Self-Directed Residencies are for adults 18+ seeking time and space to immerse in their creative artistic or scientific work in an inspiring landscape and campus. They are fee-based residencies without the formal application process. They are available in 4-night or 10-night sessions on specific dates. Meals are not included.
Please review our 2025 Know Before You Go Handbook to see if a Self-Directed Residency at PLAYA is right for you!
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. We welcome anyone engaged in a creative artistic or scientific project, which could include art, research, nature immersion, and getting to know this land through day-excursions.
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. Our spacious campus is nestled against the edge of the Fremont-Winema National Forest’s Winter Rim on one side and the wide-open playa on the other. PLAYA’s location and rural setting is a natural incubator for creative breakthroughs and personal growth. PLAYA is in a remote, rural area of Oregon with wide open vistas and opportunities for field explorations in rich natural settings.
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. Summer Lake consists of a gas station, small market, post office and rest area. There is limited cell service at PLAYA and no internet or tv in the cabins to help provide a focused environment. There is internet access and a landline in the main Commons lodge. Directions to PLAYA will be sent after your purchase. Meals are not included during Self-Directed Residencies.
Cancellation policy: A $50 cancellation fee will always be applied to a cancelled order. No refund 6 or less days before arrival; 50% refund 7-14 days before arrival; 75% refund 15-28 days before arrival.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
There is no application for PLAYA's paid Self-Directed Residency opportunity.
When purchasing, please select the "single" or "double" option, depending on if you will be cohabitating with a partner, friend or collaborator.
For a 1 person attending a 5-day Self-Directed Residency, prices range from $140 (camping) to $920 (2-bedroom cabin). Multi-purpose art studios also available for an additional $200 for the weekend. A live/work cabin/studio costs $700 for 1 person occupancy.
See more fee details on our website!