Art/Sci Awarded Residencies are funded opportunities available through an application process and awarded to artists and scientists actively working to promote dialogue and positive environmental change. Residents are awarded a residency in a cohort made up of 6-10 artists and scientists spanning many disciplines. Residents stay in 1- or 2-bedroom cabins free of charge, and are responsible for their own travel costs and food while they are in residence. PLAYA is open to international and domestic applicants as long as eligibility requirements are met.
All of PLAYA’s programs focus on expanding and deepening the field of art and science to empower the human motivation necessary for a healthy and whole future on this planet. We believe if human society is to maintain vibrancy of culture and biodiversity, it needs new ways of seeing the world. Surrounded by the richness of both the Fremont National Forest and BLM public lands, PLAYA’s programs provide ample space for study, exploration and inspiration within the high desert’s living laboratory.
Applicants may choose a 5-, 11-, 17- or 25-night session. Most residency sessions begin on a Thursday and end on a Monday. We cannot accommodate custom residency dates, so applicants must choose from the dates available. We are very happy to continue the more accessible 5-night residency option for residents who have commitments that make longer periods of time away from home harder to accomodate.
Two references are required for this application.
PLAYA’s 76-acre campus sits alongside an intermittent desert lake which is 10 miles wide and 20 miles long. The campus is made up of the Commons building (where the only wi-fi on campus can be accessed), 6 cabins, 2 live/work units with attached studios, 2 homes for staff, three studios, and a small music studio.
PLAYA is in a remote, rural area of Oregon with wide open vistas and opportunities for field explorations in rich natural settings. Bend, Oregon, is two hours north and Lakeview is one hour south of PLAYA. Paisley with a population of 225 is 17 miles from PLAYA. Summer Lake consists of a gas station, small market, post office and rest area. PLAYA recognizes that living in a remote and rural community can be challenging. If you have any questions about whether PLAYA is the best fit for you, please review our 2025 Know Before You Go Handbook. Additionally, if you have questions about the residency accommodations, please see the Cabins page of our website. For questions about the application process listed below, please call 541.943.3983 or email programs@playasummerlake.org.
2026 Art/Sci Awarded Residency date choices:
JAN 15 – FEB 9, 2026: 25 nights
FEB 12 – 23, 2026: 11 nights
FEB 26 – MAR 9, 2026: 11 nights
JULY 9 – 14, 2026: 5 nights
JULY 17 – AUG 3, 2026: 17 nights
AUG 6 – 17, 2026: 11 nights
OCT 8 – NOV 2, 2026: 25 nights
NOV 19 – 30, 2026: 11 nights
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINE
Applications for the 2026 Art/Sci Awarded Residency are due Saturday, May 31, 2025 by 11:59pm Pacific time.
PLAYA uses SlideRoom for the application portal. Applications will be evaluated on how aligned the proposed project is with PLAYA’s mission, the strength of the art and science connection in the applicant’s work, the quality of the work samples and how likely the work will evoke dialogue and positive environmental change. We do not accept residency applications by email, regular mail, or fax. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed; SlideRoom cuts off submissions at 11:59pm Pacific time on 5/31/25 so late applications will not be able to be submitted. We highly encourage you to read all application information and instructions carefully. Please note that the application questions are given as much weight at the work submissions during review. Your answers to these questions help the jury choose residents whose work is in alignment with PLAYA’s mission and whose work or project would most benefit from the natural science assets and living laboratory that PLAYA has to offer.
FEES
This residency is free to attend but there is a $30 application fee. Payment will be collected when you submit your application. This fee covers the cost of using the SlideRoom service as well as contributes to the renumeration of PLAYA’s Program staff who manages the software. If this fee prohibits you from applying, please email programs@playasummerlake.org by May 29, 2025 to request a waiver. There is no explanation needed. Collaborative teams are welcome to request fee waivers for additional applications regardless of financial need.
More Info
https://playasummerlake.org/apply-for-residency/
Location
Summer Lake, OR
Contact Email
programs@playasummerlake.org