FAQs
Why do you limit the ages of applicants to 22-45?
This particular program is best suited to artists in a certain phase of their careers, which we have identified as falling within this age range. We recognize that artists of all ages need support and community, but we have a very specific focus for this program. This age requirement is as of the time of the application submission. We are not able to make exceptions to this requirement.
What do you mean by “art creators?”
Asylum is looking to build a community of art creators. This means we are looking for artists who generate their own work, rather than those who interpret the work of others (e.g. actors or singers – though we appreciate what they do!).
How do I get there, and is my transportation paid for?
You are responsible for arranging your own travel into NYC, and we will take over getting you from NYC to the Garrison Institute. If you choose to transport yourself to the retreat, please arrive at the by noon on Sunday. There are travel subsidies available if you are a member of the ROI Network, live outside of NYC, are a Russian-speaking Jewish American, or are traveling from an international destination. Please be in touch with us to find out what you might be eligible for. These subsidies will be paid after you submit your travel receipts.
Can I come for only part of the retreat?
We are asking everyone to commit to the entire period of the retreat, from Sunday to Tuesday, as we believe that being present for the entirety of the retreat is essential to the goals of both communal and professional development.
Can I bring my partner/husband/wife/baby/Jewish mother?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate additional people, and the retreat center is not designed for children. Please be in touch with us for specific requests.
What does my $100 participation fee cover?
Your $100 fee covers all of your costs from the time you get on the train in NYC on Sunday morning, until you get off the train in NYC on Tuesday evening. We will provide all of the accommodations, meals, snacks, and training.
Why are you calling it Asylum?
We think that the name has particular resonance with the location (you’ll see…) as well as the type of atmosphere we are trying to create. We see both the name and the retreat as existing somewhere amidst the various definitions of the word ‘asylum’.
The Six Points Fellowship cannot provide assistance to participants to secure visas. We can supply a letter explaining your participation in the retreat, but we cannot provide additional assistance.
What do you mean by Russian-speaking Jewish Americans?
We define Russian-speaking Jewish Americans as Jews (your mother or father can be Jewish) that were born in the Former Soviet Union, or have at least one parent that was born in the FSU. Participants do not have to be fluent in Russian. (It’s an imperfect definition, we know.)
Why is this retreat different from all other retreats?
This is the first time there has been an international gathering of emerging Jewish artists, and we are thrilled about the potential for exciting and meaningful moments of interaction, learning, and community-building.
What work samples should I submit?
Please submit work that you feel is a strong representation of your current practice. You should also be sure that it is of good technical quality. We would prefer to see samples of more than one project to get a sense of your range and different interests. If your video has 3 minutes of dark footage before the curtain goes up, edit that out. If you’re a multi-media artist, don’t submit still images. If you’re a musician, we need to hear some sound. This is an essential component of your application, so please be thoughtful with your work sample submissions. We are only accepting on-line submissions. Details for uploading your work samples will be provided in the Work Samples section of the application.
For further questions or concerns, please contact us at .