Peaked Hill Trust Arts and Science Residency Program

About the Program

Residencies in PHT’s Arts and Sciences Program consist of one to two week stays in the dune shacks of Cape Cod National Seashore. In addition to supporting projects in the visual arts, the residency program is designed to encourage a broad sweep of creative projects in the arts and sciences.

General Categories for Arts and Sciences

Architecture; Healing arts; Environmental (engineering); Environmental (naturalist, nature writing); Junior naturalist; Acting/playwriting; Dance; Music; Journalism; Science (marine, terrestrial); Cultural/historic (history, literature, fiction, poetry, visual arts)

Application Process and Guidelines

In addition to examples of your work and a resume, the application requires a written description of your project and how working in the dunes will enhance your project and its value to PHT’s program. Applications are reviewed by a jury for their relevancy to shack life, diversity of disciplines, and impact on the local community. All awardees will display their work in a group show (date tbd). If you are selected, you are agreeing to send work either made during the residency or inspired by it for inclusion in the exhibition (and arranging and paying for its transport and delivery back to you). It is therefore very important that you clearly explain how your work will be presented/displayed.

Applications are due by February 15 and are reviewed by a jury. The residencies will be awarded by March 15. User fees are due in full by April 30. Fees range seasonally from $250 - $425 per week depending on the month.

Please note: applicants who have never participated in this program will have priority over past Arts and Sciences residents. Prior residents are encouraged to become members of Peaked Hill Trust and to enter the yearly community lottery for a shack. For information about residencies, visit our website.

Shack Life

In your plans and preparations, remember that you will be bringing all your project supplies, belongings, food, in and out of the shack, on your own. A volunteer caretaker will escort you in the PHT truck and transport your gear. Their primary job as shack caretaker is to introduce you to what you need to know to live lightly in the dunes. Note that there is no public transportation in and out of the dunes.

You will get much more detailed information prior to going out to the shack, including what to bring, and what not to bring (the shacks are rather well equipped with kitchen supplies, blankets, etc). By accepting an offered week, you are agreeing to be responsible for the shack for that period of time. That means that when you, leave, the shack needs to be left in as good or better shape than when you got there.

The Shacks

• Small (one of them has only a single bed); Not directly on the water; No plumbing (although there is a rather nice outhouse); Dry sink, fridge, and gas stove. All shacks have solar that is dedicated to fueling the refrigerators. Recharging of devices not assured.
• No insulation; Water pump at some distance from shack.
• No housekeeping services; Assortment of mosquitoes, mice, snakes, voles, ticks.
• You are on your own. It rains on occasion and can be very hot mid-season and cold on the “edges”. There are no dogs or cats allowed, ever. Shacks are located in the national seashore which requires hiking on sand to get to the ocean. For more details: peakedhilltrust.org

Shacks, Schedules, and User Fees are updated annually on the website. For residents who have financial hardship, one two-week residency scholarship at the Ray Wells shack will be awarded in full. If applicable, please indicate on your residency application.

Application Link

Equal Opportunity: The Peaked Hill Trust does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.