Ragdale is one of the largest interdisciplinary artists’ communities in the country, located 30 miles north of Chicago and accessible locally by Metra train and internationally by O’Hare airport.
Ragdale residents represent a cross-section of ages, cultures, experiences, and mediums, making for a diverse and vibrant community. Specialized and accessible live/work spaces include writing, dance, music, visual art, and interdisciplinary art studios. Each year Ragdale awards up to 150 residencies and numerous fellowships.
Each session, 14 artists-in-residence enjoy 18 days of uninterrupted time for work, a supportive environment, dynamic artist exchanges, 50 acres of idyllic prairie, close proximity to Lake Michigan, and a chef-prepared communal dinner each evening.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
GUIDELINES
All applicants submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. Do not email or mail any application materials. Please note the following requirements to complete your application.
A completed online application form includes:
- An artist statement explaining your work, vison, or story (one page or less)
- A brief work plan that outlines your studio needs (one page or less)
- A one to two-page CV or resume
- A works list outlining work samples
- Work samples that show work from the past 2-3 years. All media is acceptable. Most electronic file types and sizes are accepted
- If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, we require an eligibility statement of 500 words or less for each fellowship you would like to be considered for. An eligibility statement explains how you qualify for the selected fellowship and how a fellowship would support your work at this time
- Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted
Evaluation
Applications are reviewed by Ragdale’s Curatorial Council jury and staff. Evaluations of work are based on the following criteria:
- Work samples: Documented works are original, inventive, and exciting.
- Work samples indicate relevance in their contemporary field.
- Work sample presentation: Work samples are high-quality and technically proficient in execution, and are professionally presented and documented.
- Artist’s experience: Artist statement and CV/Resume reflects continued development of ideas, serious inquiry into subject matter, and exceptional aesthetic investigation in the chosen medium.
- Work plan: Artist demonstrates they will maximize the benefits of a residency at Ragdale. What is the reason for seeking time and space in this particular residency program and is there a sense of urgency reflected in the goals described?
How much does it cost to attend?
To make residencies more accessible, Ragdale uses a flexible, self-determined fee structure that allows residents to set a rate that reflects their financial situation. We also offer payment plans. No financial aid application or proof of income is required.
Residents may choose to pay according to our suggested sliding scale of $35–$280 per day (for 18 days) or determine another amount that feels appropriate for their circumstances. Fee selection and payment plan opt-in is established on the resident contract form. The total residency fee is calculated after the $100 non-refundable deposit, which is to be submitted upon completion of the contract form and applied toward the total balance.
A residency costs Ragdale approximately $280 per day per resident. If you are able to contribute above the suggested rates, your support helps make it possible for others to attend and will be received with much gratitude.
Several fellowships are offered each year. Fellows do not pay a residency fee. Fellowship recipients receive a stipend, typically $1000. Please visit the Fellowships page on our website for more details on stipend amounts. Fellowship awards are disclosed upon acceptance. We do not limit fellowships to the listed categories; we seek diverse voices and representations to enrich our artists' experiences. We encourage artists of all backgrounds to apply. In the application, you may be asked to describe how you meet the eligibility requirements of a fellowship (500 word maximum per fellowship category). Fellowship recipients are expected to participate in a public program. See website for more details.