Overview
The James Weldon Johnson Foundation has been honored to collaborate with Bard College at Simon’s Rock since 2017 for its annual artist-in-residence program, where selected artists receive the prestigious James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts. Nestled on the scenic 220-acre Simon’s Rock campus in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the residency provides Fellows with access to state-of-the-art studio space in the Daniel Arts Center, one of the premier creative facilities in the Berkshire Mountains. However, with Simon’s Rock set to close its campus in Summer 2025, this year will mark the final residency at this iconic location. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our next chapter in 2026, as the legacy of these transformative art residencies continues to thrive.
This residency program is dedicated to supporting established, mid-career, and emerging visual artists, writers, scholars, and creative thinkers whose work reflects the values championed by James Weldon Johnson: social equity, creative expression, erudition, social justice, and community engagement.
Residency Details
2025
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Program Size: Five artists in 2025
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Residency Duration: One- or two-week residencies, running from Saturday, June 21nd to Saturday, July 5th (artist’s choice)
Community Engagement
Fellows will have opportunities to engage with the Simon’s Rock community and the Greater Berkshires through discussions, workshops, and presentations for students and local arts supporters.
Financial Support
Each artist receives a $1,000 stipend to support their work during the residency.
Additional Amenities
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Meals are provided at the Simon’s Rock dining hall, offering healthy and delicious options in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Full access to the Kilpatrick Athletic Center, a premier facility featuring an indoor pool, fitness classes, tennis courts, racquetball and squash courts, an indoor track, and a weight room.
Each artist receives a $1,000 stipend to support their work during the residency.
This unique residency program invites artists to explore their craft in a serene, supportive environment while honoring the legacy of James Weldon Johnson. Through creativity, collaboration, and connection, the program continues to foster innovative works that resonate with the values he upheld.
ARTIST TESTIMONIALS
Having dedicated studio space with the amenities of light, slop sink, walls for pinning work, work tables available at all hours made working a delight each day…Many of us work alone so the camaraderie can lead to friendships, collaborations and a richer experience.
I was able to complete 50 paintings, which has made subsequent studio visits by curators a much more rich experience. I have been offered shows as a result.
I begin my days early, working in the residence and then I spend time walking or driving out and about looking for landscape scenes, historic houses and streetscapes.
Once I find an ideal location with a combination of preferred elements and composition, I stop, set up my art materials and begin painting.
The experience was amazingly enriching and productive. I was able to experience first hand how inspiration flows unrestricted when you are removed from the distractions of familiar surroundings and everyday life for an extended period.
Being in Great Barrington gave me the mental and emotional space to focus on my craft while enriching my mind with reading, meditation, and fellowship with other artists.
The surroundings, atmosphere and serenity of Great Barrington and the campus at Bard at Simon's Rock is conducive to my avid productivity since I've been here.
I've fallen into a pattern of painting every day and it's very fulfilling. I am able to paint in the house and in the studio. The flexibility of the residency has been a wonderful aspect of my time here.
I felt adventurous and allowed my natural curiosity to flourish. I found myself speaking with staff, students and community members. Everyone was excited and seemed truly invested in knowing more.
I spent several afternoons sitting by the stream at Johnson’s house. I was able to listen, just listen. As I sat on the grass and sketched an apple tree, I was able to absorb what was abundant.
General Questions
What is the James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts?
The James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts is an artist residency program established by the James Weldon Johnson Foundation in partnership with Bard College at Simon’s Rock. It supports visual artists, writers, scholars, and creative thinkers whose work reflects the values of social equity, creative expression, erudition, social justice, and community engagement.
Where is the residency program held?
The residency is hosted on the 220-acre campus of Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Artists work in state-of-the-art studio spaces at the Daniel Arts Center and have access to Five Acres, James Weldon Johnson’s historic summer retreat.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program welcomes established, mid-career, and emerging artists, writers, and scholars whose work aligns with the values championed by James Weldon Johnson. Applications are open to creatives in a variety of disciplines.
What does the residency provide to Fellows?
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Studio Space: Access to premier facilities at the Daniel Arts Center.
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Housing and Meals: Comfortable on-campus accommodations and meals at the Simon’s Rock dining hall.
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Stipend: Each Fellow receives a $1,000 stipend to support their work during the residency.
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Additional Amenities: Access to the Kilpatrick Athletic Center, which features an indoor pool, fitness classes, tennis and racquetball courts, and more.
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Community Engagement: Opportunities to lead discussions, workshops, and presentations for the Simon’s Rock and Greater Berkshires communities.
How long is the residency?
The residency is one or two weeks in duration, depending on the Fellow’s choice, and runs from June 21-July 5 in 2025.
What is the significance of Five Acres to the residency?
Five Acres, James Weldon Johnson’s historic summer home and writing cabin, provides a profound source of inspiration for the Fellows. It is where Johnson created seminal works such as God’s Trombones and Along This Way. This sacred site offers residents a unique opportunity to connect with Johnson’s legacy and enrich their creative practice.
What community engagement opportunities are available during the residency?
Fellows engage with the Simon’s Rock community and the Greater Berkshires through workshops, discussions, and presentations. These activities foster dialogue and collaboration with students, scholars, and local arts supporters.
Can artists who go through the residency programs participate in the LIFT Collective?
Yes, artists who complete the James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts residency are eligible to have their works featured in the LIFT Collective. This initiative highlights original creations by Fellows, offering a platform to showcase and celebrate the artistry inspired by their residency experience.
How do I apply for the residency?
Application details and deadlines are provided on the James Weldon Johnson Foundation website. Be sure to check for updated application requirements and submission deadlines for the upcoming cycle.
What is the history of the residency program?
Launched in 2017, the residency program has supported 32 artists to date. After a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, it resumed in 2021. It continues to honor James Weldon Johnson’s legacy by fostering creativity and connection in a serene and inspiring environment.
How can I learn more or support the residency program?
For more information or to support the program, please contact the James Weldon Johnson Foundation at jill@jamesweldonjohnson.org or Click Here To Support the Program
James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts Artist Residency Application Form
Fill the form below or download the application.
James Weldon Johnson. Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
“Oh, that mankind had less of Brain and more of Heart,
Oh, that the world had less of Trade and more of Art;
Then would there be less grinding down the poor,
Then would men learn to love each other more;
For Trade stalks like a giant through the land,
Bearing aloft the rich in his high hand,
While down beneath his mighty ponderous tread,
He crushes those who cry for daily bread.”
—James Weldon Johnson, “Art vs. Trade” from James Weldon Johnson: Complete Poems, edited by Sondra Kathryn Wilson.
Fellows are encouraged to draw inspiration from the vibrant Simon’s Rock community, the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, and the collaborative exchange of ideas with other residents. During the residency, Fellows engage in dynamic discussions with scholars, artists, and students, fostering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment.
Since its inception in 2017, the program has supported 32 artists through immersive residencies, offering housing, board, and financial support.
As part of the residency, artists reside on campus and have access to Five Acres, James Weldon Johnson’s historic summer retreat.
This inspiring space includes his home and writing cabin, where he created seminal works such as God’s Trombones and Along This Way. This sacred setting offers residents a profound connection to Johnson’s legacy, enriching their creative practice
