FAQ

General

Is the ACRE Residency open to International applicants?

Yes, the ACRE Residency Program is open to artists from anywhere in the world. However, please keep in mind that we are unable to provide aid with travel costs to any accepted resident. We are happy to help those traveling from afar with visa applications or provide a physical acceptance letter for grant applications, etc.

Why is there an application fee?

While we aim keep our costs to artists as low as possible, we must charge an application fee in order to cover the cost of processing and reviewing hundreds of applications. An application fee also helps us to keep the cost of the residency fee at a reasonable rate.

Our application has a supportive tiered fee structure that includes a free application period each year for the first 1-2 weeks of the application cycle. Our three payment tiers are typically: Free (14 days), $45 (32 days), $55 (7 days). 

Slideroom charges a fee of $10 per application plus a 3.9% processing fee. The remaining application fees we collect cover the costs of reviewing your applications including the annual cost of the application system and stipends for review panelist's time at $100 per panelist.

I’m an ACRE Alumni, can I apply to attend the residency again?

Our policy is that alumni cannot attend the residency two years in a row. So, if you attended in 2022, you are not eligible to apply again this year: you will have to wait until 2024 to apply for summer 2025. Alumni from 2021 or earlier may apply again this year.

What about work-study opportunities?

In an effort to create a more equitable environment and expand on the communal spirit of the program, ACRE no longer offers work-study positions for a discount on the residency fee. We now award 10 half-scholarships instead, and enlist the help of the entire residency community to cover chores that the work-study residents were responsible for. This means that all participants are asked to contribute to chores including dishes 4-5 times during their residency. Additionally sharing in some of the day to day labor at the residency keeps our costs low for all. 

 

Application

How do I get back to my saved in-progress application?

You can login to SlideRoom at anytime to continue working on your application. For technical support related to the SlideRoom application system check their help center or contact SlideRoom customer service. If you lose your password or are not able to log in contact SlideRoom tech support at support@slideroom.com or use there online chat tool. 

When and how do I pay the application fee?

Once you have completed the application form and are ready to submit, you will be directed to a payment page where you can use credit or debit card to pay the fee. The payment page will automatically update to reflect the appropriate fee period. Transactions are secure and processed through Authorize.net. This charge will show up on your bank statement as "SlideRoom Application".

The application fee for the 2024 ACRE Residency Application increases incrementally according to the following timeline:

October 2 - October 11: Free to apply

October 12 - November 10: $45 

November 10 - November 20: $55 

Why do you collect demographic information and how is it used?

We collect demographic information to better understand our community and therefore support it to the best of our ability. We use this information as a metric to ensure that we are meeting our goal to build and support a community of artists with diverse backgrounds in terms of location, medium, experience, ethnicity, age, education level, etc. Additionally, funding organizations that we seek support from request this information in grant proposals and reporting. This information is not provided to our Admissions Panel and is not associated with individual names when used for reporting. The only time in which this information may be associated with individual names is by administrative staff when identifying applicants who are eligible for special scholarships.

Admission to ACRE, the awarding of scholarships, and the pursuit of all ACRE activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ability, age, education level, etc.

For the race/ethnicity and gender identity questions, we ask that you answer both by selecting pre-determined categories and by self-identifying in the blank field provided.

What is the difference between a general scholarship and a special scholarship?

General scholarships are open to any applicant who exhibits financial need. General scholarships are provided by individual donors and other fundraising initiatives. In order to apply for a general scholarship, you must select general scholarship on the application form and provide a statement regarding your current financial picture including current income, any dependents, and debts. General scholarships are awarded based on both merit as determined by our admissions process and need as determined by an admissions committee review of financial need statements. 

Special scholarships are open to any applicant that meets the criteria required for each scholarship as outlined here. Special scholarships are provided by individual donors and institutions that want to provide the opportunity for a residency free of charge to a particular kind of artist. In order to apply for a special scholarship you must select the scholarship(s) you would like to be considered for on the application form and meet the criteria. Criteria are verified by administrative staff before scholarships are awarded.

How do I apply as a collaborative group?

You may apply with another applicant or applicants as a collaborative project. For collaborative groups consisting of more than three members please contact application@acreresidency.org for further instructions.

