Art in Nature Residency
2023/2024
Application Open until July 15th, 2023
ART IN NATURE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve has expanded its program and will offer several types of Artist Residencies from October to June in a remote setting dedicated to preserving and protecting nature and wildlife. During that time, artists will have Studio and Garden access to allow for thoughtful reflection and development of their work.
Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve is an equal opportunity organization that seeks to celebrate the diversity of our community and create a welcoming environment for all.
9-MONTH ARTIST RESIDENCY
The jury will grant a 9-month Artist Residency to one professional visual artist or collaborative 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, have a presence in the gardens, and interact with curious garden goers. This opportunity allows the artist to talk about and educate the public about their work and ongoing practice. This Residency will culminate with the Art-in-Nature Fundraiser Gala to celebrate the artist's accomplishment of completing the Residency. This event is ticketed, catered, and attracts arts advocates, collectors, curators, and supporters of Taft Gardens.
The 9-month Residency will take place in the Historic Art Studio at Taft Gardens, a freestanding stone building with a sink, tile floor, small refrigerator, working fireplace, and four large sliding glass doors. This space will be available to the Artist-in-Residence, Monday - Saturday, for day use only, from sunrise to sunset. Sunday access is negotiable, based on the artist's needs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 9 MONTH RESIDENCY
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.
Donate 20% of any work sold on the property of Taft Gardens during the Residency.
Make one exhibition, demonstration, or presentation to the community during the annual Taft Gardens Art-in-Nature Fundraiser Gala.
4-WEEK ROTATIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY
The jury will grant a 4-week Artist Residency in the smaller Protea Studio to any visual artist, writer, designer, performance artist, or creative professional at any stage of their career. They, too, will be asked to work on-site, have a presence in the gardens, and interact with curious garden goers. However, this Studio is less visible than the Historic Art Studio, so these artists will likely receive fewer visitors. It is also more appropriate for artists who do not have a visual component to their work and would be suitable for writers, composers, curators, etc.
The Protea Studio will undergo renovation in the next few months. We will post a description once that is complete.
4 WEEK INVITATIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY
The jury will grant a 4 week Invitational Artist Residencies to an artist/s at the discretion of the Taft Gardens Art Committee.
4 Week Rotational and Invitational Residencies will start on a Tuesday and end on a Saturday.
ENGAGEMENT
Taft Gardens is open to the public for self-guided tours but maintains a limited capacity of approximately 20 visitors per day. We also host a wide range of events and other creative projects. The Historic Studio where the 9-Month Residency takes place is highly visible to guests. We consider seeing a professional artist work in this space as part of the Taft curriculum.
The Residency is open to artists over the age of 21 who are not enrolled in school. However, we will prioritize artists who align with our objectives, are self-sufficient, inspired by the gardens, and are willing to engage with curious onlookers.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL RESIDENCIES
To be considered, applicants must have visited Taft Gardens in person within the last 5 years. Each applicant must visit Taft Gardens in person, 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 been to Taft in the last 5 years.
Live within Ventura County or Santa Barbara County.
Be over the age of 21 by October 2, 2023
Provide your own transportation, equipment, materials, and funding. There is no housing or stipend available.
Keep regular studio hours for the duration of the Residency (except holidays), and engage with visitors when Taft Gardens is open to the public.
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, or other work samples for the Taft Gardens website and archive.
On departure, clean your studio to be ready for the next artist.
2023/24 SCHEDULE
All Applications Due: July 15, 2023
2023/24 Residencies Begin: October 2, 2023
2024 Art-in-Nature Fundraiser Gala: TBD
2023/24 Residencies End: June 29th, 2024
4 Week Rotational and Invitational Residencies will start and end on various dates.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTATION OF WORK
Please include a link to your website, social media, and/or any specific projects that you would like us to review.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE
Image or video attachments.
Letters of Reference.