Mesa Refuge brings transformative stories, ideas, and knowledge to the world by supporting a diverse community of writers and activists through residencies at our coastal California retreat. We welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers and activists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on issues including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more.  

We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Occasionally we accept poetry, fiction (Young Adult/Adult Literary), screenwriting and playwriting, photojournalism, personal memoirs (as a vehicle to tell a larger story) and graphic narrative. We tend not to accept academic writing. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important.

We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or physical ability. 

Mesa Refuge is located in Point Reyes Station, CA (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco). Our residencies are two-weeks long and there is no residency fee. Space is limited to three writers. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the residency and most meals. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food, are your responsibility. 

Our application deadline is November 1, 2025 for 2026 residencies.

The Ellis-Beauregard Foundation provides resources and support for artists, engages with the community, and sustains the legacy of its founding artists, Joan Beauregard and David Ellis.

EBF is pleased to welcome residents to our new campus on the coast of Maine. Each resident will enjoy a 20×20’ studio featuring a north-facing skylight, gallery lighting, sound reduction, superior ventilation, reinforced walls, a slop sink, and ample storage space.

The campus includes a spacious common room with a shared kitchen, dining area, and living space, highlighted by an oversized Rumford fireplace and extended hearth. Residents will also have access to the exhibition and performance space, which includes a sprung floor, gallery lighting, acoustic panels, a large screen with projector, and seating for up to 50 people.

The campus is within walking distance of downtown Rockland’s oceanfront community. For trips further afield or for supply runs, a small truck is available for resident use.

We will begin accepting applications on June 1, 2025.

Residency Eligibility

1 month, 2 months, or 6 months.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESIDENCY

An art residency provides the technical conditions, time, and space to develop ideas and try new approaches. It is a moment that promotes connection between artists from different backgrounds and consequently the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Aviário Studio Photography Residency aims to promote the production and dissemination of Photography in its different forms and aesthetics. Artists are invited to focus on their work in a creative and encouraging environment.

We offer the conditions to test possibilities and materialize ideas. On one hand, it can be a moment of transition, more connected to experimentation and research; on the other hand, it can be the point of consolidation of a project translated into the production of a new body of work.

Specific Equipments available:

- Cutting Table 240 x 140 cm/94,49 x 55,12 in

-Enlarger (black and white analog photography lab)

- Paper Guillotine 80 cm/31,5 in

- UV Light Exposure Unit 150 x 120 cm/59,06 x 47,24 n

- 2 Drying Racks

-Light table

An art residency provides the technical conditions, time, and space to develop ideas and try new approaches. It is a moment that promotes connection between artists from different backgrounds and consequently the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Aviário Studio Cyanotype Residency aims to promote the production and dissemination of Cyanotype in its different forms and aesthetics. Artists are invited to focus on their work in a creative and encouraging environment.

We offer the conditions to test possibilities and materialize ideas. On one hand, it can be a moment of transition, more connected to experimentation and research; on the other hand, it can be the point of consolidation of a project translated into the production of a new body of work.

Specific Equipments available:

- Cutting Table 240 x 140 cm/94,49 x 55,12 in

-Enlarger

- Paper Guillotine 80 cm/31,5 in

- UV Light Exposure Unit 150 x 120 cm/59,06 x 47,24 n

- 2 Drying Racks

-Light table

Mesa Refuge is a writing residency in Point Reyes Station, CA, that is committed to supporting writers and activists who tackle the pressing issues of our time, including those whose voices have been marginalized or silenced. 

The Helen Toribio Kapwa Fellowship is being inaugurated in 2025 to support the work of Filipino and Filipino-Americans writers and activists.  The fellowship is funded by a generous gift to honor the work of the late Helen Toribio, an activist, writer, educator and scholar who was passionate about social justice. Please read more about the fellowship on the Mesa Refuge website.

This one-week residency at Mesa Refuge in Point Reyes Station, CA (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco) is from Saturday, July 12 to Sunday, July 20.

Space is limited to three writers. Mesa Refuge will cover the cost of room and board (including some meals and gift cards for groceries). You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the residency and some meals.