CREATIVE RESIDENCY & INTERNSHIP

A 15-Day Program for Seguinland Alums

January 3–18, 2026 | On-site in Maine

This January, alumni are invited to return to Seguinland to reconnect with their creative practice and engage deeply with community-based artmaking. Over fifteen days, participants will pursue an independent project while also working as interns at a vibrant, innovative arts organization. The program is designed to create space for creative exploration and practical learning—an opportunity to further explore how creativity fosters connection, provides meaning, and contributes to the good life.

Open to up to six alumni, the program is composed of two facets:  

  1. Time for self-directed work in an artist residency format, while being supported by Seguinland faculty.

  2. Hands-on experience and mentorship at an excellent community arts organization through an internship at the Chocolate Church Arts Center (CCAC). (note: CCAC has no religious affiliation–it resides in a converted historic church)

PROGRAM DETAILS

Two-Part Program Experience:

  • You’ll spend approximately 20 hours each week developing a self-directed creative project—writing, composing, designing, building, or following a question that drives your curiosity. Faculty will offer feedback and structure through weekly group check-ins and one-on-one consultation. You’ll share your process and present your work at the end of the program.

  • You’ll intern 20 hours weekly at the Chocolate Church Arts Center (CCAC), contributing meaningfully to the daily life of a working arts institution. Placements are shaped by your interests and built through hands-on experience. Expect real responsibilities, close mentorship, and space to grow.

    Each intern will sign up for one main area of work, identified through a conversation with Jeremy before the program start. Areas include: 

    • Art Lab Programming & Maintenance: Develop improved organizational systems for the Art Lab layout, clean and sort incoming art supply donations, assist with puppetry displays, and support the Art Lab Director in creating new programming through writing and outreach.

    • Sound/Light Tech & Production: Work with the Production Manager to organize, maintain, and update lighting and sound equipment. Assist with set-up and preparation for any performances occurring during the internship period.

    • Graphic Design & Marketing: Design posters, draft website copy, and create box office displays. Organize the photo archive and help update the press and community outreach database.

    • Facilities & Interior Design: Help clean, organize, paint, and update the facility. Participate in developing a cohesive interior design for the building, which may include researching design ideas and helping to envision and implement aesthetic improvements to the space.

    • Grants Writing & Administration: Assist with writing specific grant proposals, researching potential grants and funding streams, and handling administrative tasks such as updating the CCAC grants calendar and compiling information for final grant reports.

    • Office Administration & Systems: Support the office team in improving systems for the daily operations of the front office, including filing, box office procedures, assisting with audience ticketing, and helping with office layout and setup.

    Group Project(s): Additionally, everyone will work together on a large group project (e.g., last year interns worked with staff to help transform an underutilized area into a beautiful and much needed office space)

Shared Meals & Weekly Potlucks with Discussion: A welcome dinner and weekly potluck dinners gather  alumni, faculty, and CCAC staff anchor our time together, pairing food with open discussion around creative practice, place, and community—guided by themes that emerge from the group.

Housing and Studio Space: You’ll have access to shared living and studio spaces that support both daily life and creative work. Sebago Cottage offers a cozy home base with a kitchen, common areas, and double-occupancy bedrooms. A separate cottage will provide dedicated shared studio spaces for a range of practices—from writing and painting to collaborative experimentation. These environments are designed to foster connection, independence, and artistic focus.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

This is a chance to take the lessons and experiences about living the good life from Seguinland’s more structured academic programs and begin putting them into practice. While you’ll have mentorship along the way, this experience is especially shaped by your own direction and the support you offer one another.

  • Self-Direction: You are expected to set creative goals, manage your own time, and drive your project forward. Weekly check-ins are here to support you—but initiative and resourcefulness are essential.

  • Preparation: Before the program begins, you’ll select areas of interest for your CCAC internship. You and Jeremy Eaton of the CCAC will schedule a Zoom meeting to determine together what primary focus area will be the best fit.

  • Materials & Tools: You’re responsible for bringing the materials and tools necessary for your project. While basic shared items may be available, plan to arrive equipped to work independently.

  • Professionalism: Treat your internship as a job. Be present, reliable, communicative, and proactive. Your role matters. You’re representing Seguinland, and your contributions have a direct impact.

  • Communal Living & Cooking: Living in community requires flexibility, awareness, and shared responsibility. You’ll be expected to take part in all aspects of cottage life: cleaning, cooking, and helping sustain a respectful, functional home for all. You will be responsible for your  daily meals.

  • Weekly Potluck: These weekly dinners offer a chance not only to share a meal and good conversation, but to learn the valuable community-building skill of hosting a potluck. Alums are expected to help organize and contribute to this age-old tradition during the program. 

  • Transportation: You’ll need to coordinate your own transportation for the duration of the program—including commuting to CCAC, grocery shopping, and travel to and from campus upon arrival and departure. No transportation is provided by Seguinland or CCAC. We encourage alums to plan ahead and coordinate car access with each other in advance.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE (click to learn more)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PROGRAM COST: $900 -includes housing and studio space on Seguinland’s campus. Scholarship money is available for families that qualify for financial aid. 

INTERNSHIP STIPEND: Students will each receive a $200 stipend from the Arts Center. 

A nonrefundable 50% deposit required to hold your spot upon acceptance


APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31st