PLAYA Residency Program
PLAYA’s residencies are open to the global community of scientists, naturalists, biologists, musicians, designers, sustainability leaders, social practice artists, musicians, visual artists, writers, performing artists, and collaborations and individuals engaged in interdisciplinary work or other forms of creative work. PLAYA welcomes a range of participants– from emerging scientists and artists to those with an established history of accomplishment.
PLAYA hosts two types of residencies: awarded and self-directed. Awarded residencies are granted through a juried application process and are free of charge. Self-directed are fee-based and do not require an application
Applications for 26, 12 or 5 days residencies are accepted once a year and reviewed by professionals working in each category.
PLAYA is in a remote, rural area of Oregon with wide open vistas and opportunities for field explorations in rich natural settings. Bend, Oregon, is two hours north and Lakeview is one hour south of PLAYA. Paisley with a population of 225 is 17 miles from PLAYA. The town of Summer Lake, population 100, consists of a gas station, small market, post office and rest area.
PLAYA’s 76-acre campus sits alongside an intermittent desert lake which is 10 miles wide and 20 miles long. The campus is made up of the Commons building (where the only wi-fi on campus can be accessed), 6 cabins, 2 live/work units with attached studios, 2 homes for staff, three studios, and a small music studio.
47531 HWY 31
Summer Lake, OR 97640
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
PLAYA’s Awarded Residencies are open to the global community of scientists and artists whose work promotes dialogue and positive change in the environment and the world. We encourage naturalists, biologists, musicians, designers, sustainability leaders, social practitioners, musicians, visual artists, writers and performing artists to apply.
PLAYA welcomes applications from both emerging and seasoned professionals. Applicants must demonstrate how their work aligns with our mission and how they, or their project, will benefit from time at PLAYA. All residents must be 18 years old or older. Residents’ work must be compatible with PLAYA’s available studio spaces, facilities, and resources, and with PLAYA’s rural setting and community. REAPPLICATION: Past residents or applicants must submit new and complete applications for each cycle. Past residents must wait two years after the date of their last residency to re-apply to PLAYA.
Accessibility
We have one cabin that is accessible and the main Commons is accessible. Our full campus and grounds are not fully accessible. Please reach out if you have questions about whether our residency is the right fit for you.
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An artist with limited mobility can participate in a residency at PLAYA but may be limited on how much of the campus they can enjoy. Gatherings and communal dinners are shared in an accessible space.
Our campus is large and folks may not be able to visit other residents in their cabins due to the distance between cabins, or enjoy the many trails as they are mowed grass and can be bumpy.
Housing & Accomodation
Our main Commons lodge is spectacular with sitting area, stone fireplace, a library, commercial kitchen that residents can use and dining are. it also has gorgeous windows and patio with views of the Summer Lake playa.
Studio & Facilities
PLAYA has one printmaking studio and 4 multidisciplinary art studios.
Sandhill, the printmaking studio is an expansive space that houses 3 printing presses, a sink and large movable tables. The studio is 22′ x 22′ with ceilings that are nearly 18′ high. It has large wall space that can support pinned work or use the metal magnetic strip to hang prints. Windows are high on the north wall and there is a garage door facing south that can be opened creating an indoor/outdoor studio.
Avocet Studio has windows and a glass door that faces north. Other windows in the studio face east and south. This studio has a large wall to work on and pin items to and a large moveable table, a smaller table and sink. The ceiling is slanted with a height of 11′ and is approximately 13′ x 22′.
Petroglyph studio has three windows that face east, south and west. It is approximately 10′ x 20′ with a 12′ ceiling. It has a closet with a sink, walls for pinning work to and three work tables.
Diablo Studio is attached to Diablo cabin. It has a skylight and a sliding glass door that faces east. This studio has a large wall to work on and pin items to and a large moveable table, a smaller table and sink. The ceiling is slanted with a height of 11' and is approximately 16' x 11'.
Wildcat Studio is attached to Wildcat cabin. It has a skylight and a sliding glass door that faces east. This studio has a large wall to work on and pin items to and a large moveable table, a smaller table and sink. The ceiling is slanted with a height of 8' and is approximately 17' x 11'.
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