Q: Do you accept international applicants?
A: Yes.
Q: What do you mean by “established” artists?
A: We do not offer classes, workshops or tutorials. The purpose of BMC’s program is to provide space for motivated and organized individuals who are looking for a quiet space free from the typical distractions of life to concentrate on their work. We find the “established” is an easy way to weed out people who are looking for more guidance or structure. We discourage students from applying to a BMC Residency.
Q: My work fits into more than just one category. How should I proceed?
A: We ask that you designate a category/genre on your application that best fits the work you intend to do while at BMC. Your designated preliminary reading should be in that same category. In addition, we welcome supplemental materials in other genres.
Q: Should I send new or previously published work?
A: For the preliminary reading we suggest that applicants send work they feel is their strongest. In addition, many applicants include work related to a current project as supplemental materials.
Q: Can I send copies of publications?
A: We ask that the writing samples be submitted in manuscript form (single sided, double spaced).
Q: I’m a poet. Do I need to double-space my poems?
A: Poets should feel free to submit their poems as they would like them to be read.
Q: I’m a playwright. Can I send my entire play?
A: Playwrights are welcome to send full plays, and should send at least 30 pages.
Q: I'm a visual artist, sending digital images. Can you suggest an online photo editing tool?
A: There's a nice (and free) online photo editing tool called Picnik: http://www.picnik.com/ and here's an overview of all the relevant sites that offer this service if you want to try them out. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/02/04/online-photo-editing-overview/
Q: What is your return policy for alums?
A: Applicants are allowed to come to BMC two out of every four years (you can come two years in a row, but then must skip two years). Preference is given to first time applicants.
Q: Why do you ask us to designate 10 pages for a preliminary reading?
A: Our application process starts with the admissions committee members reading 10 pages from each applicant without attribution (by number rather than name) so they can judge the work without regard to reputation, etc... So the answer is yes, that would be read first. The organizers of the process thought that the applicants would like to chose those ten pages.
Q: How should filmmakers present their samples?
A: We welcome DVD’s and VHS tapes. Filmmakers should designate a 10 minute section for preliminary viewing.
Q: Do you accept applications via email?
A: No.
Q: Can visual artists send DVD's documenting time/motion-based artwork?
A: Yes we welcome DVD documentation of artwork as supplemental materials, but we ask all visual artitsts to send slides.