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GENERAL INFORMATION

 

International artists and writers are encouraged to apply if you think you have the time for the international exchange which may include multiple residencies or travel in the United States. 

 

transportation? Unfortunately, trains and buses are not very accessible in this part of the United States - possibly due to the mountain range in Eastern Tennessee - as they are in other countries. The location of this residency is approximately 2 hour drive from the closest international airport and approximately 1.25 hrs to the closest small city that has a national bus route stop. If you do not have access to a car while in the residency program, there is help to pick-up groceries or other activities in the area.

If you choose to fly, we can coordinate transport from and returning to the Nashville International Airport. The closest train option would be Memphis and then taking a bus to Nashville. Florence, AL is another nearby town that has bus service from Atlanta if you fly, train, or bus in that area.

IF YOU THINK YOU WANT TO RENT A CAR WHILE YOU ARE IN THE U.S. TO BE ABLE TO EXPLORE A VARIETY OF CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS, please consider a few other options for your transit. Val is available to chat and assist in giving tips or directions based on your departure city.
International flights may be less expensive to Atlanta, GA which is a 5 hour drive or even JFK in New York where you can board a domestic flight that are often inexpensive on airlines such as Southwest or JetBlue. Driving cross-country is also a lovely and once in a lifetime experience if you add in several days to your travel plans. NY is a 15 hour drive plus stops. Los Angeles is 1964 miles taking you thru 6 states going east on highway 40 approximately 40 hours plus stops. Chicago Mid-way is a one hour flight on Southwest or a 531 mile drive south approximately 9 hours.

 

program fees? There are currently no resources to cover your transportation costs to the U.S. and no stipend to cover your residency fees. Fees are listed in USD.

 

LOCATION?

This area of Tennessee is a good location to explore a variety of cultures, food, cities, and geography of the "South" is diverse and fascinating. Nearby Alabama was the heart of Civil Rights movement in the 60s. It is a strange time to be in the world and the U.S. in particular especially with the conservative politics that may seem more vibrant in small town and rural America. Your host is committed to making a safe experience who has traveled internationally and believes in progress / democratic ideals. 

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VISA?

Depending on your home country you most likely will need a travel visa. Visas provide a visitor status which does not allow travelers to work so you would not be able to have any financial compensation for any activities. Please visit this INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE with all the details about Visas. Most often you will need a B-2 Visa. The costs for this must be covered by each participant and the visa must be obtained to confirm your participation. Expenses and time for research on this is up to each participant.

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SUPPORT & COMMUNICATION

Val, an artist and designer, will be your host. She has some very basic language skills in Spanish, French, Italian and learning more Japanese so she would like to practice. Of course there are helpful language translation tools, but English is the primary language if you are looking for practice in written or casual speaking. Val has traveled internationally to Europe including Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, England, Ireland, and Spain including Seville, the southern coast and Malaga, and Barcelona twice. She tried out her Spanish during a trip to Costa Rica in 2008 and in 2023. She spent a month in Egypt in July 2011 during the second rumblings of the Arab Spring and many of her photos are displayed at the camp. She has traveled extensively in Japan and brought back decor you will also see. She spent a month in Thailand in 2019 and the only time she could get a chance to visit Australia it was only 10 days which wasn't enough time to get over jet lag. She is very interested in cuisines from other countries and would do her best to acquire anything you may need such as spices or special ingredients even if it means we take a day trip into Nashville where there are many international options. She would love to cook with you and share conversation over meals.

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Val is very aware of the current divisions and volatile environment in the U.S. This space is located in a part of the country that experienced many race issues dating all the way back to statehood when the Native American Tribes were forcibly relocated. She will do her best to provide a safe environment for international travelers. The space is rural and there is likely no need to regularly interact with locals unless you want to visit something in the region. A brief stop at the local Walmart for groceries can give you an interesting, strange, unique, and authentic American cultural experience. Although there is a national rhetoric of anti-immigrant, it is apparent there are many immigrants in this region. Please be aware that you may see confederate flags flying or adorning cars. Val's graduate thesis project for her MFA in design focused on a marginalized historical African-American neighborhood that was settled by emancipated slaves in her home state of Florida. She is very aware and interested in social justice, freedom, fairness, and tolerance.

 

NOT INCLUDED?

Food during your stay is not included except for the weekly dinner provided by Val, but as the garden grows there will be some substantial community sustenance provided on a seasonal basis. Please note that eating healthy is part of the underlying philosophy of the space so we frown on soda and other junk food. If you are interested in coordinating cooking lessons or some meals provided, please inquire with the application. Help your brain by working in the garden. Anything you need to complete your work in terms of tools and supplies is not included, however you may request use of our basic tools from the essentials of screwdrivers or staple guns to drills, small bandsaw to chainsaw as we slowly develop a shop and ceramic studio. Transportation is not included, see below.

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DETAILS - PRICE/FEES?

Please see the information on the Residency overview page.