Each individual applying to ACRE must submit an application and pay the application fee. However, collaboratives will submit a single portfolio of work to represent their collaboration instead of separate portfolios. We call this submitted portfolio the "Primary Applicant".

  • Decide which member of the collaborative will be the primary applicant and which will be the secondary applicant. 
  • Primary application submits the portfolio, secondary applicant only submits the informational portion of the application.

 

When applying as a collaborative you will be prompted to enter a name for your collaborative group--it can be as simple as “your name + your collaborator’s name.” Make sure that all members of the collaborative group use the same exact name on each application or you will not be matched up during the review process.

Depending on the nature of your collaboration, you may also choose to submit separate portfolios. If you choose to submit separate portfolios they will be reviewed and scored separately which means that we cannot guarantee that both applicants will be admitted.

On the primary application, you are encouraged to indicate in your written answer whether this is an ongoing collaboration or you are newly working together at the residency.

  • If an ongoing collaboration, please use a statement and work samples that reflect the collaboration as much as possible.
  • If a new collaboration, you may use a statement and work samples from each member. Take care to distinguish work samples by utilizing the captions. 
  • Keep in mind that you must still enter all written answers and work samples on only the primary application, and your total number of work samples remains 10 files and/or 5 minutes of time based work, total.

 

There is one exception: if all members of the collaborative group would like to include a CV, then each member should upload their CV to their own application.

What should I include in my written section?

This section is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Avoid generic answers: please be detailed and give an answer that is specific to your unique practice and experience.

We ask the following questions: 

  • Please describe your current practice
  • What are the goals or intentions you have set for your current practice, and how might you benefit from the time and space provided by an ACRE residency? Be specific.

Why do I need to select my primary area of work?

We ask that applicants identify their primary area of work to help determine which panelists will review your application. Our admissions panel is composed of a diverse group of artists and arts professionals working in a range of mediums, so we want to ensure that each application is reviewed appropriately.

This does not limit your application from being reviewed by panelists who work in a range of media, rather ensures that some number of jurors who have knowledge relevant to your medium or practice contribute to the review of your application. 

What information should I include in the session availability section?

Session Availability:

In the session availability section we ask you to rank your preference for each session, and note any sessions you're unable to attend. If accepted you will be offered one of these three sessions, switching sessions may not be possible, but we do our best to work with your schedule. Please note that session dates may be subject to change, any date changes will be communicated in advance of offering you a spot at the residency.

Facilites Use:

We ask which facilities you anticipate using to help us plan and supply each department appropriately. You are not committed to a specific area or required to work in one area.  All facilities are communal.

Additional Session, Scheduling, Accommodations, or Availability Info:

This field is where we collect information about concerns related to housing or sleeping needs. You can indicate if you would like to be placed in a shared room with another applicant or share a bed with another applicant in a private room. Please note: the majority of our housing for residents is shared. Private rooms are limited and meant for two people who want to share a bed or for those with particular needs that require private housing. 

Additionally you can use this space to let us know if there are any particular sessions you absolutely can not attend, if you have to leave early or come late, if you want to attend a session with another applicant or staff member, etc. We try our hardest to accommodate requests, but may not always be able to.

What information should I include in the very last field on the application?

Applicants can optionally note their access needs in this field. This information does not go into the applicant review. ACRE is committed to being open and accessible to all artists. We are eager to work with you directly to ensure we will be able to meet your needs. For more information about accessibility at the residency please see our accessibility page.

Please use this space to share any specific requirements or accommodations that would support your full participation and engagement in our residency program. This may include, but is not limited to, considerations related to physical accessibility, sensory needs, mobility aids, communication support, dietary preferences, or any other factors important to your participation.

This information has no bearing on your acceptance to the residency. If you have questions about accessibility at the residency please reach out at info@acreresidency.org.

Will there be an application deadline extension?

In the past we have offered a deadline extension, however, this year we may not be able to do so. Most commonly, we will have a 24 hour extension announced the day before the due date. Any last minute extensions will be announced via Instagram and Facebook. Please plan to submit the application by the published deadline, 11:59PM CST, November 20, 2023.

