The Whirlybird Compound Artist Residency Program invites professional and emerging artists of all disciplines to apply starting Feb 15th, 2023 for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Residencies of 4-6 weeks or more are preferred and can be for up to 12 weeks, but shorter stays of a minimum of 1 week will be considered for certain circumstances, but not encouraged.

Although our accommodations offer six private bedrooms, we will not always have six artists in residency at the same time. We will collaborate with the applying artists and prioritize balancing their needs with our program's requirements. The number of residents at any given time, as well as the specific accommodations requested, will also be taken into account.

Y’all, we’re old school, so application materials should be sent via email to thewhirlybird@gmail.com (for large digital media files, use Box or Dropbox – or old fashion snail mail for “hard copy” to 4072 Hwy 182, Opelousas, LA 70570). There is no fee to apply.

To successfully apply for a residency at The Whirlybird Compound, it’s important to showcase your passion for your work – tell us why you’re seeking this opportunity. Detail what you hope to achieve during the residency and how the program will support your growth as an artist. Your portfolio should be well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, featuring high-quality images or recordings of your work along with relevant information such as dimensions, materials, and creation dates. Residency at The Whirlybird Compound requires artists to contribute to the community through a project like a reading, workshop, presentation or art show, so be specific about your goals and plans and explain how the residency will support your project. Please obtain letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work who can speak to your abilities and the residency. Submit all required materials in a timely fashion and double-check everything before submitting. And, it is appropriate to follow up with the residency program after submission to inquire about the status of your application, of course, being respectful and professional in your inquiry.

Application Requirements:

1. Letter of Intent: This document should include your personal information (address, phone, and email), your background in art, your goals for the residency, letters of recommendation, desired residency dates, and preferred accommodations.
2. Resume and Portfolio: Your resume should highlight your background and experience in your field. Your portfolio should showcase your work and be well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. If you are a writer, include published works or works in progress. If you are an artist, musician, or dancer, include 3-5 images, recordings, or videos of your work.
3. The Community Lagniappe (LAN-yap) Proposal (in Cajun and Creole culture, lagniappe is a small gift given or obtained by way of good measure): In the spirit of paying it forward, we expect applicants to contribute to the community through a project we call Community Lagniappe, such as a reading, workshop, presentation, or art show. This does not have to be complicated or a major focus of the residency, simple contributions are preferred.

Finalists will be invited for an interview (via Zoom or Skype or regular old phone call) within a couple of weeks of submitting the application. Acceptance notifications will be sent within 30 days – or earlier if the request for residency is before 30 days from applying. A 50% deposit is required for confirmation of residency and must be made within 10 days of acceptance. A 5.5% St. Landry Parish occupancy tax will be added.

• Cancellation Policy: A $100 fee will be deducted from the deposit if canceled before 30 days before the start date. Refunds for cancellations within 30 days depend on a medical emergency or finding a replacement.