Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a small island approximately 3.5 by 14.5 miles, which was formed by the receding glacial waters of the last ice age (14,000 years ago). The island has 80 miles of accessible beach on Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. There are over 350 species of sea and songbirds, rolling heath lands covered in native wildflowers, low ground covers and hidden forests. More than 45% of the island is preserved in its natural state and is publicly accessible. The richness of the ever-changing colors and weather casts a seasonal light, which is an essential part of the island experience. Fall, winter and spring bring an increased sense of isolation, while at the same time an enhanced sense of island community. You can find maps, images and descriptions of the ecosystems and historical and cultural offerings online.

The NantucketLandBank.org offers acres of  preserved land with varied character that can be accessed by painters and artists creating temporary site specific works.

Residents live at NISDA’S Harbor Cottages at 71 Washington Street on Nantucket Harbor located minutes from cobble stoned Main street in Nantucket’s historic town. The cottages are across the street from the Kayak beach on the Harbor. Markets, fish stores and bakeries are near. Humble and small in scale our 1940’s cottages have low open ceilings, painted board floors and whitewashed board walls. Simple, rustic furnishings make for a comfortable stay. Kitchens have stoves and refrigerators with pots, pans and dishes. Artist residents are responsible for housekeeping and meals.
Nisda’s Artist Outer Place was originally a large oceanfront cottage with similar ambience.in the quieter country 8 miles from town in Wauwinet, accessible to Pocomo Point Beach, the Hidden Forest and Great Point.

There are two sizes of cottages to choose from:

One-bedroom cottages have a main room with table, chairs, a trundle twin bed (that can be an additional bed) made up as  a couch, a kitchenette, a separate bathroom with shower and small bedroom with small closet with two twin beds or  king bed.. Artists have comfortably set up workspace in the main room. Additional worktables can be provided.

Larger one bedroom cottage, slightly larger living space, bath with shower and separate walk in kitchenette, storage loft and a small bedroom with two twin beds or king bed. Living space has a trundle bed that can be made up as day couches. Additional worktables can be added.

Residents can configure the workspace as needed. There is no WIFI at the cottages. WIFI is available at the Nantucket Athenaeum, The Bean Coffee Shop and Handlebar Café  are just blocks away.

NISDA’s Studios, surrounded by a meadow near Polpis Harbor are eight miles from town. Our Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media Studios and deck space are in the dairy building along with textiles, photography with black/white dark-room, little Silo gallery with outdoor pavilion in the school meadow. ***Please note: Seaview Farm Barn studios are not accessible in summer 2019 due to restoration projects.

Our long shed barn houses a ceramics studio with two Skutt electric kilns. There is also a small painting studio. These studios  are accessible for the summer of 2019 through October 31st.

Town amenities include: grocery store, bakeries, coffee shops, post office, restaurants, laundromat, retail, theatres, library, bookstores, museums, galleries, bike rentals.

About our islandcommunity and businesses please see nantucketchamber.org
Nantucketchamber.org for information about the island and businesses.

Getting to Nantucket: Nantucket is accessible by Steamship Authority, Hy-Line Ferry or by plane via Nantucket Air or Cape Air.

Getting around the island: walk, bike, taxi, car rental or shuttle bus (shuttle bus only in summer months.
Bike rentals: islandbike.com,  youngsbicycleshop.com,  easyridersbikerentals.com, nantucketbikeshop.com. The Wave Shuttle bus, www.nrta.org has limited service year round. Walking and Bike paths are parallel to the major roads. Maps are available at bike rentals and on the Shuttle website nrta.org.

Except for service animals, pets are not permitted at NISDA.

Your may ship what you need to: 
c/o NISDA, 71 Washington St.  Nantucket, Ma 02554

Basic Art supplies that you might need: There is an art supply store: Create, 8 Amelia Drive, Nantucket, MA 02554  (508) 901-5186, definitely worth checking out, but if your needs are specific, best to be prepared.

Writers: there is not a printer available for your use at the cottages. Several local businesses can help you or bring your own. You may print at Nantucket Office products where computer time is also available: 508-228-4220  print@ackoffice.net

Sheets and Towels: Beds have mattress covers, blankets, pillows and bedspreads, sheets. Towels are provided. However in summer months residents should bring beach towels. Personal laundry maybe washed at Holdgates Laundry..508-228-0750

Artists may apply for the Summer residency exchange. Residents may schedule either open studio hours or a specific date and time when the public may come to your cottage for a presentation. (see application)

We’d be happy to answer any questions to help you decide if a residency here is right for you: 508-325-6659