Art Residency at Centrum
Artist Residency Overview
What is a Residency?
A period of time dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, experimentation, and/or production of new work for artists, writers, performers, musicians, scholars, and creative professionals of all kinds. Residencies take many forms and have a range of conditions and components to them.
What is a Centrum Residency Like?
Depending on the program, our residencies look a few different ways, but all take place in historic, rustic, former military housing units on the campus of the Fort Worden State Park. Situated among public trails, Northwest wildlife, and scenic views, the environment is one that provides lots of opportunity for solitude and connection to nature. Our residencies are well suited to people who are fairly independent with their needs, flexible and patient with the nuances of older buildings, okay with cooking for themselves, and able to be alone for good chunks of time in between social opportunities. If this describes you, we encourage you to keep exploring our programs!
What are you looking for in a residency? Which program is right for you?
Perhaps you are recovering from an intense period of production and need to dramatically slow down. Perhaps you really need a workspace for a big project you’re launching soon. Maybe you want to just try something new? Maybe there’s something about our location that is calling you?
While our residencies place an emphasis on solo time, we also strongly believe in cultivating community and connecting residents with the local region. Some of our programs provide more support for this than others. We know that some of our residents enjoy the quiet solitude of the campus and that some rely more on social engagement and the insights of other creative workers. We have different programs for this spectrum of needs:
• In the Making residencies
• Curator & Arts Worker Residency
• Emerging Artist & Writers Residency
• Self-Directed residencies
• Local Artist Studio Space Residency
Application and Selection Process
The 2024 residency season and waitlist have already been determined and scheduled. Applications for residencies in 2025 will be open from April 15 - June 30, 2024. The application is free, however you must have an account with Submittable. Applications are taken via Submittable through June 30th (no exceptions!) and are reviewed and selected by a panel of jurors representing our alumni and a diversity of backgrounds and modalities. There is only one application for all juried residency programs: Emerging Artist Residency, Self-Directed Residencies, and In the Making Residency. Applicants need only apply once to be considered for multiple residency programs. Decisions about 2025 residencies will be made and applicants informed by September 30, 2024.
Residency details & FAQ
Accommodations & Studios
Charming and semi-rustic cabins and apartments contain private bedrooms and shared kitchens. Each two-three bedroom unit has a living room/dining room space, a fully equipped kitchen, and full bathroom. Artists are housed according to availability and individual working habits, preferences, and needs. Aside from self-identified groups, residents are given private lodging.
WiFi is limited and not guaranteed as part of residencies. Most studio spaces have good WiFi, while most cabins and apartments do not, due to the historic nature of the fort’s infrastructure. We’re actively working to fix this in the coming years. The Residency Lounge has excellent WiFi and can be reserved as needed.
Studio spaces are in separate buildings and come in several shapes and sizes. Some spaces have access to sinks and wall space. Currently there are no studio spaces with ventilation, so the use of oil or toxic materials is discouraged. The program manager works with artists on a case-by-case basis to determine the best location for various projects and mediums. Depending on the residency program, additional fees may apply for studio spaces. All technical equipment or supplies must be provided by the resident.
Can I…
Bring a partner, my family, or a collaborator? Yes, we allow partners, children, and collaborators and just ask that this is disclosed ahead of time. We expect and trust residents to ensure that anyone they bring on the residency will follow the same policies asked of the residents.
Bring a pet? Aside from registered service animals (not emotional support) we cannot accommodate pets at this time.
Meals
Meals are not provided in Centrum residencies, but all apartments and cabins are all equipped with full kitchens and a basic inventory of dishware, pots and pans, coffee makers, and cooking utensils. Fort Worden and Port Townsend offer up an array of dining experiences and there is easy access to grocery stores and local produce. We do grocery runs for folks without cars.
At Fort Worden, food service is found at:
Fort Worden Commons – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Reveille Cafe – breakfast and lunch, coffee, pastries, and dessert
Cablehouse Canteen – tacos, burgers etc. on the beach
How to get here
Port Townsend is two hours from SeaTac airport on a good day. For travel directions to and around Port Townsend, please see our Contact Us/Directions page.
Having a car is very helpful for exploring the Peninsula and having independent access to grocery and supply stores. That said, for residents without access to a car, there are public transit and private shuttle/taxi options that are available to all.
Other notes:
• The campus is about a mile from downtown shops, grocery stores, and entertainment.
• Centrum works in partnership with several organizations including Corvidae Press, Northwind Art, Madrona Mindbody Institute, the Jefferson Historical Society, and the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, among others. Any projects involving these organizations will need to be coordinated directly and are subject to the individual availability of the organizations. We will help make introductions!
Receiving mail & packages
You may have letters (only) sent to your name c/o Centrum at PO Box 1158, Port Townsend, WA 98368. The postal service does not deliver to our door, so we ask that you don’t ship parcels and boxes via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Package delivery services delivers directly to our office, and you may send supplies for your residency via UPS, FEDEX, DHL. Please use our physical address for all parcel deliveries:
Your name
c/o Centrum, Fort Worden
223 Battery Way
Port Townsend WA 98368
What to Bring
Along with your art supplies, laptop, and anything else that makes you feel at home, don’t forget your own shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Layered clothing is strongly recommended; the climate in Port Townsend can be warm, cold, and windy, all in the same day! Sturdy shoes for hiking the trails at Fort Worden are encouraged.
