ART IN NATURE
1-MONTH ARTIST RESIDENCY
The Art in Nature jury will grant up to three 1-Month Artist Residencies in the Protea Studio at Taft Gardens to any visual artist, writer, designer, performance artist, or creative professional at any career stage. Recipients will be asked to work on-site and have a presence in the studio. However, this Studio is less visible than the Historic Art Studio. Therefore, it is most appropriate for artists who do not have a visual component to their work and would be suitable for writers, composers, curators, etc.
DETAILS
Eligibility: Artists and creative professionals in any discipline are welcome to apply.
Location: Protea Studio
Amenities: Day time garden access, patio, french doors, table, chair, heater, wifi.
Studio Days and Hours: DAY USE ONLY—Monday - Saturday, from sunrise to sunset.
Duration: One month slots between October 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026
Each residency starts on a Tuesday and ends on a Saturday.
Engagement: 1-Month residents are encouraged but not required to engage with visitors.
Exhibition or Presentation: Exhibition or performance opportunities are possible but NOT guaranteed for the 1-Month residencies. The annual Exhibition Openings and Fundraiser is a curated event. 1-Month artist residents will be considered on a case by case basis based on their projects and engagement level with the garden. If you want a guaranteed show opportunity, please consider applying for the 9-Month Residency where you develop an exhibition over the course of your residency.
Questions: We're happy to clarify or offer support on your application before the deadline on July 15, 2025 at 11:59pm. Please email us directly at taftresidency@gmail.com. As we have a small team, we kindly request that you read the full 1-Month Application and Residency FAQ thoroughly before contacting us. We will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. Responses after 5pm on July 15th are not guaranteed.
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.
Propose a project that is inspired by or utilizes some specific aspect of the Taft property (see Residency FAQ for more details).
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 (coming soon).
Donate 20% of any work sold on the property of Taft Gardens during the Residency.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS AND DOCUMENTATION OF WORK
In the application you 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 2025/26 Residencies Began: October 1, 2026
Art in Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Opening: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Residency Season Ends after Final Exhibitions: July 3rd, 2026
The 2026/27 Open Call will be Live: June 15 - July 16, 2026
The Application will be Due: July 16, 2026 at 11:59pm
For further questions about the Art in Nature Residency Program or application process email us at taftresidency@gmail.com.
A Google account is required to complete the application.
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