our deep, deep love of New Orleans with them.
And share we did — more than 100 residents stayed with us for over 600 nights. Some came to do work. Some rested. Some did both. We didn’t require anything of them, but of course many incredible projects were dreamed up and worked on here…Like Christine Sun Kim & Adriel Louis’ Elevator Pitch, Thao Nguyen’s Quietly Amongst the Disquiet and Cey Adam’s Homer Plessy Mural in the French Quarter, just to name a few. It’s truly incredible what comes from restful spaces.
We are closing the residency because after 25 years of parenting, running nonprofits and fighting for social justice, and especially after a difficult two years for our family, we realized that we need to get lighter and more flexible in our next phase of life. We are selling our house, and plan to rent a smaller apartment in the neighborhood. We will always offer artists and activists room in our home to rest and be re-inspired — I don’t think we could stop that if we tried; it’s just too much a part of who we are — but we’re just not sure what this might look at the moment.
As we close this phase of our work and life, we wanted to invite folks who’ve stayed with us to share anything they want about their time with us in New Orleans that we can share with others. Maybe some of those words will inspire others to do something similar.
Thank you, all.
Erin & Jon.
The Jumpslide Residency provides space for artists, activists and others to rest, revive and (re)connect with the amazing people and culture of New Orleans.
The residency includes a studio and living space in the Bywater 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 and participate in New Orleans culture while also supporting artists and activists in residence (visitors), and another low-cost option for artists and activists staying for residency, retreat or other projects (residents).
Visitors: In addition to a small cleaning fee,* we ask that visitors contribute financially to cover some of the actual costs of staying, and help make it possible for others to come as well. The amount is on a sliding scale based on a daily contribution that you decide (suggestions below based on income).
Income Suggested Nightly Contribution
Under $40,000 $25
$40,000- $60,000 $45
$60,000-$100,000 $55
$100,000 and above $75
Residents: Other than a small cleaning fee*, we don’t charge for the use of the space. But we also don’t cover flights, meals, alcohol, etc. It is just the space that is provided…And a bike to use while staying with us. We also accept donations to keep the residency going!
The Agreement to Stay: For both visitors and residents, we ask that you respect and care for our home, neighbors and community as you would your own. We ask that you come with a curiosity about New Orleans’ music, food and culture and a willingness to participate in it, not just consume and extract it. While we expect that you will keep the space relatively clean during your stay, we also require all visitors and residents to pay a small cleaning fee.
* Required cleaning fee for all: $40 for 1 week or less, $60/2 weeks, $75/3 weeks
This is not an AirBnB. By staying here you’re joining a community of diverse dreamers, thinkers and doers dealing with the practicalities of sharing spaces and paying bills while trying to create new ways of being in the world. 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 here, taking out garbage and recycling, replacing any stained linens or broken glasses, etc. We are open to your input on how to make our space and process better for everyone – us, our neighbors, you as visitors & residents and, especially, the people of New Orleans.
F.A.Q.s
What is the space like? Is it shared?
The space is separate and behind our home, and is one bedroom with a queen bed, a living room, a bathroom and a kitchenette. The kitchen includes basic supplies like an induction stove, toaster oven, electric kettle, refrigerator, etc. The studio has a small outdoor patio and comes with a bike or two (please bring your own helmets and locks). The space is best for one to two people sharing a bed. There is a couch that can be made into a twin bed as well.
Is there Internet?
Yes.
Is there air conditioning?
Hell yes. It’s New Orleans and the space has AC and heating.
Is there access to a laundry machine?
Unfortunately, there isn’t. But there are laundry mats nearby that we can point you to.
Do you have any recommendations for what to do in New Orleans?
We have loved this city for a long time before we moved here, which makes sharing some of its greatness so fun. We keep a list of recommendations regularly updated so come back whenever to see what’s new / changed / etc. http://bit.ly/erinpottsnolarecs
How do I apply for the residency?
Because we have been so overwhelmed with applicants and because of COVID, the residency is currently by invitation only.
What kind of work is required for the residency?
We don’t require any particular line of 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. We may host a dinner or brunch with members of the community, and ask that participants add a bit of creativity to the studio itself (it is currently very white walls, no art, etc.). Here's what other residents have been up to.
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.
Can residents come back for another residency?
To ensure that others can experience the residency, we ask that residents who want to return to New Orleans do so as visitors and pay according to the sliding scale above.
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. 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.
