CALL FOR ARTISTS: Open Call for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring of 2027 Residency Sessions Across Montana

About the Open Call

Open AIR connects artists from across disciplines with inspiring, unique sites in Montana for multi-week residencies. Artists create work in relation to their residency site, interacting with individuals stewarding that location. This opportunity provides critical time and space for practice development in a supported environment, offering professional development, exhibitions, public engagement, and networking with other artists and community members. Eligibility extends to artists of all disciplines, 18 years and older, living in the United States and internationally, including emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Strong encouragement is given to Indigenous Artists and members from other underrepresented groups. Residents receive access to a studio space, housing (if from outside the town of residency), and a modest stipend of $35/day. Expectations include weekly check-ins, participation in community engagement (talks, workshops), providing feedback, sharing process documentation, and contributing digital content to Open AIR's collection. The application fee is $30 for up to 3 sites, with $10 for additional sites; fee waivers are available upon request. Artists are responsible for travel and food costs.

What is Offered

Open AIR provides access to a studio space in a unique location, housing for artists from outside the town of residency, community engagement and professional development opportunities (including exhibitions and public engagement), website listing and promotion, and a modest stipend of $35/day for every day of the residency. Artists also gain connections with other artists, community members, and learn about the region's history, ecology, and culture.

Requirements

Artists are expected to participate in weekly check-ins, engage in community activities (studio visits, artist talks, performances, workshops), provide feedback, be flexible and communicative, share their process through photographs and interviews, and contribute digital content/artwork to WMCI/Open AIR’s collection. Serious artists interested in exploring and engaging the site, and committed to their practice, are preferred.

How to Apply

Applicants must thoroughly read all available information, including the FAQs and site descriptions. Prepare 5-10 work samples (no file larger than 1 GB), a short bio (100 words max), a description of creative practice (500 words max), a creative practice resume, and responses selecting 3-5 residency sites. Workshop ideas are optional. Submit the application via the provided JotForm link: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252676734845066. For questions or assistance, email program@openairmt.org.