ART IN NATURE
9-MONTH STUDIO RESIDENCY
The Art in Nature jury will award one nine-month Artist Residency to an individual or a two-person collaborative team. Recipients will focus on developing a single project or a cohesive body of work within the Taft Gardens Historic Art Studio. Residents are expected to work on-site, maintain a consistent studio presence, and interact with the public. This opportunity is designed to foster public engagement and offer unique insights into the creative practices of Central Coast artists.
The residency culminates in the annual Art in Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Openings, celebrating the artists and the completion of the season. This prominent, ticketed event attracts arts advocates, collectors, curators, and regional supporters of Taft Gardens.
DETAILS
Eligibility: Open to artists and creative professionals across all disciplines, provided the proposed project features a distinct visual or physical component suitable for public observation.
Collaborations: Two-person collaborations are welcome to apply, provided that both participants are working together on the same project. Both applicants must fill out their own application and clearly state that they are part of a team.
Location: Historic Art Studio
Amenities: Day time garden access, plywood-backed white walls, sink, tile floor, mini-fridge, working wood fireplace, folding table and chair, couch, four large glass doors, and wifi.
Studio Days and Hours: DAY USE ONLY—Monday - Saturday, from sunrise to sunset. Sundays are closed to residents for regular work, except for official, scheduled public events like the June opening.
Duration: Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Saturday, July 3, 2027
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 Art Studio is highly visible to guests. Residents are expected to engage with these garden visitors by sharing their work-in-progress and discussing their ongoing practice. Observing a professional creative at work in this space is an integral part of the Taft educational experience. It also offers a valuable opportunity for the resident to cultivate a local audience. If a publicly visible practice does not align with your creative process, please consider applying for the 3-Month Residency instead.
Solo Exhibition or Presentation: Required
Questions: We are happy to clarify details or offer support on your application before the deadline on August 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Please email taftresidency@gmail.com, and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate team member. Because we operate with a small staff, we kindly request that you thoroughly review the full application and the Residency FAQ before reaching out. Our team will make every effort to respond to your questions in a timely manner. Responses after 12:00 PM on August 5 are not guaranteed.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL 9-MONTH STUDIO 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.
Develop and present one exhibition, demonstration, or presentation, based on their time in residence at Taft, 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.
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 season.
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, power tools, 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, resumes, or letters of reference. These will not be reviewed.
SCHEDULE
Application opens: June 15, 2026
Application due: August 5, 2026 at 11:59pm
Applicants will be notified of results by: September 1, 2026
2026/27 Residencies begin: October 1, 2026
Art in Nature Fundraiser and Exhibition Opening: TBA
Free Daytime Exhibition Opening: TBA
Residency Season Ends: July 3, 2027
For further questions about the Art in Nature Residency Program or application process email taftresidency@gmail.com.
Application link goes live on June 15, 2026
A Google account is required to complete the form.
Your Donation will help us develop and grow our Arts Programming