Organizer Information
Prairie is an artist‑centered residency program based in rural Advance, North Carolina (USA), designed to support creative development through focused, uninterrupted studio time close to nature. Set on one acre of land and housed within a historic 1870 country home surrounded by oak trees, Prairie fosters a slow, contemplative environment that encourages sustained concentration on artistic practice in a peaceful setting. The residency is open to artists and creatives working across disciplines, including fine art, design, music, writing, publishing, horticulture, and more. By providing a live‑work environment for short‑term stays (1–4 weeks), Prairie cultivates both individual reflection and shared community among up to three residents at a time. This residency emphasizes the value of creative exploration, connection to the environment, and meaningful engagement with personal artistic process. Prairie’s programming is self‑directed, providing time and space for artists to pursue their work with minimal distraction and a supportive creative atmosphere.
Title & Description
Prairie Residency Program 2026
The Prairie Residency Program 2026 is a short‑term live‑work residency designed to support artists and creatives who are seeking dedicated time and space for artistic work and experimentation. Running throughout the year in flexible sessions lasting between 1 to 4 weeks, this residency invites regional, national, and international applicants to live and work on site in a quiet, natural setting near Winston‑Salem, North Carolina. Residents are provided with private studio/bedrooms, basic living amenities, outdoor spaces for artistic engagement, and the freedom to shape their own creative agendas. The program aims to facilitate renewed engagement with one’s environment, artistic process, and creative community — offering both solitude and communal residency experience for sustained, meaningful creative development.
Categories
The residency welcomes practice across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Visual Art (fine art, painting, sculpture)
- Design (including garden design)
- Sound/Music and Composition
- Writing & Publishing
- Photography and Multimedia
- Horticulture and Process‑based creative work
- Interdisciplinary and exploratory creative practices
Eligibility
- Open internationally (regional, national, and international applicants) — artists from anywhere may apply.
- Open to professional and emerging artists and creatives across multiple disciplines.
- Applicants must be able to travel to Advance, North Carolina, USA, for the residency period.
Program Benefits & Awards
Residents who are accepted into the Prairie Residency program receive:
- Live‑work accommodations in a historic 1870 country home with private bedroom/studio space.
- Shared living amenities including kitchen, a common room, a dining area, and basic household facilities.
- Outdoor space for creative projects and engagement with the surrounding natural environment.
- The opportunity to engage with a small cohort of fellow resident artists for community and exchange.
- A quiet rural setting conducive to focus, reflection, and deep artistic work.
Note: Prairie does not provide a stipend, travel grant, meals, or artist fees as part of the standard residency. Residency operations are self‑directed and focused primarily on providing space and time for creative work.
Application Fee
A weekly residency fee of USD $225 is required, payable before the residency begins. This fee covers the cost of accommodations and basic facilities.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following materials (details may vary on the application form):
- Personal information and contact details.
- Statement of artistic practice and intentions for the residency period.
- Portfolio or sample documentation of work (images, media, writing, recordings as relevant).
- Proposed dates or period preferences within the 1–4 week residency range.
- Any additional supporting materials requested on the Prairie application portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Residency Duration: Sessions range from 1 to 4 weeks, as agreed with Prairie staff upon acceptance.
Location
Historic Residency House, Advance, North Carolina, United States
Additional Details
- Up to three residents may be in residence simultaneously, each with private bedroom/studio space.
- The residency environment is rural; a car is recommended for accessing groceries, supplies, and local transportation.
- The residency is self‑directed, with emphasis on individual creative focus and community exchange.
- Outdoor workspace and natural surroundings are available to inspire and inform creative work.