The Art Farm – Where Creative Projects are Made…

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor

Do you have an artistic passion, a creative idea, a book in you that you have been trying to write?  Think, if you were in a quiet working environment that provided room-for-free on 60 beautiful acres of prairie and pastured land and you had no financial or professional obligations to pursue your passion… Can you imagine how well your creative juices could flow?

There is, in fact, such a place in the middle of Nebraska. Art Farm is a tuition-free safe haven to explore one’s artistic aspirations. Since 1993, it has provided housing and expansive studio space to 20 professional artists, between June 1st and November 1st, from all over the world. Some stay for a couple of weeks and some stay for months. Painters, dancers, writers, architects, sculptors and every other type of creative person is welcomed here to take a artistic sabbatical.

The living accommodations are simple, clean and communal. All have private bedrooms and shared bathrooms, living area and kitchen. Machinery, equipment and material are available for residence to use, such as for pottery, metal work, wood work and so on. Plus there is wi-fi, giving you some access to the outside world.

It is a place where the residents can work at their own pace in a creative environment. The only thing asked of participating artists in return for their free housing and workspace is to help out around Art Farm for 12 hours each week to keep the system operational. This work is necessary since Art Farm does not ask for tuition (only a $20.00 registration fee). Residents do need to cover their own daily living expenses, however there is an organic vegetable garden available for everyone without charge. These are small prices to pay to be able to explore one’s potential without the pressure of deadlines, jobs or rent – a fortuitous and envious opportunity. And how I do envy……

Applications are being accepted now for 2012. The deadline is March 1st 2012. Only nine residents are accepted at a time and only 10% of the applicants get a chance to this opportunity. What a way to start off the new year! In addition, they do have an internship program for young people with aspirations of becoming an artist. Go to Art Farm to apply.