Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A CENTRUM CREATIVE RESIDENCY?

Centrum’s Artist Residency Program was established in 1980 as a resource for artists and creative thinkers of all genres. We are located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Fort Worden State Park, which is nestled in the Victorian seaport and arts community of Port Townsend.

Noted for its community wide support of arts and culture, Port Townsend is an ideal place for the kind of self directed retreats enjoyed by successful residency applicants. Residency projects can be focused on a single genre or be a multidisciplinary undertaking, and might be the creative work of an individual or encompass the collaborative work of a group. In partnership with Washington State Parks, Centrum is able to offer an opportunity to selected artists to live and work in this breathtaking setting at a significantly reduced cost.

HOW AND WHEN CAN I APPLY?

Applications are accepted year around, and are scheduled on a space available basis.
Applications must include:

  • Residency project proposal
  • Current biography/Curriculum Vitae
  • Artist statement
  • Work sample(s), preferably via email or internet link
  • Website or other internet links (if available)
  • A high definition photo (if available)

You may submit your application materials electronically (preferred whenever practical) or by hard copy.
Centrum may use the materials submitted by successful applicants on our website and for other promotional purposes.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?

There is no application fee. Successful applicants will be notified and scheduled on a first come first served basis, at which time a 20% deposit is required to confirm the residency. This deposit is non refundable within 45 days of the agreed upon check in date.

WHAT IS THE DURATION AND COST OF A RESIDENCY?

Residencies are awarded in one week blocks, and can start on any day of the week. There is no discount for short stays.  For collaborative residencies (with more than one approved artist in a single dwelling) there is an additional charge of $25 per person per week. Meals and transportation are not included. Fees include the Washington State Lodging tax, helping to support arts and culture in our communities.

2010 FEES:
$295 per week – January, February, November, December 
$350 per week – March, April, October
$395 per week – May through September
$40 per additional day (if available)

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be provided with a private living space on the Grounds of Fort Worden State Park. These modest yet comfortable 2 or 3 bedroom cabins and apartments are supplied with linens. You’ll have a kitchen equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, eating and cooking utensils, dishes, pots, and pans. There is also a coin operated laundromat near the Centrum office that you may use in the afternoons. The on site Cafe is opened from June 1st through Labor day weekend.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME WHILE IN RESIDENCE?

This is your time, and we hope you will use it to engage fully in your work. Residents are encouraged, though not required, to think of ways to engage the community in their work.

IS STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE?

Most dwellings have small areas that are a suitable work space. For a small additional fee Centrum can provide larger studio space if available. Please let us know at the time of application what you will need, and we will check on availability.

As a Centrum resident you also have the opportunity to work with Corvidae Press and Synergy Sound Studio, and to visit Copper Canyon Press by prior arrangement as their schedule permits. All are located here at Fort Worden State Park.

Corvidae Press is a fully equipped non toxic printmaking studio. Synergy Sound Studio records music, poetry, and interviews, using an all digital Macintosh based system. Copper Canyon Press is a nationally acclaimed publisher of poetry, with an impressive list of award winning titles and authors. Residents wishing to visit or work with these Centrum partners need to make arrangements directly with them. Please indicate your interest in your application materials so we may provide you with current contact information and costs.

IS THERE INTERNET AND OTHER SERVICES?

There is no internet available in your dwelling, but there is Wi-Fi reception in or near the Commons Bldg and in Bldg 205. We do not supply computers or printers for your residency, so please plan on being self sufficient with regard to your technical needs. There are no telephones in the dwellings, but your cell phone will work in many areas of the park. There is also a pay phone nearby.

CAN I RECEIVE MAIL AND PACKAGES?

The Post Office does not deliver to our door, so we ask that you don’t ship parcels and boxes via the Postal Service. You may have letters sent to your name care of Centrum at PO Box 1158.
Package delivery services will deliver 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

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Click the links below for two excellent shuttle options.
http://www.gorocketman.com
http://olympicbuslines.com/

This link will take you to the driving directions on the Centrum website:
https://centrum.org/admin/2007/03/map_directions.html

For Google Maps enter this destination: 223 Battery Way Port Townsend WA 98368
You may also get here using public transportation. It is a lengthy process with transfers. 

DO I NEED A CAR?

It is very helpful to have a car, and there is plenty of free parking available here at Fort Worden. The public bus line connects our campus to shopping and sightseeing in downtown Port Townsend, but service is limited and doesn’t run at night.

CAN I BRING FAMILY, FRIENDS, PETS?

Our residencies are a place for artists and creative thinkers to focus on their work without distractions. It is not appropriate to bring your friends and/or family to a Centrum Creative Residency unless they have submitted application materials and been accepted into the residency program. Fort Worden State Park does not allow animals in any of the buildings, so pets are not allowed.

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