How do I ensure that my application is submitted by the deadline?

Things always take longer than you expect! To ensure that your application is submitted in time, we recommend that you upload files and save your writing at least 1 hour before the stated deadline. Our application system automatically stops receiving applications at the stated deadline. Additionally, we do not have the capacity to assist you with technical difficulties in the final minutes or sometimes even hours before the application closes. 

We want to help! For us to be able to fully support you with uploading your application, or any surprise technical issues that may arise, we need you to communicate with us in advance of the deadline. Please plan to start your application several days in advance to ensure that should you need help we can respond before the deadline and properly address your specific needs.  

We all fall behind, get overwhelmed, and leave things to the last minute and that is ok! But if you submit your application in the final hour of the application period, be aware that we may not be able to help if difficulty arises. We hope that you will apply again next year! 

I submitted my application but did not receive a confirmation email.

If you submit your application and do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at application@acreresidency.org.

I need to update my application, but I already submitted it.

Contact application@acreresidency.org to let us know if you need to make any changes to your application after you have submitted it. We will likely make the update for you, or may re-open your application for you if necessary.

 

Portfolio

What sizes and formats are accepted for my work samples?

This year we are working with SlideRoom. The following is taken directly from their help section Working with Media and Your Portfolio. SlideRoom has a thorough help section and 24 hour support for applicants who need technical assistance with their portfolio. You can also reach out to us at application@acreresidency.org

Acceptable File Types

SlideRoom accepts all media file types. However, some media file types are optimized for viewing in a browser, resulting in an easier-to-view portfolio. Unless otherwise stated, the following file types may be uploaded to SlideRoom:

  • Images: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif 
  • Videos: .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg
  • Audio files: .mp3 
  • Documents: .pdf

 

Keep in mind the following information when uploading files to the Portfolio section on SlideRoom:

  • No embedded links
    • Panelists are asked to review a total of 5 minutes of your time based media work samples. They will not review more than 5 minutes. Keep this in mind when you are uploading and excerpting time based media work
  • Images must be under 5 MB.
  • You can upload images with any dimensions, as SlideRoom resizes images larger than 1280 x 1280 x 72 ppi.
  • Videos must be less than 250 MB in size.
  • Audio files must be less than 30 MB in size.
  • Documents must be less than 10 MB (unless otherwise stated on the Portfolio step).
  • Images and videos are subject to be compressed to be displayed properly in SlideRoom.

 

Resizing Images

  • If you wish to resize images on your side, 1024 x 1024 px at 72 ppi is a good standard to use as a general guideline for browser based-viewing. If desired, you can use an image editor on your computer to adjust your image size.

Troubleshooting Errors

  • If your audio or video file is under the size limit but isn't uploading, compress the file to a smaller size. This generally allows your media to upload.
  • If your media meets the file type and file size requirements, but still isn't uploading, reach out to us at support@slideroom.com.
  • If you're getting a file extension error, check that your filename doesn't contain any invalid characters (e.g., ?, ", |, >, or <). Note that adding the wrong file extension causes a processing error. You can confirm you're using the correct file extension by checking the software that created it or producing a new file with the appropriate extension.

 

Writing Samples

  • You may submit multiple writing samples
  • Please limit PDFs to a maximum of 5 pages 

 

Can I include the maximum number of work samples- 10 images/text docs and 5 minutes of time-based work?

While you are allowed to include the maximum of 10 files and 5 minutes of time-based work, we encourage you to consider quality over quantity when putting together your application. Keep in mind that the admissions panelists are viewing a minimum of 100 applications with 1,000 work samples. A tight selection of strong samples can go a long way towards a higher score. Please be considerate of the time you are asking to be spent in reviewing your application.

Why can’t I submit a PDF of compiled work sample images?

The way our application review site is designed, PDFs are meant for predominantly text or publication based work samples or for work that is documented non-traditionally (curatorial, social practice projects, etc). If you submit a PDF with images it will not display well to the admissions panel. Please submit images as JPGs or GIFs. You have the opportunity to add captions through the application form.

Please limit PDFs to a maximum of 5 pages. 

Why am I getting the message “file name has no extension” when uploading?

