We are pleased to announce that Project M is coming to Winterhouse from August 15-30, 2009. Twelve select individuals will get to participate in a unique collaborative enterprise to create a single design project of lasting value in a rural community. This project is sponsored by William Drenttel and Jessica Helfand of Winterhouse, with the active participation of John Bielenberg, the founder of Project M. Design Observer will provide an interesting array of visiting critics and will publish the project. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation will provide input and serve as an advisor. Application deadline is June 15 with notification of selected participants by June 30.
Cost is $1500 plus travel and expenses.


Purpose
To inspire young designers to make a contribution that can have a positive and significant impact on the world.

Project
Twelve people will spend two weeks fact-finding in rural Connecticut, developing and determining a project, and then producing something real that will have a positive impact on lives in the region.

Participants
Attendees should have training and skill in at least one (and preferably more) of the following areas: design, business, writing, research, social innovation or photography/video. Design thinking is obviously the common ground.

When
August 15-30, 2009

Location
Winterhouse is located in Falls Village, one of the smallest villages in Connecticut (with a population just over a 1,000). Established in 1738, it is located in the northwest corner of the state with proximity to both New York and Massachusetts. It is serviced by Bradley Airport in Hartford or New York City airports. It is easily accessible by car from both New York City and Boston.

Cost
Project M is not a school and has no tuition. Each participant will share the expenses of producing Project M at Winterhouse, including their own travel, many meals and miscellaneous expenses. Upon acceptance, participants agree to contribute $1500 towards general expenses, common meals, and a fund towards the production of their project.

Accommodations
Winterhouse was built in 1931 as the home and studio for Ezra Winter, and since 1998 has been the studio and residence of William Drenttel and Jessica Helfand and their family. A second property approximately a quarter of a mile down the road will serve as base camp for Project M @ Winterhouse. This house can accommodate up to 12 people. Accommodations will be communal and bunk-style, contributing to a collaborative work environment.

What to Bring
Car if you have one. Laptop if you have one. Old clothes. Bug spray. Patience and kindness. And a toothbrush.


Application

1. Write a one-page description telling us why you are interested in Project M @ Winterhouse. Please be clear and honest. (This is the important part of the application.)

2. Show us something of you and your work that will excite us about your joining the team this August. (Please, no unedited, endless portfolios.)

3. Draw nothing. (This doesn’t mean send a blank sheet of paper.)

4. A 150-word bio. (Not a résumé. A bio that tells your story.)

5. Please email the first four items as a single PDF file, to Jade@Winterhouse.com by June 15, 2009. Email submissions only. (Single PDF file means single PDF file.)

Detailed information about travel logistics and procedures will follow upon acceptance. There is no application fee.


Links

Winterhouse / Institute / Studio / Location

Project M

Bios of Project Directors and Critics


Contact

WINTERHOUSE
71 Undermountain Road
P.O. Box 159
Falls Village, CT 06031
860.824.5040
Email