Organizer Information
PLAYA is a nonprofit arts and science residency organization located in the high desert landscape of Summer Lake, Oregon, United States. Situated on the traditional lands of the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin Paiute peoples, PLAYA has developed an internationally recognized residency model that fosters dialogue between artistic, scientific, ecological, and cultural practices. Through its residency programs, PLAYA supports artists, scientists, researchers, writers, environmental practitioners, and interdisciplinary creators whose work engages with questions related to ecology, place, sustainability, biodiversity, and the future of human relationships with the natural world.
The organization’s mission centers on expanding the field of art and science by creating opportunities for deep inquiry, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary exchange. Located within a unique environmental setting surrounded by Fremont National Forest and Bureau of Land Management high-desert landscapes, PLAYA offers residents direct access to a living laboratory that inspires creative and scientific exploration. The residency environment emphasizes independent work, collaboration, and engagement with the ecological and cultural significance of the region.
Title & Description
PLAYA Art/Sci Awarded Residency 2027 (United States)
The PLAYA Art/Sci Awarded Residency is an international residency program designed for artists, scientists, researchers, and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in exploring the intersection of art, science, ecology, and place-based inquiry. The residency provides dedicated time and space for participants to pursue self-directed projects while engaging in meaningful dialogue with a cohort of fellow residents from diverse disciplines.
Residents are invited to immerse themselves in the unique high-desert ecosystem of Lake County, Oregon, using the surrounding environment as a source of inspiration, research, and creative development. The program supports projects that contribute to new ways of understanding the world, foster innovative thinking, and deepen connections between artistic and scientific perspectives.
Participants may choose between 11-night, 18-night, or 25-night residency sessions throughout 2027. Residency cohorts consist of approximately 6–10 artists and scientists, creating an intimate environment that encourages collaboration, exchange of ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration. While the residency is primarily self-directed, participants may engage in optional public programming such as PLAYA Presents Open Studio Tours, which invite local community members to learn more about residents’ projects and practices.
The program particularly welcomes projects that address environmental issues, biodiversity, sustainability, cultural knowledge, scientific research, and place-based practices. PLAYA encourages applications from individuals whose work is informed by lived experience, Indigenous knowledge systems, ecological stewardship, rural perspectives, and historically underrepresented communities.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Photography
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Installation Art
- Printmaking
- Book Arts
- Literature
- Creative Writing
- Poetry
- Journalism
- Sound Art
- Music Composition
- Music Performance
- Film
- Video Art
- New Media Art
- Digital Art
- Design
- Architecture
- Performing Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Environmental Art
- Ecological Practices
- Social Practice
- Scientific Research
- Natural Sciences
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
- Cultural Research
- Indigenous Knowledge Practices
- Multimedia Practices
- Cross-Disciplinary Projects
Eligibility
- Open internationally to artists, scientists, researchers, and creative practitioners from all countries.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Emerging, mid-career, and established practitioners are eligible.
- Individual and collaborative applications are accepted.
- Applicants must demonstrate alignment with PLAYA’s mission and explain how the residency environment will support their project or practice.
- Past PLAYA Art/Sci Awarded Residents may reapply after a two-year waiting period.
- Applicants must be able to participate for the full duration of their selected residency session.
- Projects must be compatible with PLAYA’s facilities, available studios, and rural environment.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully funded residency participation.
- Private cabin accommodation (single or shared occupancy depending on assignment).
- Dedicated studio or workspace.
- Access to specialized studios including visual arts, printmaking, movement, music, writing, and multipurpose facilities.
- Access to the surrounding high-desert landscape and research environment.
- Weekly communal group meal.
- Participation in interdisciplinary residency cohorts.
- Optional Open Studio Tours and public engagement opportunities.
- Professional networking with artists, scientists, researchers, and cultural practitioners.
- Time and space for focused research and creative development.
Please note:
- Travel expenses are not covered.
- Residents are responsible for groceries, personal living expenses, and project materials.
- No artist stipend is provided.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: $40 USD
- Fee waivers are available to all applicants upon request.
- Waiver requests must be submitted by June 28, 2026 (11:59 PM PT) via email to programs@playasummerlake.org.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
General Application Materials
- Completed SlideRoom application.
- Responses to residency essay questions.
- Project or process proposal.
- Residency session preferences.
- Description of studio and workspace needs.
Work Samples
Depending on discipline:
- 10–15 images.
Musicians / Sound Artists
- 3–5 audio samples (maximum 15 minutes total).
Performing Artists
- 3–5 video samples (maximum 15 minutes total).
Literary Artists
- 3–5 writing samples (maximum 10 pages total).
New Media / Interdisciplinary Artists
- Combination of visual, written, audio, and video materials (maximum equivalent of 15 total items/pages/minutes).
Science / Research Applicants
- Up to 10 pages of abstracts, presentations, publications, or supporting materials.
References
- Two references are required.
- References must complete PLAYA’s online reference form by July 19, 2026.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Reference Submission Deadline: 19 July 2026
- Notification of Results: 1 October 2026
- Residency Period: January – November 2027
- 2027 Residency Sessions
- January 21 – February 15, 2027 (25 nights)
- February 18 – March 1, 2027 (11 nights)
- July 15 – August 2, 2027 (18 nights)
- October 28 – November 15, 2027 (18 nights)
Location
Summer Lake, Oregon, United States
Additional Details
- Residency cohorts consist of approximately 6–10 participants.
- Residents choose preferred residency dates during the application process.
- Collaborative teams are welcome, though each collaborator must submit an individual application.
- Couples may apply separately for concurrent residencies.
- Families and children cannot be accommodated during this residency.
- Accessibility accommodations are available, including ADA-accessible housing and studio facilities.
- Installation projects that alter the landscape require approval and must comply with Leave No Trace principles.
- Selection is conducted by a panel of artists, scientists, and arts professionals.
- Evaluation criteria include artistic or scientific quality, relevance to PLAYA’s mission, strength of work samples, and engagement with science, ecology, and place-based inquiry.
- Community engagement opportunities may become available but are optional and do not affect selection decisions.