Will I be lonely?
While all our residency programs have varying degrees of community support, we find that some people thrive in isolated cabins, and some people struggle with daily distance from interaction. If daily social interaction is important to you, we recommend you:
*Consider bringing a collaborator or partner. Yes, it’s allowed! We just need to know ahead of time.
*If applicable to your practice, opt for applying for The Emerging Artist Residency which has more opportunities and support than the Self-Directed Residencies.
*Attending our weekly coffee check-ins and self-organizing with others in residence can also help foster community while here.
Will I feel safe?
Residents have been thriving in this environment for fifty years, and the utmost care is taken to make sure it is safe. Some things to know:
Port Townsend presents as a predominantly white community, and we are actively working with our community to ensure safe spaces for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We are continuing to build resources for communal support with our BIPOC residents and we are happy to have conversations around specific needs or concerns.
Fort Worden is semi-rural and up close with wildlife. You will see deer everyday. Very rarely, but occasionally, there are cougar sightings. We stay on top of pest control and just ask residents to be mindful of storing food and closing windows/doors.
The buildings are old. We work hard to keep them warm and safe from the outside elements, but they are prone to creaking and occasional “quirks” as well as small pests. We regularly monitor, clean, and take preventive measures, but is also part of life in old buildings on the park.
Park Rangers and security staff maintain a consistent presence.
In the late fall and winter months, the park is usually quiet and empty, while the late spring/summer months are very populated with a range of campers, conference-goers, weddings, or other gatherings that take place in non-Centrum spaces.
More Details
Download our handbook here to preview the grounds, lodging, studio spaces, and answer more of your frequently asked questions.
Images
Residency Programs
Self-Directed Residencies
Self-Directed Residencies are largely solitary, with an optional weekly coffee meet-up with other residents. These happen January-June, September, and November-December. This program is fee-based, with fee-waived scholarships available.
• Cost: $450/week for lodging plus $50-100/week for studio
• Stipend/Honorarium: None, but a limited number of Scholarships for waived fees are available.
• Time of year: September and November-June.
• Length: 1-4 weeks
"Emerging Artist" Residency
The Emerging Artist Residency provides stipends, multiple resident gatherings, visiting artists & curators, and an open studio/public reading. This residency is aimed at visual and interdisciplinary artists in the Pacific Northwest who are towards the beginning of their creative paths and can benefit from the time to focus and receive support from a community of peers and specialists in their fields. This residency is always in October.
• Cost: No fee charged for this program.
• Stipend/Honorarium: $1500
• Time of year: October
• Length: 4 weeks
"Curator & Arts Worker" Residency
The Curator & Arts Worker Residency provides stipends, gatherings, and moments of facilitated conversation around key issues in the arts community. This residency is for independent, gallery, or organization-based professionals who curate a spectrum of artist experiences. For 2024, this residency is invitation-based.
• Cost: No fee charged for this program.
• Stipend/Honorarium: $1200
• Time of year: June
• Length: 1 week
"In the Making" Residency
(New for 2024!) In the Making residencies have public-facing components that could be a workshop, a temporary installation, a performance, or another type of community engagement at some point during the residency. Stipends and funds for these vary and are project-specific. These happen throughout the year. If you have an idea for In the Making, indicate so on your application with a brief description, and if selected, we’ll follow up to plan it in more detail.
• Cost: There is no fee charged for this residency.
• Stipend/Honorarium: Dependent on scope of project and funding.
• Time of year: Varies and depends on project. Typically between September-June.
• Length: 1-4 weeks.
"Local Artist Studio Space" Residency
At times, we have available studio space due to cancellations or other factors. We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to local artists in need of workspace. One of the benefits of participating in the Local Artist Studio Space Residency program is that every Tuesday morning residents meet at our Residency Lounge to talk about their work, learn about Centrum, Fort Worden, and Port Townsend, and most importantly, connect with each other. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet visiting artists in residency coming from afar, and truly embodies Centrum's key ethos of creativity in community!
