Guild Hall has launched its new Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, located in East Hampton, which supports artist collectives/collaboratives working in all disciplines by providing housing, a studio space, and focused time to develop or refine new work over a two to four week period. The inaugural residency has been awarded to the Hamptons Dance Project from January 9 to January 23.
The new residency is named in honor of the late artist William P. Rayner, “Billy Rayner,” an accomplished watercolorist and travel writer whose East Hampton studio was open to other artists for classes and mutual support. The program was founded by Katharine Rayner, who provided the vision for maintaining her late husband Billy’s legacy by championing the creative process. The program is administrated by Guild Hall, which has a 90-year history of supporting artists in the region. The joint venture expands on Guild Hall’s existing AIR program (established in 2016) and deepens its investment in artistic development.
The Guild Hall William P. Rayner AIR Program provides a supportive environment for experimentation that includes accommodations, a studio space, and a commissioning fee. Residents connect with accomplished artists, community leaders, and art supporters at weekly salon dinners. A key component of the program is mentorship from select members of the Guild Hall Academy of the Arts and professional staff. The program is customized for each artist group, and culminates with a presentation of the work-in-process.