Welcome to the
Hermitage Artist Retreat!
It is our pleasure and honor to extend an invitation for a Fellowship and residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Artists of all disciplines come to the Hermitage by invitation only. Located on the Gulf of Mexico near Sarasota, Florida, the Hermitage provides an inspirational place for writers, musicians, theater makers, visual artists, choreographers, and more to create new works. Among our distinguished Hermitage Fellows are numerous Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Grammy Award, and Rome Prize recipients, as well as Guggenheim Fellows, MacArthur Fellows, Poets Laureate, and more.
We are offering our 2024 Fellows a flexible bank of four weeks to spend at the Hermitage's beachfront campus; these weeks can be booked in any weekly increments you choose over two years, with all arrivals on Tuesday and departures on Sunday. Some artists take all four weeks at once; others break their time into smaller segments that better fit their professional and personal obligations. We highly encourage you to book a two-week stay at minimum wherever possible. Newly invited 2024 Hermitage Fellows have two years to use their time – from August of 2024 through August of 2026. This is always subject to availability, so early booking is strongly encouraged.
Check out this PBS overview of the Hermitage and its history, featuring current Artistic Director & CEO Andy Sandberg, Hermitage Co-Founder Patricia Caswell, and Hermitage Fellows Claire Chase (Music), Sid Richardson (Music), and Christopher Merrill (Literature) .
What Is Expected?
There is no charge to stay at the Hermitage; it is a gift of time and space to you.
There is no requirement to produce specific work. We don't require a project description, nor are there expectations to produce a finished product. Furthermore, we do not request financial participation in any future revenue generated by your work. We do ask that you acknowledge the Hermitage Artist Retreat in future credits for work developed as part of your residency.
We ask you to do a public program or two for the community. We encourage you to think creatively and expansively about what this might be without over-burdening your time on campus. We love a creative idea! Past programs have included play readings, musical presentations, prose or poetry readings, exhibitions, open studios, instrumental concerts, interactive workshops, school or university visits... or anything that you feel comfortable presenting. We will coordinate with you regarding the details and your needs. We want this to be special and meaningful for you, as well as the members of the community. Critics are not invited, so artists have often used this as an opportunity to try out a new work with an engaged and appreciative audience!
What Is Provided?
A suite with a bedroom and private bathroom in one of five historic beach houses on the barrier island of Manasota Key on the Gulf of Mexico south of Sarasota, Florida. All facilities are air-conditioned, and all linens are provided.
All living spaces have a kitchenette, and there is a shared outdoor kitchen (great for social gatherings!) where you will find everything but an oven.
A separate work area or studio.
A total of four weeks in beachside paradise, which can be taken two weeks at a time, according to your schedule.
A shared car for local transportation.
An endless beach for walking and the surf to lull you to sleep each night.
The inspiration of other accomplished artists in residence across a variety of disciplines. (Please note we generally only accommodate 5 or 6 artists at any given time, so you have plenty of space.)
Wifi and printer access – though we encourage you to lie about the internet if you want to disconnect. The internet works well and many artists have streamed classes or workshops... but we won't tell anyone if you don't!
Equipment such as a digital piano, computer monitors, dance infrastructure, cork boards, and various office supplies. Ask us for what you need with as much advance notice as possible, and we'll do our best. We may not be able to accommodate every request, but we'll try!
What's Next?
Respond to our invitation - If you're here, that means you got our invitation! We'd love to follow up with a little something in the mail, so please be sure to respond with your acceptance and mailing address.
Register and select your dates - Next step is to fill out the registration form so we can be sure we have your current bio, headshot, equipment needs, and emergency contact. The form should only take a few minutes and you can find it here.
On the form, we'll ask you for the dates you'd like to attend. To see what dates we have available, check out our calendar here.
Learn more about the Hermitage on our website.
Common FAQs
Are pets allowed?
Sorry! As much as we love dogs and cats and goldfish, we ask that you leave all pets at home due to the sensitive nature of the historic structures. (Exceptions can only be made for registered service animals.)
