Guild Hall Launches A New Residency Program

Last week, Guild Hall announced the launch of the Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. The program 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, which is working in the space from January 9 to January 23.

Located in a three-floor residence in the Georgica section of East Hampton, the new residency is named for 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 his wife, Katharine Rayner, who provided the vision for maintaining her late husband’s legacy by championing the creative process. The program is administrated by Guild Hall and the joint venture expands on its existing artist-in-residency program, which was established in 2016.

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.

Hamptons Dance Project (HDP) was founded by Jose Sebastian, dancer and HDP artistic director. HDP calls on a diverse team of top-flight dancers from American Ballet Theatre and master choreographers to present dynamic new works that push the boundaries of classical dance. The group’s annual summer performances on the East End honor the area’s legacy as an artistic haven.

Throughout their two-week residency, HDP is focusing on embodying new works for the company, the classic “Don Quixote” and Justin Peck’s “Chutes and Ladders.” HDP will have several creative mentoring sessions with Guild Hall Academy of the Arts member and five-time Tony Award winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman during its residency. Dancers in-residence include Jose Sebastian, Craig Salstein, Lauren Bonfiglio, Catherine Hurlin, Tyler Maloney, and Michael de la Nuez. HDP will return in summer 2022 for an additional residency and their annual summer performance event.

For more information, visit guildhall.org.