The ACES Wilderness Residency at Toklat is designed to advance and share the work of one individual at a time who is working at the intersection of environmental challenges and artistic expression, offering them unencumbered time to think, work, and create in an inspirational setting. These four-week residencies are situated at 9,500 feet in the historic Castle Creek Valley at the Catto Center at Toklat.
Toklat has a rich history built upon rustic simplicity and self-reliance. While the area offers many amenities, the Toklat Residency is best suited for individuals whose efforts will thrive in the relative quiet and isolation of the place.
Toklat is located 12 miles upstream of Aspen, Colorado near the end of Castle Creek Road. The road is paved and well maintained. Access to the area is frequently serviced by county snow plows, however a vehicle with 4wd/awd and winter tires is imperative from Oct thru April. Please note, the valley is typically draped in snow from October through April and it can snow any month of the year at Toklat.
Toklat is relatively isolated at an elevation of 9,500 feet and is adjacent to the Ashcroft Ghost Town It is nestled amidst thousands of acres of National Forest and Wilderness offering ample opportunities for hiking, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. Additionally, it is a frequent destination for backcountry skiers and cyclists. The area is also home to Ashcroft Ski Touring, Pine Creek Cookhouse, and the Braun Hut System.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Ideal Candidates:
- Must demonstrate excellence in their field.
- Reflect diverse areas of expertise, cultural identity, or lived experience.
- Have projects that highlight – and inspire solutions to – environmental challenges.
- Are willing to engage and share their expertise/passion/work with ACES/Toklat community formally or informally.
Residencies are intended to be working retreats. Spouses/partners, guests, and pets are not permitted to stay with the Resident.
Residents are responsible for:
- Providing and preparing their own food.
- Providing their own transportation to and from Toklat for the duration of their stay. Support may be provided by an ACES Ambassador, including Staff, Board of Directors, or Volunteers on a limited basis when available.
- Any supplies they may need during their residency.
Residents will be expected to dedicate the majority of their time to their project.
Residents are encouraged to engage, formally and informally, with our staff community, program participants, and the public to a comfortable degree.
Upon awarding a residency opportunity, ACES will provide a contract agreement that details the expectations of the Resident and of ACES.