Your art can change the world
This could be musicians, DJs, painters, writers, photographers, filmmakers, songwriters…really any kind of art is on the table, but music/multimedia emphasis definitely gets bonus points!
Free from external pressures, residents spend 3 weeks pursuing independently led interdisciplinary projects that explore rural places as culturally vibrant places for creatives to live and work, among other important topics. In addition, residents help further arts enrichment and access within the Cuyama Valley by engaging regularly with ~190 Cuyama Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) students via resident-designed and -directed art workshops.
A healing, high desert setting
We created this program with our partners at Blue Sky Center to encourage artists to take risks while engaging local youth in activities that emphasize empathy, respectful collaboration, the valid lived experience of rural life, self-acceptance, and self-confidence.
The healing, high desert setting of Cuyama Valley was specifically selected to aid artists in their journey towards unapologetic self-discovery. Blue Sky Center is a powerful, place-based nonprofit that’s building models for resilient, thriving, and inclusive rural economies in the Cuyama Valley. Their creative team prioritizes projects and collaborations that celebrate the abundance of Cuyama.
We encourage residents to teach youth accessible art forms with bold outcomes.
As we so often lean on art to do, kids’ projects empower them when they feel scared, uncertain, out of control—like during a class presentation. Artistic processes learned in residents’ workshops demonstrate the value of resourcefulness and teach youth new skills they can use on their own, even when this program is a tiny spot in the rearview mirror.
A hugely rewarding facet of this program is residents’ commitment to holding open studio hours for youth and community members to observe how they work. By inviting curious budding artists into their work space for a few hours, residents further strengthen their skills as teaching artists, and at the same time they get to expose local residents to different artistic processes—and different empowered voices.
What we expect from residents
Teach workshops
Independently design, prepare + teach multiple weekly workshops* to up to 30 K–12** CJUSD students at a time, incorporating the above themes (applicants must have some relevant teaching experience)
Live + create
Live*** and create original projects emphasizing above themes**** @ Blue Sky Center (lodging + studio space provided; food per diem of $30/day in addition to stipend; travel + art supply costs reimbursed up to $1,050, details below)
Open studio hours
Host open studio hours for 5+ hours total so community members (including local youth being served + families) can collaborate with you, ask questions + seek guidance for their own unique projects
No overnight guests
No personal overnight guests allowed onsite—lodging, studio space, etc. is for 1 resident artist only
The residency lasts 3 weeks, beginning in Fall of 2027 (dates flexible)
July 1
Application Launch
August 1
Application Deadline
August 15
Residency Award/Decline Notifications
Fall 2027
Residency in New Cuyama, CA
$2,425 stipend!
In exchange for helping us foster a supportive environment for youth in the prime of discovering their authentic artist voices throughout Cuyama Valley, resident artists receive lodging, studio space, welcome/farewell feast, and a $2,425 stipend + per diem, travel & materials stipend.
*Eligible travel and student workshop material costs are reimbursed after the fact; receipts required to be considered.
Up to $600
For travel*
Up to $450
For student workshop materials/supplies*
$30/day
Food per diem
