Ragdale is one of the largest interdisciplinary artists’ communities in the country, located 30 miles north of Chicago and accessible locally by Metra train and internationally by O’Hare airport.
Ragdale residents represent a cross-section of ages, cultures, experiences, and mediums, making for a diverse and vibrant community. Specialized and accessible live/work spaces include writing, dance, music, visual art, and interdisciplinary art studios. Each year Ragdale awards up to 150 residencies and approximately 12 fellowships.
Each session, 15 artists-in-residence enjoy 18 days of uninterrupted time for work, a supportive environment, dynamic artist exchanges, 80 acres of nature preserve including 20 acres of idyllic prairie, close proximity to Lake Michigan, and chef-prepared communal dinner during the week.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
GUIDELINES
All applicants submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. Do not email or mail any application materials. All inquiries should be directed to Residency Manager, Deanna Miera (deanna@ragdale.org). Do not reach out through Submittable. Please note the following requirements to complete your application:
A completed online application form includes:
- A one-page artist’s statement and work plan, explaining your work, studio needs, and what you plan to do while in residence.
- A one or two-page CV or resume that summarizes your professional background.
- Work samples that show work from the past 2-3 years. All media is acceptable. Most electronic file types and sizes are accepted.
- If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, we require an eligibility statement of 500 words or less for each fellowship you would like to be considered for. An eligibility statement explains how you qualify for the selected fellowship and how a fellowship would support your work at this time.
- There is an application fee of $25. This amount covers the cost of application processing. Ragdale does not profit from application fees. If you are in need of financial assistance to cover the processing fee, please reach out to the Residency Manager, Deanna Miera at deanna@ragdale.org, to request a fee-waived application.
*PLEASE NOTE: Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted.
EVALUATION
Applications are reviewed by Ragdale’s curatorial Board and staff. Evaluations of work are based on the following criteria:
- Work samples: Documented works are original, inventive, and exciting.
- Work samples indicate relevance in their contemporary field.
- Work sample presentation: Work samples are high-quality and technically proficient in execution and are professionally presented and documented.
- Artist’s experience: Artist statement and CV/Resume reflects continued development of ideas, serious inquiry into subject matter, and exceptional aesthetic investigation in the chosen medium.
- Work plan: Artist demonstrates they will maximize the benefits of a residency at Ragdale. What is the reason for seeking time and space in this particular residency program and is there a sense of urgency reflected in the goals described?
NOTIFICATION
Applicants are notified of admission status via email in September, and final session date assignment notifications will go out in October.
COLLABORATIONS
Artists collaborating on a project must submit individual application forms and appropriate work samples, along with a joint description of the work they intend to do at Ragdale. Clearly specify your work and living space needs i.e. how many private studio and/or sleeping quarters are needed. You may also submit an example of a previous collaborative work (either completed or in progress).
TIMELINE
May 1, 2025 11:59pm: Application Deadline
September: Notifications of residency or fellowship award sent.
October: Accepted residents' final welcome packets with session dates sent
QUESTIONS?
All inquiries should be directed to Residency Manager, Deanna Miera (deanna@ragdale.org) and Artistic Director, Regin Igloria (regin@ragdale.org). Do not message Ragdale through Submittable as your message and will not be seen by staff. Please do not call regarding application status.
Artists determine their own residency fee based on personal financial considerations. Residents may opt to pay according to the suggested sliding scale of $35 - $250 per day. No financial aid application is required.
A residency costs Ragdale approximately $250 daily to host each resident. If you are in the position to pay more than the suggested daily residency fee rate, we encourage you to make a gift to ensure longevity of the program and support all artists’ ability to participate.
A very limited number of fellowships are awarded each year. Fellowship recipients do not pay a residency fee and receive a stipend of $1000 or more to participate in the Ragdale Youth Engagement program. Please see fellowships page for more details about awards and eligibility.
Approximately 12 fellowships are offered each year. Fellows do not pay a residency fee and receive a stipend of $1000 or more. Please visit the Fellowships page on our website for more details on stipends. We do not limit fellowships to the listed categories; we seek diverse voices and representations to enrich our artists' experiences. We encourage artists of all backgrounds to apply. In the application, you will be asked to describe how you meet the eligibility requirements of a fellowship (500 word maximum per fellowship). Fellowship recipients have the option to participate in a public program if desired. See website for more details.
Fellowship awards are disclosed upon acceptance. Please note that applicants may be awarded a residency without a fellowship award.