Frequently Asked Questions
Updated september 2025
I have so many questions! Where to start...
We’ve tried to answer as many of the usual questions we get here, but if you have any additional questions or concerns please email them to us at applications@newharmonyproject.org.
What do you mean by “interrogating the complexity of hope?”
As an organization, we recognize that there is no perseverance without struggle or joy without loss and despair. “Hope” extends far beyond the Google definition, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” Hope doesn’t have to mean that the world is full of sunshine and happiness. In fact, for some people, hope is a call to action, a recognition that we need to work to make the world a better place. We are excited to support writers and artists who are grappling with what hope means to them, and how their work can affect change in the world. We believe that stories have the power to grow and uplift communities, transform hearts and minds, and ultimately change the world, and we are excited to support writers whose work exemplifies that belief.
Why have you made a limitation on this year’s Residency?
We’ll be totally transparent: for decades, NHP has received funding from the NEA. As political priorities have shifted, we are looking for other sources of financial support, and it’s a process that takes time. So we’re reducing the size of the writing community for our 2026 residency. Simultaneously, we know that there is a gap in the industry - film and TV writers are not supported with the same intentionality and development resources as theatre writers are. This is a need we know how to fill, and doing so honors the intentions of our founders, many of whom were incredibly successful in the film and TV industry. Limiting applications to our alumni writers allows us to continue nurturing their careers, while building an intentional and intimate community of writers.
Do I already have to be successful in film and TV?
Nope. We’re looking to support writers at all stages of their film and TV careers. Still trying to break in? OK! Successfully staffing several TV shows? Great. Working on your first feature? Awesome. Bring any level of experience to this community.
Do I need to have a specific script I want to work on?
This year, we’re asking you to propose a film or TV project that you’d work on during the residency. We understand that the project you propose may not be the project you end up working on, but it's what you're anticipating developing at this moment. This can take any form - a paragraph of text, a pitch, a pitch deck, a video, bullet points, etc. We also want you to tell us why you think this work is right for development in New Harmony, and as you know, one of the incredible things about this residency is the ability to find inspiration in the creative community assembled in New Harmony. BUT we do NOT want you to upload a script!
Is it only residencies? I thought there were workshop opportunities available...
We're seeking storytellers who are interested in an artist-centered residency that will provide a creative and nurturing environment, supportive artistic community, and dramaturgical resources in a bucolic setting. These residencies will not include a full developmental workshop with actors and a creative team, but there will likely be opportunities to hear your work out loud in informal settings.
We do plan to support one Production in Residence through our partnership with Mosaic Theater in Washington, D.C. Psalmayene 24’s Marion in Malibu will receive a full developmental workshop with actors and a creative team.
IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR MY WORK AT THE CONFERENCE?
We are looking for new ways to share work during the residency, as an alternative to the nightly salons. We anticipate creating several options for sharing work, and will develop these options in partnership with the community of writers who are selected. Writers are also supported by Team Dramaturgy – a select group of dramaturgs who are chosen based on writers who will be at the conference that offer one-on-one dramaturgy consultations.
WHY DO YOU REQUEST AN ARTIST STATEMENT?
We are so glad you asked! We mean it when we say that we are artist-centered. We want to support you – The New Harmony Project is not driven by products. So we want to know how the ideas you’re exploring fits with our mission and values - how do you plan to interrogate hope, and uplift anti-racist and anti-oppressive values and practices.
OK, and the community considerations?
We believe that nurturing writers, especially those whose voices have been systemically marginalized or erased, creates a cultural shift, and we are actively trying to build a new, anti-oppressive arts landscape. But culture change requires work from all of us, and we know that we don’t always get it right. These community considerations have been inspirational to us as we work to do better as an organization, and we are looking for a community that wants to lean in to this work with us.
I HAVE KIDS. HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE?
The New Harmony Project has always believed in the importance of supporting parents who are also caregivers. The Joyce O’Connor Parent Artist Residency was created to support you. If you have dependents that you’d like to bring with you, we can provide resources at the residency so that your dependents can come along with you. If leaving your dependents at home with a care provider is a better way for you to work, we can provide some additional resources to support that decision as well.
I have a writing partner. Can we apply together?
Not this year. In 2026, we are only accepting applications from alumni writers who will attend the residency on their own. Of course, if you’re working with someone remotely, we welcome the opportunity to support you in that process.
Is there an age range for applicants?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Do you accept international applicants?
Yes, we happily accept applications from anywhere in the world!
I’m a person of color and I’m worried about my safety and comfort in rural southern indiana
Thank you for pointing out a very real concern about being BIPOC in an area that is predominately white and conservative, this is a reality of the location of New Harmony and something we've been grappling with. For all artists who are accepted, we are very clear about the environment they will be stepping into. As guests in the space, we use our influence to lead by example by only supporting local organizations who believe and agree to our organization values. Obviously, we are not able to promise absolute comfort and safety, and participants have been subject to racist behavior in the community, but NHP is always seeking to improve and actively making sure folks feel safe and supported. Some specific things we are implementing include:
The idea that “no person is an island.” We will intentionally build a company that ensures commonalities in racial and gender identities.
Wearing name tags at all times to help identify participants as a part of our group
Tours around town to specifically identify and introduce participants to safe and welcoming spaces and people
Private, company only workspaces
Intervention and de-escalation training for staff
November 10th?! IT'S SO SOON - ISN'T THERE MORE TIME?
If you know now that you can’t meet that deadline, let us know by emailing us at applications@newharmonyproject.org and we’ll try to help!