Arts and Science Residency Program

About the Program

Residencies in PHT’s Arts and Sciences Program consist of one-week to two-week stays in the dune shacks of the Cape Cod National Seashore. In addition to supporting projects in the visual arts, the residency program is designed to encourage a broad sweep of creative projects in the arts and sciences.

The application deadline was February 15, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.

General Categories for Arts and Sciences

• Architecture

• Healing arts

• Environmental (engineering)

• Environmental (naturalist, nature writing)

• Junior naturalist

• Acting/playwriting

• Dance

• Music

• Journalism

• Science (marine, terrestrial)

• Cultural/historic (history, literature, fiction, poetry, visual arts)

Application Process and Guidelines

In addition to examples of your work and a resume, the application requires a written description of your project and how working in the dunes will enhance your project and its value to PHT’s program. A jury reviews applications for their relevancy to shack life, diversity of disciplines, and impact on the local community. All awardees will display their work in a group show (date TBD). If selected, you agree to send work made during the residency or inspired by it for inclusion in the exhibition (and arrange and pay for its transport and delivery back to you). It is, therefore, essential that you clearly explain how your work will be presented/displayed.

Applications are due by February 15, 2024, and are reviewed by a jury. The residencies will be awarded by March 15, 2024. User fees are due in full by April 30, 2024. Fees range seasonally from $200 - $375 per week, depending on the month.

Please note: applicants who have never participated in this program will have priority over past Arts and Sciences residents. Prior residents are encouraged to become members of Peaked Hill Trust and to enter the yearly community lottery for a shack.

Shack Life

In your plans and preparations, remember that you will bring all your project supplies, belongings, and food in and out of the shack on your own. A volunteer caretaker will escort you and transport your gear in the PHT truck. Your shack caretaker will introduce you to what you need to know to live lightly in the dunes. There is no public transportation in and out of the dunes.

You will get much more detailed information before going out to the shack, including what to bring and what not to bring (the shacks are relatively well-equipped with kitchen supplies, blankets, etc). By accepting an offered week, you agree to be responsible for the shack for that period. That means that when you leave, the shack needs to be left in as good or better shape than when you got there.

The Shacks

• Small (one of them has only a single bed)

• Not directly on the water

• No plumbing (although there is a rather nice outhouse)

• No insulation

• The water pump is at some distance from the shack.

• Each shack has a dry sink, refrigerator and gas stove

• All shacks have a solar panel that is dedicated to powering the refrigerator. Recharging of devices not assured.

• No housekeeping services; assortment of mosquitoes, mice, snakes, voles, ticks

• You are on your own. It rains on occasion and can be very hot mid-season and cold on the “edges”

• There are no dogs or cats allowed (very sorry)

• Shacks are within the National Seashore and require hiking on sand to get to the ocean.

2024 Shacks, Schedule and User Fees

Scholarships

For residents experiencing financial hardship, one two-week residency scholarship at the Ray Wells shack will be awarded in full. If applicable, please indicate on your residency application.

Equal Opportunity:

The Peaked Hill Trust do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.