Dorland Mountain Arts — Artist Residency Program

Overview

Dorland Mountain Arts offers self-directed residencies to artists, writers, musicians, composers, and photographers seeking uninterrupted time and solitude in a natural mountain setting on the Palomar Mountain range above Temecula, California. Residents are housed individually in furnished cottages with workspace and have access to shared facilities including the Community Arts Center, library, Jane Culp Studio, and outdoor Art Pavilion. The program is for professional development; no themes, projects, or deliverables are required.

Eligibility

Open to artists, writers, musicians, composers, and photographers 21 years of age or older. Selection is based on artistic merit and promise. Anyone who desires time alone in a natural setting to pursue creative work is encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits

• Private lodging in one of five furnished cottages, each with workspace, sleeping area, kitchen or kitchen area, and bathroom
• Access to shared facilities: Community Arts Center (with gallery, library, Jane Culp Studio) and outdoor Art Pavilion
• Two cottages include a baby grand piano (Steinway and Kimball)
• Free internet in cottages; limited printing in Community Arts Center
• Easels, tarps, keyboard, and music stand available on request
• On-site washing machine and clothesline for residencies longer than one week

Fees

• $40 application fee for first-time residents only, non-refundable
• Non-refundable cottage preparation fee (amount not specified)
• Cottage fees vary by cottage and length of stay, non-refundable
• Joint/shared residencies: additional fee of half the total residency fee, split equally
• Overnight guests: $50 per night or half the residency fee, whichever is less
• Rescheduling fee: $125 if changing confirmed dates
• Residents responsible for own travel, shipping, and personal/artistic expenses

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: September 17, 2026

How to Apply

Submit an online application. A rotating panel of arts and humanities professionals conducts independent review; final acceptance is at Dorland's sole discretion. Notification by email.

Policies

• Departing residents must clean and prepare their cottage following a checkout checklist and depart by 11am on departure day
• No pets permitted; smoking prohibited anywhere on the 300-acre property; violations result in immediate termination without refund
• Residents responsible for crating, shipping, and removing their own artwork and personal property by end of residency; Dorland cannot store items left behind
• Visitors require 48 hours' advance notice to caretaker; one overnight guest allowed per resident, subject to fee and website registration
• No refunds for cancellations, date changes, late arrivals, or early departures; rescheduling available for $125 fee based on availability
• Property includes unpaved roads and wildlife (rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions); residents assume risk of injury and indemnify Dorland
• Dorland may request permission to use residents' names, images, or documentation of work for public relations and marketing
• Weekly Meet & Greet typically held Friday evenings; participation in Art Receptions, Open Studios, and community activities welcomed but not required