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Meet Our Residents
Crasis
Crasis (/krey-sis/ from the Greek κρᾶσις, “mixing”, “blending”) is a collaborative duo made up of Andy Davis and Anne Lukins. They use sculpture, performance, and video to engage with themes of transformation and human ecology. Drawing from science fiction, medieval futurism and personal mythology, Crasis is rebellion against the acceleration of ecological twilight. Collaborating since 2020, Crasis has held residencies at Galveston Artist Residency in Galveston, TX and Stove Works Artist Residency in Chattanooga, TN.…
Sophia Tweed Ahmad
Sophia Tweed Ahmad is a mover, experimental choreographer & performer who thrives on being inverted, accompanied by singing & preferably in nature. Over the years she has been exploring the intersections of identity, ancestry and the voice. Her movement training stems from release technique, contact improvisation, capoeira, presence & flying-low. She received her postgrad in Contemporary Dance & Creation at Area Dansa in Spain (22-23) & holds a B.A.…
Erin Boberg Doughton
Erin Boberg Doughton, Artistic Director & Curator of Performance at PICA, works collaboratively to curate and produce performance programs including dance, music, theatre, and multi-disciplinary projects as part of PICA’s TBA (Time-Based Art) Festival as well as year-round presentations, commissions and residencies including the Creative Exchange Lab. She also teaches performance as an Assistant Professor and Mentor at PNCA (Pacific Northwest College of Art.) She serves on the advisory council for the National Performance Network (NPN) is a member of the First Nations Performing Arts Working Consortium and a former National Dance Project hubsite advisor.…
Dawn Cerny
Dawn Cerny was born in Carpinteria, CA and currently lives in Seattle, WA. Cerny’s sculptures begin with the notion that “furniture” and “mother” are figures that secure a value (to others) for their potential to hold, display, or be absent-mindedly left with things. Putting form and color to work and entrusting no small part to contingency, these works behave as something like gestural understudies for a play about the day-to-day grinding weariness and joyful slapstick absurdity of human relationship—about trying to Work It Out…or not.…
Tania Colette B.
Tania Colette B. is an artist based in Seattle. Her work explores the sculptural byproducts of political capitalism and state power. With sculpture, installation, found photography/video, and a broad range of other media, she re-stages sites of social resistance, economic failure, and environmental exploitation in order to examine them from a material vantage point. Her current projects center on tactics of “sculptural resistance”: barriers and monuments built by protestors in order to circumvent, resist, and critique state violence.…
Carrie Dedon
Carrie Dedon is the Seattle Art Museum’s associate curator for modern & contemporary art. She came to SAM in 2013, returning to her hometown of Seattle from Boston. She received her MA in art history from Boston University, specializing in modern & contemporary art and material culture, and a BA from Pomona College in Claremont, California.…
Georgia Erger
Georgia Erger is Curator at the Frye Art Museum, where she has organized exhibitions including Stephanie Syjuco: After/Images, Sky Hopinka: Subterranean Ceremonies, Clarissa Tossin: to take root among the stars, and several iterations of the Boren Banner Series public art initiative. Previously, she held the position of Assistant Curator at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, where she organized solo exhibitions including Claudia Rankine and John Lucas: Situations and Caroline Monnet: Bridging Distance, as well as group and collections-based exhibitions including Hyper Text: The Video Essay and the Expanded Field of Audiovisuality and Visual Citizenship.…
Rowen Foster
Rowen Foster (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist based in Seattle, WA. Rowen creates life-like hybrid creatures and prosthetics with materials like silicone, gelatin, foam, and fibers using various life-casting and moldmaking techniques. They facilitate conversations around gender and queerness through sculpture, performance, and writing, synthesizing disparate topics and genres like horror and fantasy with queer/disability/affect theory and late-stage capitalist critique.…
Jaleesa Johnston
Jaleesa Johnston is an interdisciplinary artist, educator and curator currently living and working in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a BA from Vassar College, an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MA from the University of Bergen in Norway. Her interdisciplinary art practice explores the ruptured space between the subjectivity and objectivity of the Black female body.…
Anna Kaufman
Anna Kaufman is an artist and environmentalist originally from Los Angeles, CA. Currently based in Portland, OR, Kaufman explores art as a means of information sharing, connection, and empowerment in the era of anthropogenic climate change and intensifying environmental crises. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies with concentrations in earth science and visual arts from Vassar College.
Courtney Neya McCraken
Courtney “Neya” McCracken is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator from the Pacific Northwest who is exploring themes of process and presence. Her primary mediums are animation, drawing, and painting, and her films and installations have been shown across the US, including screenings at the Museum of Science in Boston and at the ICON Illustration Conference. She recently received her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in Illustration, and has an extensive background in movement, music, and sound design.…
Vanessa Perez Winder
Vanessa Perez Winder is a Peruvian American writer, editor, and arts worker committed to liberatory and decolonial forms of research, theory, and curatorial praxis. Their writing on Bay Area artists has appeared in Variable West, Intervenxions, the Reunited exhibition catalogue, and at Root Division, San Francisco. Vanessa recently received their MA in the Visual & Critical Studies program at California College of the Arts, and was previously the 2024-2025 Lead Editor of student-led publication Rewind Review Respond at CCA, and the 2024-2025 Exhibitions Fellow at Root Division.
Meghan Thréinfhir
Meghan Thréinfhir is an artist, educator, and curator whose work bridges science, technology, and spirituality. Using materials like seaweed, copper, wax and bog batteries, she creates works that explore the speculative intersections of witchcraft, animism, and cutting-edge scientific concepts. Meghan’s recent projects explore holographic theory, logic gates, and wormholes, reimagining technology as a tool for connection rather than control.…
Jill Weinstock
Jil Weinstock is an artistic director, contemporary arts curator and practicing artist with over fifteen years of experience in executive museum administration and arts education with a focus on art, craft, design, and new media in contemporary culture. The focus of this work has been primarily institutional, in the context of museums, nonprofits, universities,galleries and site-specific public spaces.…
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