The EC Artist-in-Residence program is designed for artists who want to step away from the noise of the everyday and dive deep into their practice. This is a space of organic communion—where the shared energy of creators, nature, and the local community feeds your work.

Imagine two weeks of total creative immersion: working in a dedicated studio, walking through our organic urban farm and cutting gardens, and drawing inspiration from the seasonal rhythms and natural light of the compound.

You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don’t know what was in the newspapers that morning, you don’t know who your friends are, you don’t know what you owe anybody, you don’t know what anybody owes to you. This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. This is the place of creative incubation. At first you may find that nothing happens there. But if you have a sacred place and use it, something eventually will happen.

Joseph Campbell 

Apply for a Residency at the EncaustiCastle

Where Art, Energy, and Earth Converge

The EC residency program offers artists a dedicated sanctuary to immerse themselves in their practice, deeply connect with the medium, and work in harmony with the changing seasons. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, our compound integrates vibrant studio spaces with an urban farm and perennial gardens, creating a unique ecosystem where creative energy can be displaced, transformed, and brought to life.

We invite dedicated artists who are ready to dive into exploration, community building, and deep creative focus to apply for our upcoming residency sessions.

Residency Details & Expectations

  • Studio & Living Space: Residents receive dedicated studio space equipped for your best expressive output, access to The EC grounds, and integration into our unique creative community.

  • The Living Campus: Our residency beautifully marries artistic output with environmental stewardship. Residents are encouraged to enjoy and interact with our on-site urban farm and perennial gardens.

  • Selection Process: Applications are reviewed with a focus on artistic commitment, a desire to explore the layering and depth of their chosen medium, and a readiness to engage with the energy of The EC.

Application Process

To apply for a residency session, please complete the two-step process below:

Submit the Application Form: Fill out your details and project proposal using the form below.

Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable $30 application fee is required to process your submission. Your application will be reviewed once both the form and payment are received.

*Please note that while these are fully-funded residency awards, travel and transportation, materials and supplies, personal effects, and meals are the responsibility of AiR. 

Rules and Regulations

    • Living & Facility Standards

      • “Leave It As You Found It”: Studio and living quarters must be left clean and restored to their original condition upon departure. Security/cleaning deposits (if applicable) depend on visual inspection.

      • Quiet Hours & Shared Space:

        • Respect fellow residents’ focus during working hours.

        • Observe designated quiet hours (e.g., 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM) in residential/studio areas.

      • Visitors & Overnight Guests:

        • Day visitors are welcome in public or shared studio areas with advance notice, provided they do not disrupt other working artists.

        • Overnight guests, family members, or partners are not permitted in residency housing unless pre-approved under a specific collaborative or family stay agreement.

      3. Urban Farm & Property Guidelines

      • Indoor/Outdoor Boundaries: Respect the property boundaries, gardens, and grounds. Produce and crops from the urban farm are managed for community/foundation use; harvesting instructions will be provided during orientation.

      • Pet Policy: Due to shared working facilities, safety risks around art materials and farm grounds, pets are not permitted on site.

      4. Artwork, IP, & Liability

      • Ownership: All artwork created during the residency remains 100% the property of the artist.

      • Liability & Insurance: The EncaustiCastle and its affiliates are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal artwork, tools, or supplies. Residents are strongly advised to carry personal artist/travel insurance.

      • Removal of Work: All completed work and personal materials must be removed or shipped by the final day of the residency session.

FAQ

  • Q: Who is eligible to apply?

    Practicing artists of all backgrounds at any stage of their career (emerging, mid-career, established) working in visual arts, mixed media, sculpture, or interdisciplinary practices. Applicants must be 21+ years of age.

    Q: Can collaborative teams apply?

    Yes! Collaborating artists may submit a joint application. Please indicate in your application whether you require shared studio space and single or dual housing accommodations.

    Q: Do you accept international applicants?

    Yes. International artists are welcome to apply. However, international residents are responsible for securing their own travel visas and health/travel insurance prior to arrival.

    Studio & Equipment

    Q: What materials and tools are provided?

    Residents receive a dedicated private or semi-private workspace equipped with basic tables, ventilation, and lighting. Heated palettes, specialized encaustic paints, tools, or specific substrates may be provided or available for purchase on site depending on your session package. A full tool inventory is sent upon acceptance.

    Q: Can I ship supplies in advance?

    Yes. You may ship materials to the EncaustiCastle up to 10 days before your residency start date. Please notify staff with tracking details so we can securely store your deliveries prior to your arrival.

    Q: Is the facility accessible?

    Ground-floor studio spaces (such as the Carriage House) offer step-free access. Because parts of our main compound are historic, please contact us prior to applying so we can discuss specific mobility or accessibility accommodations.

    Life at the Castle

    Q: Are meals included, or am I responsible for food?

    Residencies are self-catering. Residents have access to a shared kitchette. Local grocery stores, farmers markets, and Lexington dining options are a short distance away.

    Q: What is expected of me during the residency?

    We operate as a self-directed retreat space. Your primary focus is your creative work. Depending on the residency track, artists may optionally participate in an open studio evening, artist talk, or community workshop.

    Q: Can I bring my spouse, children, or pets?

    To preserve an uninterrupted focus environment for all working residents, we cannot house overnight guests, partners, or pets in resident quarters.

Apply here
Submit Application Fee Here