May I bring my spouse/partner/lover?
We love them too, but please leave them home to take care of the dogs, cats, and goldfish. If you have young children and are interested in learning more about our family residencies, please email Programs@HermitageArtistRetreat.org
Should I rent a car?
Generally, it's not needed. We provide a shared artist vehicle for local trips like the grocery store, farmers market, attending off-site programs, or heading out to grab a bite to eat. If you're planning to range further afield than Sarasota or take frequent trips on a fixed schedule, you may want to consider renting a car. If you're planning to use the shared artist car, we need your license to add to our insurance 72 hours before you can drive the car.
How long should I stay?
Residency weeks are Tuesday (arrival) through Sunday (departure), and we recommend two weeks as the shortest stay. If you can't get that much time away, you can try one week - but Fellows regularly tell us it feels too brief. The first and last days are devoted to travel so one week only leaves four full work days. Most Fellows report that the shock of being in this beautiful place usually takes a day or two to adjust and shake off the 'real world'. Splitting your bank of time into two trips also allows you to anticipate a return and be fully prepared to utilize every moment!
What airport should I fly into?
Please utilize the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ), as it is the closest to the Hermitage campus (about a 50 minute drive). If you choose to fly into RSW (about 90 minutes) or TPA (about two hours), we cannot guarantee that we can provide ground transportation to the campus.
How do I eat while I'm in residence?
Between Welcome Dinners and events, the Hermitage generally provides one or two full meals per week (often with leftovers) and there will be snacks and some staples waiting for you upon arrival. Apart from that, you are on your own. Instacart is a popular option among artists for shopping, but if you prefer to shop in person, Publix is easiest and most popular. Be sure to check out the "Cooking at the Hermitage" section on the Important Details page for more info.
Are the spaces air-conditioned?
Yes! Both heating and air-conditioning is available, but some artists prefer fresh air. That said, kindly choose one or the other - windows or A/C. It's not good for the system to run the A/C while windows are open! Portable fans and heaters are available upon request.
What if I have to cancel my residency?
It is difficult to fill vacancies on less than three months notice. Late cancellations may be subject to forfeiting weeks or residency time. Please communicate about your schedule with as much notice as possible and we are happy to work to reschedule your time whenever space allows.
What's the address?
Should you need to mail anything to campus before or during your residency (letters or packages), please address to our administrative offices: Your Name, c/o Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223. However, the best address for driving/GPS (or local food delivery such as Instacart/takeout) is the artist housing: 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223.
How do I ask specific questions not covered here?
Check out the Important Details page for more information, or send us an email at Programs@HermitageArtistRetreat.org. You can also give us a call at (941) 475-2098, Ext. 5.
The Hermitage National Curatorial Council (rotating)
Arts Education
Courtney J. Boddie - Director of Education, New Victory Theater
Tina LaPadula - Arts Corps, Founder and Manager of Arts Education for Seattle's Office of Art and Culture
Literature
Jennifer Clement - President, PEN International
Mitchell S. Jackson - Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author
Cathy Park Hong - Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Time 100 Most Influential People (2021)
Music
Claire Chase - Flutist, Avery Fisher Award, MacArthur Fellow
Terrance McKnight - WNYC Radio Host
Du Yun - Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer
Theater and Film
Nataki Garrett - Co-Artistic Director of One Nation/One Project and #ArtsforEveryBody
Rajiv Joseph - Broadway Playwright and Pulitzer Prize Finalist
Lynn Nottage - Two-Time Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright
Visual Art
Sanford Biggers - Rome Prize Recipient and Guggenheim Fellow, Hermitage Greenfield Prize Winner
Kimberli Gant - Art Curator, The Brooklyn Museum of Art
Christine Kuan - Creative Capital, President & Executive Director
Other Disciplines
TBA
Special Residency Initiatives / Institutional Partnerships
International Writing Program @ The University of Iowa
Roundabout Theatre Company
American Opera Project
Aspen Music Festival and School
Sarasota County Arts & Cultural Alliance
Florida Association for Arts Education
Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
...and more!
