Frequently Asked Questions
Updated July 2026
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.
Do I need to have a specific script I want to work on?
When you apply, you’ll need to select the primary medium you’ll focus 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. We will make our decisions about support staff based on the mediums of our Writers in Residence, so while you can change projects, we’ll ask you to stay within the medium you apply with. In the application, we also want you to tell us why you think this work is right for development in New Harmony.
Is it only residencies? I thought there were workshop opportunities available...
We're seeking writers 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 may be opportunities to hear your work out loud in informal settings.
We do plan to support two Production in Residence through partnerships with theatres across the country. They will receive a full developmental workshop with actors and a creative team.
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 attended the residency in the past. Can I apply again?
We love having alumni join us in New Harmony, and alumni applications go right into the second round of the selection process. However, we also recognize the limited opportunities for writers working on new scripts. Beginning in 2027, writers may attend up to two years in a row, but then must take at least a two year break before applying to the Residency again. There is no limit on the number of times a writer may attend the Residency in non-consecutive years.
I have a writing partner. Can we apply together?
You may apply as a writing team.
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. 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 in the past, participants have been subject to racist behavior in the community. However, NHP is always seeking to improve and actively making sure folks feel safe and supported in the town. Some specific things we have implemented include:
We intentionally build a diverse and supportive company, supported by two Community Care Facilitators and a thorough conflict resolution policy and Community Considerations that guide our work together and our interactions with the town
Wearing name tags at all times to help identify participants as a part of our group
Strong relationships with residents of the town that reinforce the importance of The New Harmony Project in town, and the inclusive nature of our work and our community
Private, company only workspaces, in addition to spaces to create in safe and welcoming environments throughout the town
Intervention and de-escalation training for staff
November 9th?! 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!