On the Mac, files usually have an extension in the file name, but are not required to. Simply rename the file and add at the end “.jpg” or “.mov” or the extension for one of the other supported file types, as appropriate.

Why am I getting the message “bit rate must be 10.0 Mbit/s or less” when uploading a video?

When exporting your video, select a bit rate of around 9.0 megabit (that’s 9216 kbit, by the way), and you should come in under the limit. Some programs are not entirely exact about this setting, and your video will only be accepted by the system if it is less than or exactly equal to 10 megabit per second. Also, if you use 720p for the resolution (rather than the max of 1080p), then you should not need any more than about 5 megabit/s.

How and why should I add a caption to my work samples?

You may include up to 200 characters of description for each file you upload, whether audio, images, text, video, etc. When you upload, you will be prompted to label your media. The title field is required, the year and additional details fields are optional. Please use the additional details field to provide information that will help reviewers in understanding your work samples such as medium, dimensions and brief description.

A description is especially helpful for documentation of performance or social practice projects and use of exceptional processes or materials. If you choose not to enter your own caption, the default caption will be the file name. You will not have the opportunity to include a separate title list, so this is where you should include all information about each sample.

How can I edit the order in which my work samples are seen?

The order in which your work samples are seen by the admissions panel is the order in which they are arranged when you submit your application. You can determine the order of your work samples by dragging the file boxes into your preferred order once they are uploaded.

*Tip: Put your strongest work at the beginning of the portfolio.

I want to include moving image or time based work samples (film, video, performance, sound, media-installation, etc). What should I do?

We expect at least 700 applications to be reviewed by our mostly volunteer panelists (panelists receive a $100 stipend). To ensure that time-based work samples are optimally suited for this process, we highly recommend the following when preparing your materials:

  • Each application is reviewed by at least 8-10 panelists over 3 rounds of review. In the final, in person, round of the admissions process, we will play short excerpts from your time-based work samples. The panelists will still have had the opportunity to see your full work sample in advance. Fill in the 'timecode' field (click where it says, "None") to specify where you would like this excerpt to begin. Add this field to your top 1 to 3 time-based files. Format: MM:SS
  • Please use a timecode of 00:01 instead of 00:00 to excerpt from the beginning of your file.
  • Use the text box/caption for each file uploaded to include info for the work to help contextualize the work for the application reviewers. e.g. include: title, year, duration, medium/materials.
  • Consider including a PDF that gives supporting info for time-based works you’ve submitted – be clear and concise (no more than 1 page per work submitted). For example, you may include: a brief description for the work; video stills from the work, or installation or performance shots; any important details pertaining to the work; a link to the entire work if it's available online, in case the application reviewer would like to view the work further.

Is a CV required and why should I include it?

CVs or résumés are not required as part of the application. You may want to include your CV to help give panelists a broader sense of your practice. Panelists use information from CVs to help understand how well you may fit into the communal atmosphere of the residency, if your practice is considered emerging, and if you would benefit from ACRE’s program and resources, etc.

If all members of a collaborative group would like to include a CV, then each member should upload their CV to their own application.

 

Admissions

When will I know if I’ve been accepted?

Admissions decisions will likely be released in early February, and no later than March 1.

When do I need to confirm attendance after I’ve been accepted?

Applicants awarded a residency will have at least 2 weeks to confirm their residency, once they’ve received an acceptance letter. No extensions will be allowed, except in extreme circumstances.

If I’m on the wait-list, how long before I know if I’ve been accepted?

Applicants may be on the wait-list for up to one month after being placed on the wait-list, before a final decision is announced.

I was accepted but there was no mention of a scholarship in my acceptance letter. I can not attend without financial help.

Please contact us regarding your situation. It is possible that other artists awarded financial aid may be unable to attend or more financial aid will open up. We can place you on a separate wait-list for financial aid, but cannot guarantee any will become available. Upon request, we are happy to work with residents to create an alternative payment plan of up to 4 payments due by September, if needed. Please note that the first installment of the residency fee is non-refundable, as we may not be able to fill a vacancy with short notice.

If I've been accepted but cannot attend, can I defer to the following year?

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to manage deferrals year to year. You will have to re-apply again the following year.