Shantigar Foundation
in Western Massachusetts
Arts
Meditation
Nature
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Jean-Claude van Itallie, Founder
1936 - 2021
Young Artists Program (YAP)
“Shantigar has been the single most impactful experience of my artistic life. My growth was exponential. I cannot thank the Foundation enough for the memories created. I highly recommend that every artist experience such a place at some point in their careers if they want to expand their world view and self-understanding of why we do the things we do.”
Raphael De La Soria—Photographer, 2019 Young Artists Program
In Summer 2023, Shantigar will welcome a group of young artists from LaGuardia Community College. Fifteen students, invited by their professors to apply, will have seven days to create, experiment, and collaborate on artistic projects.
Workshops will be led by Program Director Michael Schreiber alongside Shantigar teaching artists and professors from LaGuardia Community College. Students will be challenged to explore creative process in new ways, with special attention to how meditative practices may support their creativity.
Students will have time to produce individual projects, collaborate with each other, and experiment within and outside of their chosen creative disciplines. Teaching artists and professors will be available to consult on everything from concept, content, and craft to technology and time management.
Our goal is to share the “Shantigar Effect,” that sweet spot where creativity, meditation, and engagement with nature come together. Meditation will start each day. Outdoor plans include hikes on the Pelham Lake Park Trail. The week will conclude with a celebratory “Octagon Showcase” of live performances, videos, readings, and photography. Students will return home with new work, new ways of working, and a supportive community of peers and mentors.
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The Shantigar Foundation welcomes Young Artists Program proposals for undergraduate and graduate programs. The program can be customized for groups (up to twenty) and length. We also can accommodate one-day programs for local high school students. To explore these opportunities, please join our mailing list and contact email@shantigar.org.
The Young Artists Program is made possible by generous donations. If you would like to support this transformative program, we will be most grateful.
Enjoy this video, along with photos and reflections from past student experiences at Shantigar.
Explore more images and video from the June 2019 residency shared by student residents on Instagram @Shantigar mentioning #ShantigarResidency and #Shantigar2019 or Youtube.
