James Castle House Artist Residency

An image of the exterior of the James Castle House with a sign reading Castle House.

An image of the exterior of the James Castle House with a sign reading Castle House.

James Castle House Artist Residency

Boise, ID, United States

Boise City Department of Arts & History invites emerging and mid-career artists in any creative field to apply for a residency at the James Castle House in Boise, Idaho. The historic home site, where American artist James Castle lived and worked for over four decades, stands today as a testament to the artist's unique talent, lifelong practice, and artistic legacy.

This residency invites artists to immerse themselves in the site, explore the house, its history, and the surrounding landscape, and respond to their experience through the creation of new works. Residents will share their creative practice and process with our community through several public in-person and hybrid events throughout their stay, including, but not limited to, workshops, open studios, and presentations. Through this program, the James Castle House keeps the legacy of daily creativity and experimentation alive on-site, cultivating a growing local and national community and providing a deeper understanding of James Castle and the place he called home. 

Located in the vibrant and dynamic Collister neighborhood, it has easy access to Boise’s downtown and the nearby foothills, allowing residents to experience the beauty and culture of Idaho’s capital city while ensuring a quiet and private workspace. Each residency cycle provides one participant with private furnished living quarters, 24-hour studio access, and a stipend to assist with living expenses and supplies necessary to create work.

Contact

5015 Eugene St
Boise, ID 83703
United States

Year Founded
2018
Context
Suburban
Residency Structure
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency program within a government state or municipal partnership
Embedded in historic site
Longterm/embedded in neighborhood
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Experiential
Residency Length
10 days - 10 weeks
Languages
English
Spanish
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
1
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Architecture
Art History
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Documentary
Drawing
Environmentalism/Conservation
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
History
Illustration
Literature
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Painting
Paper Arts
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Emerging
Mid-career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Participate in public programming
Give artist talk or presentation
Lead workshop for the public
How does your residency program support artists?
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Additional Eligibility Information

 The James Castle House Residency program is open to emerging and mid-career artists and professionals working in any creative field. This includes but is not limited to, visual or new media artists, poets, writers, musicians, dancers, metalsmiths, and printmakers. However, due to the property’s limitations and proximity to neighbors, the site cannot accommodate loud or especially messy processes. If special equipment or facilities are required for the creation of work, the James Castle House will work to find a partnership within the Boise community to fill those needs. 

Selection Criteria: Selections will be made by committee and based on the following:

  • Strength of application
  • Quality of work samples
  • References
  • Interview

Demographic information will not be available to committee panelists unless the applicant discloses identifying information in short answer application questions. 

Eligibility:

  • Open to applicants legally able to work in the United States.
  • Applicants must be able to pass a thorough background check.
  • Applicants must be 18 or older.

The James Castle House does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or disability.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
3
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
50
Artist Stipend
5000
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Captions for videos
ASL interpretation
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
ADA Compliant
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
N/A
Accessibility Contact Name
Mónica Galván
Accessibility Contact Email
mgalvan@cityofboise.org
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
N/A
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
WIFI available in housing
Housekeeping services
Air Conditioned Housing
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Meals Provided
Residents have access to private kitchen
Computer/Internet Access
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Facilities Details

The studio space also serves as the kitchen space. Here are a some of the materials available to use in the studio: 

  • Sewing machine 
  • 3D printer 
  • Large format Canon Pro-1000 photo printer 
  • Basic hand tools 
  • Electric drill 
  • Circular saw 
  • French easel 
  • Conrad E15 etching press 
  • Utility closet with sink 
  • Chemical storage and removal 
  • Endless north-facing natural light 
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Large Format Printer / Plotter
Etching Press
Large Sinks
Washer And Dryer
Other
Additional Studio Information

We are happy to help problem solve the use of materials in the studio space if needed upon request.