Fayetteville Creates

Where art, nature, and people come together to inspire and be inspired.

Welcome to the official page for Fayetteville Creates, a new artist residency program launching January 2026 in the heart of the New River Gorge, West Virginia.

About Fayetteville Creates

Fayetteville Creates is a town-wide artist residency designed to establish Fayetteville, West Virginia as a thriving arts destination by connecting visiting and local artists, residents, and businesses through creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. We transform underutilized vacation rentals during the slow season into inspiring creative spaces, enriching the community with workshops, public events, and cultural experiences.

About the Residency

• When: January 1–31, 2026

• Where: Fayetteville, West Virginia

• Who: Visiting creatives across all disciplines—visual artists, writers, photographers, musicians, textile artists, culinary creatives, and more

• What: One-month stay in a donated vacation rental; participants engage the community through workshops, pop-up events, or public art while developing their own work

Applications open Fall 2025

Timeline

• Summer 2025: Artist application opens

• Fall 2025: Residency selections announced

• January 2026: Residency period

Calling All Vacation Rental Owners

Want to be part of this community-powered project? We are currently seeking vacation rental owners who are willing to donate their space for one month in January 2026. In return, you’ll receive:

• Recognition as an arts supporter

• A special "Residency Supporter" badge for your listing

• Possible tax benefits for your in-kind donation (check with a tax advisor)

• A cleaning stipend

Click here to fill out our interest form.

Become a Guide for Fayetteville’s Artist Residency Program

Do you love Fayetteville, have a passion for the arts, and enjoy meeting new people? We’re looking for local guides to help welcome and support visiting artists as part of our new town-wide artist residency program!

What Does a Guide Do?

As a guide, you’ll serve as a friendly point of contact for 1-3 visiting artists, helping them feel at home and connected to the community. Your role is simple but meaningful:

• Meet informally once a week – Grab a coffee, show them a favorite river spot, or invite them to dinner with friends

• Be available by phone, text, or email – Help them navigate town, answer questions, and offer support as they settle in

• Help them orient themselves – Introduce them to Fayetteville’s creative culture and must-know spots

• (Optional) Support their work – If you're interested, you can assist in connecting them with space, resources, or people who can help their artistic practice while they’re here
  
  

Who Can Be a Guide?

We welcome local artists, community members, or anyone with a love for Fayetteville and the arts who wants to help make this residency a success. The most important qualifications are friendliness, hospitality, and a willingness to connect.

What You Get in Return

• A small stipend for your time

• A chance to build meaningful relationships with artists from around the country

• A chance to build meaningful relationships with artists from around the country

• The satisfaction of helping shape Fayetteville’s growing arts community

• A fun, low-commitment way to be involved in the residency program

Join Us!    

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an artist yourself or just someone who loves showing off Fayetteville’s unique charm, you can play an important role in making this program a success.

Connect With Us

Follow along at [Lost Appalachia's website with Fayetteville Creates URL] and on Instagram @fayettevillewvcreates, and Facebook Fayetteville WV Creates, for updates, featured artists, and upcoming public events.

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out at [email address or contact form link].

Let’s create something beautiful, together.

— The Fayetteville Creates Team