BIAC supports two artist programs on Block Island: the Sea Breeze Artist & Writer Residency, and the Low Season Artist Projects. Though both are distinct and separate arts initiatives serving the Block Island community, they share fiscal sponsorship and occasionally co-host select public events, while each maintains its own independent mission, objectives, members, and structure.

The Sea Breeze Residency operates as a juried working residency, offering dedicated studio time for artists and writers. Low Season Artist Projects is an artist-led residency centered on creative research, community dialogue, education, and professional development for accepted artists.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Block Island Arts Council, The RI Foundation, Roosa Foundation, Block Island Tourism Council, Block Island Arts and Crafts Guild, The Spring Street Gallery, The Island Free Library, and private donations.

Sea Breeze Artist & Writer Residency

A Juried Working Residency
Prioritizing creative development, process, and sustained artistic inquiry.

The Sea Breeze Artist & Writer Residency provides dedicated time and space for artists and writers to focus deeply on their work. Residents are selected through a formal, diverse jury process that includes members of the Block Island community, professional artists and writers, and past residents. Each year, the program runs two sessions, hosting both visual artists and writers in every session.

Residents receive accommodations and two meals a day at the Sea Breeze Inn. Visual artists receive use of studio space,, and there is dedicated writing space in the guestrooms. We also encourage our writers to use the local Library, a year-round community hub. The program is designed to deliver what makes a residency magic: ten days of uninterrupted time for creative research, experimentation, and production, all within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Alongside this dedicated studio time, residents take part in select public programs that connect them with the broader island community. Past programming has included a welcome dinner with island residents and members of the arts council, artist and writer presentations and readings at the local library followed by a public reception, studio tours and workshops, all of which are free and open to the public. Our residents have also taught classes and connected with local middle and high school Block Island students, in collaboration with their teachers.

Low Season Projects

A Community Engaged Artist Residency
Emphasizing accessibility, education, and critical engagement.

Making space for creative research, community connection and professional development, Low Season Artist Projects is an artist-led residency that brings artists to Block Island during the low season for creative work, public exchange, and community connection. Artists are given dedicated time to work or recharge their artistic practice, while also offering meaningful public engagement in return. In partnership with the Block Island Arts Council, the Old Town Inn, island property owners, and local institutions, the program gives artists time to explore the island’s landscape, ecology, history, and culture. The residency is designed as a community-facing initiative that centers dialogue, education, and shared creative experience. Resident artists are hosted at the Old Town Inn and participate in public programming such as artist talks, workshops at the BI School, and open studio events. Residents are also paired with a visiting critic for feedback and professional development. These activities create meaningful opportunities for exchange between artists, community members, and the wider art world.