Sitka Center Residency
Sitka residencies provide time and space for self-paced work and reflection in an inspiring natural setting. Residents from a broad range of art, writing, performance and science-based practices come to Sitka to create and explore away from the familiar contexts and constraints of daily routines, and free from external expectations. Located within the unique ecosystems of Cascade Head and the Salmon River Estuary on Oregon's central coast, Sitka is a place where natural curiosity is sparked and creativity is unleashed.
Since our founding, we have hosted hundreds of visual artists, photographers, writers, journalists, musicians, composers, filmmakers, educators and a broad range of natural scientists and interdisciplinary creatives. We currently invite 14-30 practitioners to stay at Sitka each year. Some are emerging voices while others are practicing professionals, and our residents represent a diversity of geographies and cultural backgrounds. A range of personal and shared experiences are possible at Sitka, from sanctuary and solitude to cross-pollination and community.
56605 Sitka Drive
Otis, OR 97368
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Living and studio spaces are provided free of charge. There is an application fee of $30 to help cover the administrative costs to carefully review each residency application. Sitka offers application fee assistance to those for whom this is a barrier. Each resident is responsible for all of their own travel and living expenses, including transportation food, toiletries and any supplies used in their work.
If you are looking for funding and resources to cover your residency at Sitka please check out this link as a first step.
Accessibility
Sitka’s studios, the office and library are ADA accessible. We have one cabin that is ADA accessible The cabins and studios are situated on a steep slope that also impacts accessibility at our facility. There is a gravel pathway from the parking lot to the office. We have a courtyard behind and above the office that can be reached via car. This courtyard has ramps off of it with access to two studios and our ADA cabin. Please contact us directly with specific questions or provide information about your needs in your application. Sitka has a single housing options to accommodate residents’ pets at our discression. If you require a certified service animal, please disclose this information in your application so that we may accommodate you appropriately.
Sitka is committed to equity, welcoming people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences, and acknowledges that stepping away from day to day life to spend extended time in nature may be a more complex undertaking for some. From climate change and environmental justice to systemic racism and economic inequality, diverse perspectives help spark new ideas and collaborative approaches to address today's challenges in creative ways. Bringing together people from different backgrounds and fields of expertise is core to Sitka's art and ecology mission, and we strive to overcome barriers to create a safe and secure setting for our practitioners to experience our unique environment.
For residents without access to a car we provide pick up at the Lincoln City bus stop connecting from PDX as well as grocery pick-up services from our local grocery store.
We can assist with connecting residents with citizen science and educational ecology opportunities and with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde's Chachalu Art Museum & Cultural Center.
We offer paid opportunities for interested residents to participate in our K-8 Create program.
We provide plenty of verbal and written orientation and guidance to our space prior and during the residency period. The team is always available to connect with individuals as needed, weather to address specifc concerns or needs or just to chat.
The office, library and all three studios are accessible for a person with limited mobility. We have one ADA cabin that is designed for a person with limited mobility.
The campus is situated on a steep hill. Most of the houses have stairs in order to access the living spaces. The laundry room is not accessible without climbing stairs.
Housing & Accomodation
Two studios, courtyard and library are all accessible.
Studio & Facilities
The Sitka Center is located on a small 0.65 acre plot donated by the homeowners of the surrounding Cascade Head Ranch. Its facilities include the Collins Centrum, which houses a reception area, offices, and the Hale Reference Library; the Sculpture Studio, a work room for clay, wood, and stone; the Smith Studio, which houses Sitka’s Ray Trayle press and other equipment appropriate to printmaking; the Boyden Studio, the first building on campus used primarily as a painting studio; and the Edelman Studio, an exhibition and presentation space.
Sitka's studios are comfortable and flexible. We can provided basic items like easels, task lights, tables and chairs. One studio contains a printing press, and there is a small ceramics studio on campus. Sitka does not provide art or laboratory supplies used for art making or scientific investigation. Please talk with us about your specific needs.