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International Participants

GENERAL INFORMATION & LOCATION

 

International artists may apply, but please be aware upfront that there are currently no resources to cover your transportation costs to the U.S. and no artist stipend to cover your residency fees. This is a relatively isolated place so you may not be able to get around if that is your goal. Pick up at the Nashville International Airport can be arranged as part of your residency plan.

 

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. Our location is 90 miles from Nashville International Airport which is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car. There are no regional public transportation options like many other countries. Pick up and drop off from airport can be arranged. If you plan on exploring the region you will need to rent a car. If you only want a few tours or visits to stores by car, those can be arranged with Val.

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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.

 

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.

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SUPPORT & COMMUNICATION

Val, an artist and designer, will be your host. She has some 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. 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, 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.

 

TRANSPORTATION?

This is a rural area and if you want to explore or are scheduling a short residency a car is necessary. If you are reluctant to drive and just want to make sure you spend as much time as possible at the retreat space, Val can arrange pick up and drop off at the Nashville International Airport. If you are looking for a ride to groceries or a basic tour of the area, please inquire to coordinate with Val.

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DETAILS - PRICE/FEES?

Please see the information on the Residency overview page.

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