How and when can I apply?

We have posted our 2027 application and guidelines for all artists and alumni. We will open these applications on July 1, 2026. Please provide us with your contact information if you would like to receive notification about our open calls.

Can artists from outside the US apply?

We welcome artists from around the globe. We are happy to send a letter of acceptance for any visa or grant purposes. You must arrange your own visa. We strongly recommend that artists have a working knowledge of English. Vashon Artist Residency does not provides interpreters.

How many artists attend the residency at one time?

In 2027, we will host seven artists from various disciplines in each session. There are 10 sessions per year.

What studio equipment does Vashon Artist Residency provide?

We have a selection of tables, stools, desk chairs, carts, and other furnishings. Please indicate in your application what equipment you require, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We direct residents to work with the Vashon Tool Library and Vashon Music Instrument Library, which have enabled many residents to borrow items to support their creative work during their time here.

How accessible is Vashon Artist Residency?

Vashon Artist Residency is committed to supporting artists of diverse abilities, including both visible and invisible disabilities. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility or about managing movement, medication, or other physical or emotional needs, we encourage you to contact us prior to applying so we can determine how best to support you. All personal information will be kept confidential, except in the case of an emergency.

Please review our Accommodations & Workspaces page if you have questions or concerns about the accessibility of our facilities.

Do you allow pets?

Vashon Artist Residency is unable to accommodate pets.

How long are the sessions?

In 2027, each session is either 4 weeks or 2 weeks. You can review the session calendar on the Application and Guidelines page.

If I was not accepted for the residency in this round, should I apply again?

Absolutely! Your application will be seen by a different panel at every deadline. We welcome return applicants. Please note that even if you were on the waitlist and did not receive a residency, you will still need to reapply.

How often can I apply?

Applicants who have not attended the residency can apply annually. If you have attended the residency, we ask that you wait at least a full calendar year before applying again, using our alumni application.

Can I apply as a collaborative team?

You may apply as a collaborative team. Please visit the Application and Guidelines page for more information.

If I was on the wait-list from last year or was awarded a residency last year, but was unable to attend, do I need to reapply?

Yes, you will need to reapply and we encourage you to do so. Our selection panel changes with each application round.

Are you open to the public?

Vashon Artist Residency is not open to the general public. We strive to maintain a private environment for our artists-in-residence to work, minimizing distractions and disruptions. Please make prior arrangements with the Executive Director if you’d like to visit the facility.

Image: Vashon Artist Residency alum, Rashelle Reyneveld (Detail) by alum Hilary Northcraft.

Do you have advice for an artist who has never participated in a residency program before? 

Vashon Artist Residency is a self-directed program, allowing residents to set their own goals and shape their daily routine to support their creative practice. The residency offers a high degree of independence and very little structured programming.

As a small residency, residents often build a strong sense of community while still maintaining ample solitude for their practice.

Do I need to confirm attendance after I’ve been accepted?

We will contact you to confirm you are available for the dates you are being offered. You will need to sign and return the Resident Artist Agreement as your confirmation by the deadline stated in your acceptance letter.  

How do I get there? Ferry Service to Vashon Island

There are 4 ferry routes servicing Vashon Island including the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle, Pier 50 in Downtown Seattle (via County Water Taxi, passenger-only), from Point Defiance in Tacoma and from Southworth in Kitsap County.

Prior to your residency session we will ask if you need a ride from the Vashon Ferry Terminal to the residency.

Is there any public transportation on Vashon Island?

We do have some public transportation available through King County Metro, which operates (Routes 118 and 119) on Vashon Island and offers weekday service (Route 119) near to Vashon Artist Residency.

Is the residency near the town of Vashon? How can I buy groceries and supplies?

The residency is not within walking distance of the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, post office, or other essential services and the surrounding area includes many hills. While bicycles, helmets and high-visibility vests are available for residents, the terrain can be challenging for biking. Public transportation is available but infrequent.

To support access to town, staff provide a weekly trip for groceries, errands, and visits to local sites. Residents with vehicles are also encouraged, when possible, to offer rides to fellow cohort members.

Is parking available at the residency?

Yes, we have parking available for one car per resident. 

Can I have visitors?

In the interest of preserving residents’ time and space to create, we cannot accommodate any partners, family or pets for overnight stays. If you would like to have a visitor, it must be approved ahead of time by the cohort and Executive Director. 

How are emergencies managed on the Island and at the Residency?

Our rural island does not have a hospital. We do have urgent care service provided through Vashon Health Care District and medics through Vashon Fire & Rescue In critical emergencies, patients are transported by helicopter to hospitals in Seattle.

How do I ship materials to Vashon Artist Residency?

We have limited storage so please plan to have your materials arrive no more than a week in advance of the start of your residency. There is a USPS Post Office as well as UPS and Fedex service through the Country Store on the island where you can mail finished work or supplies back. 

Do you have art supplies on Vashon?

Vashon Island Framery has a limited selection of art supplies, as does Vashon Pharmacy. Our two hardware stores carry some basic materials. If you require specific tools or materials for your work, we encourage you to bring them with you or have them shipped directly to the residency.

What if I have to cancel my residency?

Please only accept the residency if you are certain you can attend. Ensure your personal, financial, professional and visa-related affairs are in order. Notify us immediately if an emergency prevents attendance.

Application fees are nonrefundable and residencies cannot be deferred. If you cancel less than 30 days before arrival, the residency fee is nonrefundable.

Is there a written agreement for my residency?

Yes, there is a Resident Artist Agreement outlining both parties' obligations. By signing the Residents Artist Agreement, residents are agreeing to follow the rules and procedures in the Residency Handbook. Please return the signed agreement within 30 days of acceptance.

Is it possible to create installations on the property?

Yes, with the approval of the Executive Director and Founder. If you become inspired to create site-specific work while you are here, you must provide a proposal and be approved before installation. There is also the possibility of creating installation work off-site in collaboration with the Vashon community.  

What do I need to bring?

When you receive your Residency Artist Agreement we will also provide you with our Residency Handbook, which outlines what we provide and what we recommend you bring to the residency for a comfortable stay.

What are the communal living expectations of residents?

The residency is a communal living situation. We expect residents will be respectful of the shared spaces, staff and each other.

Each artist is expected to take on one house chore such as taking out the garbage every few days.

We ask that all residents refrain from using or wearing scents or scented products. Smoking is prohibited on the premises.

We ask residents to recycle, compost and avoid toxic materials.

We expect artists to leave their bedroom, bathroom and studio as they found them.

We hope residents balance focused work with engaging in shared experiences and conversations with others and the Vashon community.