Watermill Center 2026 International Summer Program

International Deadline: February 18, 2026 – The International Summer Program unites a community of international artists for an annual creative intensive. Since 1992, the Summer Program has provided a unique opportunity for artists to develop new works alongside other emerging and established creative professionals, to forge an international community of collaborators across disciplines, and to push the boundaries of contemporary creative practice.

Culminating in The Watermill Center’s Annual Summer Benefit, the Summer Program allows artists to develop their practice in a communal and experimental environment. Participating artists share meals, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, attend workshops, and participate in the daily life of The Watermill Center. The program also provides opportunities to work with Founder/Artistic Director Robert Wilson and his collaborators on workshops, staging rehearsals, and installations.

Artists-in-Residence are immersed in an extensive collection of resources, including; 20,000 square feet of multi-purpose interiors and outdoor stages; a theater production archive; The Watermill Center Library; The Watermill Center Collection; and ten acres of landscaped grounds and sculpture gardens.

The 2026 Program will be from July 5 – August 2, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to national and international artists 18+ years of age. A variety of disciplines are accepted, including, but not limited to: visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, and music composition.

Working knowledge of English is helpful for international artists, as an interpreter will not be provided.

COSTS
It is free. Artists are required to pay the costs of their travel to New York and The Watermill Center. However, The Watermill Center provides a stipend for accepted artists to help offset travel costs and personal expenses. In addition, The Watermill Center provides, housing, food, local transportation, and all materials needed for work in the program. Accepted artists are encouraged to seek individual funding through scholarships, foundations, and grants if needed.

APPLY ONLINE – $12 Application Fee

About:
The Watermill Center is a laboratory for the arts and humanities providing a global community the time, space and freedom to create and inspire.

The Watermill Center
39 Water Mill Towd Road
Water Mill, NY 11976
+1 (631) 726-4628