BMC Circle of support
“Yes, the money mattered, as it helped pay for travel and I put some towards rent. In addition to that though, there's something about getting a check to off-set bread [and] butter costs that says, ‘Your work is important, and we really want you here to work on it.’ That faith in me was so very important, and something I really needed.”
- Carla Murphy, journalist
In addition to offering our programming free of charge to accepted participants, BMC is committed to extending support to those for whom financial need and/or structural and institutional barriers threaten their ability to attend. Often, opportunities to reflect, imagine, and create have been disproportionately sequestered for the most privileged. BMC Circle of Support is a fund created from the recognition that society is deeply ingrained with race, class, and gender hierarchies, with the intention of making attendance more possible for those whose lives are impacted by systemic barriers.
The fund is intended to offset the costs of coming to a month-long residency through direct financial assistance. Generated by the BMC community and sustained by alumni, donors, and friends of BMC, this fund is an opportunity for those who have experienced time at BMC to support future residents in doing the same.
The fund offers stipends to accepted residents for whom financial support would help enable their residency. In the last few years, BMC has been able to offer $400-$600 per resident. Individuals may request funds after acceptance.
We are incredibly grateful to our alumni and donors who have made this fund possible. We hope to sustain this fund for years to come as our community grows.
Request Funding
Funding is only available to applicants who have been accepted into the BMC residency program. After acceptance, residents will be invited to request funding. 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 $400-$700 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 sustain the BMC Circle of Support for years to come and share the gift of BMC with future residents. 100% of donations will go directly to the residents. To ensure that your donation goes to this fund, please be sure to select “BMC Circle of Support” from the drop-down menu in the Paypal link below.
“The times I experienced at BMC are ones I wish other writers and artists could have. How many of us are actually magicians, surprising the world with our creativity.”
- Ethelbert Miller, poet