Open AIRresidency
Open AIR Artist-in-Residence Program
Housing: Housing provided for artists coming from out of town; some sites have on-site lodging and others are arranged by Open AIR as needed.Family-friendly
- Who Can Apply: Artists of all disciplines, ages 18+, living and working in the U.S. or abroad; some 2027/28 residencies are limited to artists with Indigenous background.
- The Focus: Place-based artist residencies at unique sites across Montana, with exhibitions, public engagement, and professional development.
- The Funding: Housing for artists from out of town and a modest $35/day stipend; no participation fee, but artists cover travel and food.
- Key Requirements: Submit 5–10 work samples (non-visual media accepted; files under 1 GB), a 100-word bio, a description of creative practice (500 words max), a creative practice resume, and 3–5 residency site choices with responses. The application fee is $30 for up to 3 sites plus $10 for each additional site. Extended deadline Monday, December 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
DeadlineMonday, December 7, 2026
StipendThe artist receives a stipend of $35 a day for every day of the residency (sessions run about three to six weeks, longer for some Indigenous summer sites), plus housing for artists from out of town and studio space at the site.
Application fee$30
Cost to attendNo participation fee; artists cover travel and food.
DurationMulti-week residency
Program datesSummer 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028 sessions; Spring 2028 dates run March 27–April 28, 2028 (Butte: March 20–April 30, 2028); other 2027 session dates to be announced.
LocationMissoula, MT
Open toArtists worldwide
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesEmerging, Mid-Career, Established
DisciplinesVisual arts, Writing, Performance, Dance, Theater, Sound, Music, Cross-disciplinary, New media
Age range18–
Application notesThe application form for the 2027 residencies gives an extended deadline of Monday, December 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm; the info page and home page still show the original November 30 deadline. Application fee $30 for up to 3 sites plus $10 for each additional site; if the fee is a barrier, email program@openairmt.org. No pets. Families and couples are welcome unless a site notes otherwise; non-collaborating duos apply separately and collaborating duos apply together. Artists must contribute a digital piece to WMCI/Open AIR's collection. Phone-call interview required for finalists. For accessibility accommodations or a PDF application, email program@openairmt.org.
Contactprogram@openairmt.org
Open AIR
Organization based in Missoula