Vashon Artist Residency
Vashon Artist Residency provides a diverse group of artists the time and space to create, the opportunity to engage with other residents and the experience of living and working amidst the ecology and community of Vashon Island located on the beautiful Salish Sea in Washington State.
We are committed to offering this opportunity to a diverse group of artists. We believe that welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds who develop and create differently, will stimulate growth and exploration for each individual and their cohort.
We currently offer numerous 3.5-week and one 2-week long, self-directed residencies to emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in the visual, literary, performing, media, and literary arts.
Located in a rural area, Vashon Artist Residency offers both communal living spaces and private spaces. Each artist has a private bedroom with a view of Quartermaster Harbor. Artists needing studio space have 24-hour access to a 250-square-foot space with natural light through full roll-up doors. Artists who do not require a studio have a writing desk in their bedroom.
Residents are responsible for supplies, shipping, travel and food. Any work an artist makes at Vashon Artist Residency will be theirs.
Kingsbury Road SW
Vashon , WA 98070
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Vashon Artist Residency employs a sliding scale fee structure: $1,875 for 3.5 weeks and $1,125 for 2 weeks, due 30 days before the start. We promote accessibility and equity by allowing artists to request partial or full fee coverage based on need.
Accessibility
Vashon Artist Residency seeks to support artists of diverse abilities, both visible and invisible. Prior to applying, artists that have specific questions or concerns about accessibility or how to manage movement, medication, or any other physical or emotional concerns, should contact us so that staff may determine if we are able to accommodate your needs. Staff will keep personal matters confidential except in an emergency situation.
Three studio spaces at Vashon Artist Residency are ADA accessible, however, our housing and sound studio are not. The Residency is situated on a slope that impacts accessibility at our facility. Parking and studios are accessed from a gravel driveway. Housing is down a concrete pathway and three sets of stairs from the parking area. Each bedroom must be accessed by stairs. The sound studio is located up the gravel driveway from the parking area and has a small path and three stairs at the entry.
Many residents do not have transportation during their stay. The Residency is located along a rural road, but it is served by the King County Metro Bus, which is ADA accessible. Staff provide transportation to and from the ferry terminals, which are accessible by ferries in Pierce, Kitsap and King Counties. Staff also provides regular trips to the grocery store, library, and other needed services. A Community Access Van is available for organized trips on or off the Island.
Residency studios are ADA accessible, but the home, built on a steep incline, is unfortunately not. Although we cannot currently support an artist requiring a wheeled device, we are responsive and welcome artists with disabilities to connect with us about how we can make their stay possible and successful. Dietary needs are accommodated and we work to make spaces fragrance-free. Our Residency Director is CPR Certified and has extensive experience with mental health and emergency services support on Vashon and within King County.
While our studios are ADA accessible, the home, built on a steep incline, is unfortunately not. Although we cannot currently support an artist requiring a wheeled device, we are responsive and welcome artists with disabilities to connect with us about how we can make their stay possible and successful.
Housing & Accomodation
Studio & Facilities
If an artist is assigned one of the three studios they will have 24-hour access to the space. Studios are approximately 250 square ft with 10 ft high ceilings, roll-up garage doors and natural light. There are doors between studios as well as individual access by roll-up doors. Studio walls go up to the ceiling. Doors have key codes for privacy. A covered outdoor area and shed offer a utility sink with hot and cold water, basic tools, drop cloths, etc. Residents are encouraged to discuss their artmaking needs with the Residency Director before arrival.
Two of our four bedrooms have ample desk space for writers. We offer monitors for those who may want one. The Shed also has a desk that may be used for writing, reading aloud or incorporating audio work. There are spaces throughout the home and outdoors where writers work as well. We have a printer/scanner that artists may use.
The Shed enables Vashon Artist Residency to host composers, musicians and sound artists, as well as other artists developing new work with sound including filmmakers, choreographers, theater artists, writers and interdisciplinary artists. This new space offers artists a private space for sound experimentation, which can lead to critical creative growth. The Shed is located in a stand-alone building that has been fully renovated for sound work. It is 170 square feet with walls, ceiling, and floor all made of high-quality soundproofing materials to prevent any external noise from disturbing artists' processes. The studio is also equipped with sound-absorbing materials to minimize any echo or reverberation. It has three impact-laminated windows and one door that offers natural light and a view of the Salish Sea. Cork flooring and heat keep the space cozy throughout the year.
We are fortunate to have a highly creative and generous community here on Vashon Island. We have numerous resources to assist artists during their time here. Artists have been able to borrow or rent performance space, equipment, musical instruments and tools from Island individuals and organizations. We encourage Residents to reach out to our Residency Director before their stay if they have specific needs for their creative practice.