Open AIR
Open AIR is a place-based Artist-in-Residence program that connects artists from all disciplines and origins with culturally, historically, and ecologically significant locations through collaborative partnerships in Montana.
With innovative opportunities available in places such as remote wilderness areas to historically significant sites closer to town, artists can draw inspiration from a regional community dedicated to preserving place, environment, and the arts.
In 2024 Open AIR has four sessions: Spring, Summer, Summer II, and Fall. We have residencies at 13 different sites in Montana, including; Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Wilderness; Flathead Lake Biological Station, Polson; Travelers' Rest State Park, Lolo; Butte, MT; Philipsburg, MT; Hamilton, MT; Clark Fork Coalition, Anaconda, MT In Missoula, Open AIR has residency sites at the Missoula Public Library, Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, Garden City Harvest, Moon-Randolph Homestead, Home ReSource, and Montana Natural History Center.
Each residency provides a unique opportunity for artists to be embedded in a site that allows the artist to engage with place, and the communities and resources associated with each site. The residency is free, and housing and a modest stipend are provided. Artists are responsible for transportation and food.
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Open AIR accepts artists of all disciplines, nationally and internationally at any stage in their career, 18 years or older.
The Open AIR stipend for artists is $35 per day. The total amount varies based on the length of the residency.
The application fee is $25 for Montana residents and $30 for people living outside of Montana for three site choices. Applicants can apply to two additional sites for an extra $10.
Accessibility
We make concerted efforts to ensure that everyone has physical access to our community events and artist residencies.
Our organization creates programming through residencies and public presentations on location with our partner agencies. We work together with our partners to ensure their locations are accessible.
Our partners are all established and successful organizations in the community , and together, we are able to accommodate a wide variety of accessibility needs and requests. Onsite features at our partner locations include wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, ramps to sidewalks and building entryways, elevators to floors where presentations are held, wheelchair-accessible classrooms and workspaces, directional signage for accessible entrances, restrooms, and other facilities, accessible restrooms, accessible walkways, and as added through our ongoing efforts to meet the needs.
Some residency sites take place in historic or remote locations with accessibility limitations.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Open AIR with accessibility questions.
Artists with limited mobility should contact Open AIR, and we will help advise applicants on which residency site best fits their needs. We will make accommodations whenever possible to increase access to a site.
Housing & Accomodation
Housing at an Open AIR residency varies greatly amongst our 13 different residency sites. During the application process, artists will be able to describe their needs, and we can seek out housing to suit the applicant's needs.
Studio & Facilities
Studios vary from site to site. In general, artists can expect a simple studio space to work. Sometimes the studios are located in a private space, and at some residency sites, the studios are public facing. During some sessions, artists can access additional resources for specific mediums (ceramics, painting, printmaking), but generally, artists should bring what they need. Visit our website for the most accurate studio descriptions.