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Artist Residency

ox-bow.org

Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency

Space, time & creative practice0 open opportunities listed

About the residency

Founded in 1910, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency is one of the oldest continuously operating artist residencies in the United States. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, Michigan, it began as a summer school affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has evolved into a vital residency program that fosters experimentation, community, and dialogue across disciplines. Its founding ethos—rooted in the belief that immersion in nature and intensive studio practice can catalyze artistic growth—remains central to its mission. Ox-Bow offers residencies, workshops, and courses for artists at all career stages, with a particular emphasis on process, risk-taking, and the exchange of ideas in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Residency opportunities

3 listed

Planning your application

Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for the residency's unique environment—time, nature, and community—and articulate how their practice would benefit from the absence of pressure to produce finished work. The selection committee values authenticity and openness to dialogue over polished proposals. While there is no strict template, a thoughtful artist statement and work samples that reveal process and experimentation are advantageous. Deadlines typically fall in winter for summer residencies; check the website for specific dates and application requirements. Financial aid is available, and artists are encouraged to apply regardless of career stage.