The Studios of Key West, the premier arts organization at the Southernmost Point of the United States, offers a residency program for emerging and established artists and writers from around the world. We provide residencies to visual artists, writers, composers, musicians, media artists, performers, and interdisciplinary artists.
The program grants nearly 40 artists each year the time and space to imagine new artistic work, engage in valuable dialogue and explore island connections. The Studios’ residency program is community-based and built upon the hope that visiting artists will take inspiration from Key West’s rich artistic past and present, and will engage with — and be inspired by — the remarkable people and culture that surrounds them.
Key West’s official motto, “One Human Family” reflects our commitment to living together as caring, sharing neighbors dedicated to making our home as close to paradise as we can. To that end, we encourage artists of all races, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities to apply. Residencies are almost a full month, Our residencies are one month; they run from the 2nd day of the month to the last day of the month. The newly renovated guest house has 4 artist residencies including 1 ADA-accessible unit, with a shared kitchen, covered courtyard and lushly landscaped grounds.
Hundreds of writers and artists have since come to Key West through the Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) Program, many returning and several relocating permanently.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Applications are evaluated by selection committees comprised of working artists and professionals in the applicants’ respective fields of discipline under the four categories: Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts, and Musical Arts and Performing Arts. Acceptance to The Studios’ Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) Program is based on the merit of past work and the potential for creative, intellectual and personal growth through the time and space to imagine new artistic work, engage in valuable dialogue and explore island connections. For more information on qualifications and requirements, please visit our FAQ page, and if you need more information about supplementary materials to provide during the application process, you can download a guide here.
There is no fee for the residency once an artist has been accepted into the program. However, artists are responsible for their travel to Key West, as well as living expenses and incidentals. The Studios will provide a bike to get around the island once you are here.