ART IN NATURE
9-MONTH ARTIST RESIDENCY
The Art in Nature jury will grant one 9-month Artist Residency to one professional visual artist or team, who will use the time to focus and develop a single project or a body of work in the Taft Gardens Historic Art Studio. They will be asked to work on-site, maintain a presence in the studio, and interact with visitors. This opportunity allows the artist to engage and educate the public about their work-in-progress and ongoing practice. This Residency will culminate with the Art in Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Openings to celebrate the artist's accomplishment of completing the Residency. This event is ticketed and attracts arts advocates, collectors, curators, and supporters of Taft Gardens.
DETAILS
Eligibility: Artists and creative professionals in any discipline are welcome to apply but practice must have a visual component.
Location: Historic Art Studio
Amenities: Day time garden access, plywood-backed white walls, sink, tile floor, mini-fridge, working fireplace, folding table and chair, optional couch, four large glass doors, and wifi.
Studio Days and Hours: DAY USE ONLY—Monday - Saturday, from sunrise to sunset.
Duration: October 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Engagement: Taft Gardens is open to the public for self-guided tours but maintains a limited capacity of approximately 20 visitors per day. The Historic Studio where the 9-Month Residency takes place is highly visible to guests and residents are asked to engage with these garden goers by sharing your work-in-progress and talking about your ongoing practice. We consider seeing a professional artist work in this space as part of the Taft curriculum. If this is not something you are excited about, please consider a 1-Month residency instead.
Solo Exhibition or Presentation: Required
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL 9-MONTH RESIDENCY APPLICANTS
Have a practice with some visual component.
Keep regular studio hours for the duration of the Residency (except holidays), and engage with visitors when Taft Gardens is open to the public.
Donate one artistic work to Taft, inspired by the Gardens and your experiences in residence.
Make one exhibition, demonstration, or presentation to the community during the annual Taft Gardens Art-in-Nature Fundraiser.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS
To be considered, applicants must have visited Taft Gardens in person within the last 3 years. We ask that you walk the Gardens, see the Studios, and read our Mission Statement before applying to any Art-in-Nature Residency. Applicants will be disqualified if they have not met this requirement.
Live within Ventura County or Santa Barbara County.
Be over the age of 21 by the start of the residency you are applying to.
Not be enrolled in an academic program during the residency season.
Provide your own transportation, equipment, materials, and funding (no housing or stipends are available).
Be a steward of the Gardens and respect each visitor's experience by maintaining a tranquil environment (no loud music or unscheduled gatherings).
Be willing to be photographed, filmed, and/or interviewed for the Taft Gardens website and archive.
Provide digital copies of your art, writing, music, or other work samples for the Taft Gardens website and archive.
Donate 20% of any work sold on the property of Taft Gardens during the Residency.
On departure, clean your studio to be ready for the next artist.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTATION OF WORK
In the application will be asked to include a link to your website, social media, and/or any specific projects that you would like us to review.
Please do NOT Include or Email: Images, videos, audio attachments, or letters of reference.
SCHEDULE
All Applications Due: July 15, 2024
9-Month Residency Begins: October 1, 2024
Art-in-Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Opening: May 31, 2025
Residency Season Ends: June 30th, 2025
For further questions about the Art in Nature Residency Program email us at TaftResidency@gmail.com
Your Donation will help us develop and grow our Arts Programming