Sitka Center for Art and Ecology

Sitka residencies provide time and space for self-paced work and reflection in an inspiring natural setting. Residents from a broad range of art, writing, performance and science-based practices come to Sitka to create and explore away from the familiar contexts and constraints of daily routines, and free from external expectations. Located within the unique ecosystems of Cascade Head and the Salmon River Estuary on Oregon's central coast, Sitka is a place where natural curiosity is sparked, and creativity is unleashed. Since its founding, they have hosted hundreds of visual artists, photographers, writers, journalists, musicians, composers, filmmakers, educators and a broad range of natural scientists and interdisciplinary creatives. They currently invite 14-30 practitioners to stay at Sitka each year. Some are emerging voices while others are practising professionals, and the residents represent a diversity of geographies and cultural backgrounds. A range of personal and shared experiences are possible at Sitka, from sanctuary and solitude to cross-pollination and community. Sitka's Residency Program, October through May, provides artists, writers, musicians, architects and natural science scholars the opportunity to conduct their work while deeply engaging with the environment of Cascade Head. Up to six residents at a time (up to 28 per year), from different disciplines and stages in their careers, live and work on campus for up to 3 and a half months, free of charge. All residents are encouraged to perform community outreach during their stay, offering free exhibits and lectures on campus, presentations to area schools or community groups, and/or conducting scholarly research for local educational institutions. This is often a life-changing experience for the participants. Sitka residencies provide time and space for self-paced work and reflection in an inspiring natural setting. Residents from a broad range of art, writing, performance and science-based practices come to Sitka to create and explore away from the familiar contexts and constraints of daily routines, and free from external expectations. ‍Sitka is committed to equity and welcomes people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Bringing together people from different backgrounds and fields of expertise is core to Sitka's art and ecology mission. From climate change and environmental justice to systemic racism and cultural appropriation, diverse perspectives help spark new ideas and collaborative approaches to address today's challenges in creative ways. The Artist at Sea Residency provides the opportunity for a visual artist, writer or musician to spend 14 days on an oceanic research vessel interacting with a scientific team gathering data on the dynamics of mesozooplankton food webs at different depths and during different seasonal currents off of the Oregon and California coast. The next research trip is scheduled for Feb 15- March 2, 2023. The ship will be loaded on Feb 14 with an anticipated departure date of Feb 15. The ship will return on March 2 and the ship will be unloaded on March 3. The selected artist must be available from Feb 14- March 3, 2023. The (optional) 2-week residency at Sitka will follow after.