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. To learn more about the other residency programs, click on the links below:

• SELF DIRECTED RESIDENCIES
• IN THE MAKING RESIDENCY
• CURATOR & ARTS WORKER RESIDENCY
• EMERGING ARTIST RESIDENCY

The Local Artist Studio Space Residency accepts applications on a rolling basis. The program is not juried and residents are offered space according to the availability of studio space on a quarterly basis.

Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply so that we may gather your contact information and reach out when studio space is available.

Studios
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.

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. The Residency Lounge has excellent WiFi and can be reserved as needed.

Can I…
Bring a collaborator? Yes, we allow 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? We cannot accommodate pets at this time.

What to Bring
Any art supplies you might need. 

When can I access my studio?
You can access your studio 24/7 during your residency period.

What points of contact will I have?
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 attend our weekly coffee check-ins and self-organize with others in residence can also help foster community while here.

Can I organize an Open Studio?
Yes! We encourage residents to self organize an Open Studio if they'd like. We ask that you confirm dates and times with us beforehand to make sure we don't have another event going on and so that we can discuss building and studio access for those attending the Open Studio.

Can you tell me a bit more about the Centrum campus?
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.

Find more answers - Centrum FAQs