Bloedel Reserve Creative Residency

Bloedel Reserve offers artist residencies providing long stretches of uninterrupted time in a 150-acre environment of landscaped gardens and native woodlands on Bainbridge Island, Washington, a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. The residency program is open to professional and emerging artists, composers, writers, botanists, landscape architects, researchers, and others exploring themes of nature and the human connection with nature. Ten resident openings are available for 2017, with approximately one resident per month. Resident duration ranges from three to four weeks, with flexible timing based on artist availability and seasonal preferences.

The mission of the residency program is to foster creative thinking inspired by nature and explore the connection between humans and the environment. Residents are not expected to create a finished project but should use the time for inspiration. Artists are housed in a comfortable residence with natural lighting, kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. All linens are supplied, and once-weekly cleaning is provided. There is no dedicated studio space; artists use the residency building as their studio, which limits projects to those that are not large or messy. A smart car is made available for residents' use. The resident is responsible for all meals and travel expenses. Bloedel does not offer stipends but provides accommodations and unlimited access to the gardens.

An outreach component is required, which can take the form of a public reading, workshop, performance, or similar community engagement. Spouses or partners may stay overnight at a rate of one night per week of residency. Day visitors are admitted with guest passes (four per week during open hours, or up to four after hours with 10 p.m. departure). Due to space limitations, housing accommodations cannot be extended to spouses, partners, or family members beyond the guest policy. Entry fee is $20.00. Application deadline: 10/15/16 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. International applicants are eligible.