Resident Support Fund
“I'm a BMC alum from 2019. It was my first residency ever--and I wouldn't have attended had it not been for the Resident Support Fund (RSF).” - Carla Murphy, Journalist
In 2017, Blue Mountain Center alumnus Paul Rucker and leaders from the Aster(ix) Journal helped BMC establish the Resident Support Fund, which aims to make Blue Mountain Center’s residency program accessible to more writers, artists, and activists who may have experienced barriers to being part of places like BMC, or been burdened by the costs associated with being away for a month.
The fund provides a stipend to accepted applicants for whom financial support would help enable their residency. Individuals may request funds after acceptance to a Blue Mountain Center residency.
Paul Rucker is a composer, visual artist, and alumnus of Blue Mountain Center. Particularly interested in supporting Black residents. Paul has been instrumental in the development of this fund. Learn more about his work here.
Leaders from the Aster(ix) Journal, also instrumental in making the fund possible, seek to further the mission of the Journal by enabling a residency for more women of color.
We’re so grateful to these alumni, and many others who have contributed to the fund since its inception!
“As a resident of Iranian heritage, I felt included and felt myself reflected in the diversity of residents. A community far more diverse than any I had come across in American institutions up to that point. That is one of the hallmarks of BMC.” - Amir Amirani, Filmmaker
Request Funding
Eligible recipients identify as non-white and have been accepted into a BMC residency program. After acceptance, all eligible applicants will be invited to request funding - there is no means test. In addition, they will be asked if they are willing to provide and allow us to share with our donors:
a 200-300 word bio
a headshot or photo
Recipients will be notified of the funding amount shortly thereafter. We hope to grant recipients $500-$800 this year.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at bmc@bluemountaincenter.org or give us a call at 518-352-7391.
Contribute to the Fund
Help us achieve our vision of making our community of socially engaged writers, artists, and activists more nurturing, dynamic and accessible by donating to the fund. 100% of RSF donations will go directly to Residents. Donations to Blue Mountain Center’s general fun are also always welcome.
“I hope BMC can be a place opened to artists of color. May it always be a place one can come to renew one’s spirit. Let us continue to offer the blessings of color to the world.”
- Ethelbert Miller, poet