Vashon Artist Residency
Vashon Artist Residency supports artists by offering time, space, and resources to reflect, create and connect on spectacular Vashon Island on the shore of the Salish Sea in Washington State. This opportunity is a self-directed residency and we welcome artists at all stages of a creative career.
We strive to make this opportunity accessible and include artists of varied economic, cultural and geographic backgrounds to stimulate an insightful, respectful and compelling communal experience.
We currently offer numerous 4-week and one 2-week-long, self-directed residencies to artists working in the visual, literary, performing, media, and literary arts.
Vashon Artist Residency welcomes up to seven artists for each residency session. Accommodations include a private bedroom, a private or shared bathroom, a communal kitchen for meals and indoor and outdoor areas for dining and relaxing. Each resident will have 24-hour access to a private studio or a large writer’s desk in their bedroom. All areas of our campus have WIFI.
Residents are responsible for the cost of their own travel, supplies, shipping and food. Access Stipends are currently available to offset some expenses.
Kingsbury Road SW
Vashon , WA 98070
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Vashon Artist Residency offers a sliding-scale fee structure to keep the residency accessible at all income levels. Full fees are $2,550 (4 weeks) and $1,275 (2 weeks). Accepted artists will be asked to contribute what they are able. Fees support program overhead and staffing.
Accessibility
Vashon Artist Residency seeks to support artists of diverse abilities, both visible and invisible. Before applying, artists who 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.
We are responsive and welcome artists with disabilities to connect with us about how we can make their stay possible and successful.
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.
HOUSING: Our new "Little House" offers a ramped entry and one ensuite bedroom that is accessible to those with little or no mobility. The "Big House" is situated on a steep slope, which makes it inaccessible to those with extremely limited mobility. The "Big House" is down a concrete pathway and three sets of stairs from the parking area.
WORKSPACE: For those with limited mobility, our new "Little House" offers an accessible ensuite bedroom with a writer's desk. The "Big Studio" with an etching press has a low-threshold entry of one low stair. The other three studio spaces at Vashon Artist Residency are fully accessible. "The Shed" (sound studio) is located up the gravel driveway from the parking area and has a small path and three stairs at the entry.
Parking and entryways are accessed from a packed gravel driveway.
"The Big House" has four bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen, living room, media area and yoga/workout space. It also houses the kayaks and paddleboards, BBQ and outdoor fireplace.
If an artist has limited mobility, social activities will be moved to the "Little House" so that everyone can fully participate.
Housing & Accomodation
Common spaces in the "Little House" are accessible, including the outdoor deck with expansive views of the Salish Sea. The topography of the residency prevents some outdoor spaces and the "Big House" from being accessible to those with limited mobility.
Studio & Facilities
If an artist is assigned one of the 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 Executive Director before arrival.
The Big Studio is about 400 square feet and has an etching press. Any artist who would like to utilize the press will need to have had previous printmaking experience and agree to special terms to use the press. They must also provide or purchase printmaking supplies.
Three of our seven 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. The Shed 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.