VPL does not own any space. This means that we can put our resources into the program and be responsive to the needs of our artists-in-residence on a case-by-case basis. “Our artists come up and visit before their residency begoins so we can figure out what they might work on while they are in Vermont and what kind of space they might need. Then we can find those spaces in the community.” Artists are often surprised at the abundance of space in VPL’s rural, small community.
VPL has worked in partnership to give artists access to spaces ranging from grange halls to covered bridges to community centers, to dance studios, as well as a professional recording studio of Guilford Sound with which VPL regularly partners. This approach reflects VPL’s mission “to take creation of new work beyond the walls of the studio and into the community by fostering experimental approaches to research and performance.”
Working in partnership and collaboration with local and regional organizations is key to the operation and success of VPL's programs. Partners on past residencies have included Marlboro College, the Rockingham Arts and Museum Project, Amtrak, The Green Mountain Railroad, the Broad Brook Grange, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, the Brattleboro Music Center, the Brattleboro School of Dance and The Performing Arts/Dance Program of The Windham County Regional Career Center, The River Gallery School of Art and The Putney School.