Joshua Tree Artist Residency 2027–2028

Overview

JTHAR offers seven-week residencies to artists working in any medium (except music), providing dedicated housing, studio space, and a $1,500 scholarship to support their stay in the high desert near Joshua Tree National Park. Selected artists must be in residence for the full seven-week period, take part in a mid-residency review with JTHAR board members, and have the option of an open-studio exhibition at the end of the residency.

Eligibility

Open to all U.S. and international artists 18 years of age or older working in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, interdisciplinary and social practice, and architecture. Musical submissions are not being accepted. Selected artists must be able to attend the full seven-week program with no exceptions.

Program Benefits

• $1,500 scholarship to help offset costs (art supplies, transportation, meals, etc.)
• Dedicated studio space, either in an assigned house or in the JTHAR shared studio
• Private housing accommodation in air-conditioned houses in the Highlands near the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park
• Option of an open-studio exhibition of completed work at the JTHAR studio

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
• Residency Session 1: May 2027 – June 2027
• Residency Session 2: August 2027 – October 2027
• Residency Session 3: January 2028 – March 2028

Application Fee

$45.00 entry fee.

How to Apply

Submit an online application including your portfolio and residency proposal. Selection is made by JTHAR Board Members and selected jurors based on the merit of the artist's portfolio and residency proposal.

Additional Requirements

• Selected artists must donate one completed work to the JTHAR collection
• A mid-residency review with board members is required to discuss work-in-progress
• Visitors are permitted but limited to a two-night stay; the residency cannot accommodate family members, partners, or pets; hosts must be notified of planned visitors in advance
• Summer sessions can be very hot in the high desert; all houses are air-conditioned

Alma Ruiz Artist Fellowship

A separate, juried Alma Ruiz Artist Fellowship awards a JTHAR residency position specifically to a Latin American or U.S. Latino/a artist of exceptional ability, chosen by advisor Alma Ruiz (former senior curator, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles) — this is a distinct award track from the general residency call.