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Residency Application


Welcome! We're currently accepting applications for artist residency grants in 2026. Applications submitted by Jan. 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM [MST] will be considered for the residency sessions shown below.

Application Deadline
Jan. 18, 2025

Residency Sessions

#1: Jan - Apr, 2026



#2: Jun - Aug, 2026



#3: Sep - Dec, 2026
Requirements

Application Fee
US $30.00



Work Samples
5 Images

 

To apply for an artist residency, submit an application form along with the application fee and required work samples.

We kindly suggest reading the Frequently Asked Questions (below) and reviewing our Residency Guidelines before submitting an application.

 

Option 1 - Apply Online

Option 2 - Print and Mail

Online Application Form


  • Session 1 (Jan - Apr)
    Choice #1
  • Session 2 (Jun - Aug)
    Choice #2
  • Session 3 (Sep - Dec)
    Choice #3


Work Samples - Include samples of your recent work

Select your discipline above to upload your work samples ↑

Work Samples - Include samples of your recent work


Visual Artists:

Important: Omit or redact your name and contact information from work samples, including in descriptions and filenames. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in elimination from the review process.

Include 5 samples (photographs or digital images) of your recent work. Specify title, dimensions, medium and date for each sample. Files must be jpg, jpeg, png, or gif, and must not exceed 10MB each. You can drag multiple files into the box below, or click 'browse' to select them. See how.

Optionally, you can mail us a copy of your samples. Do you wish to mail your samples?

Drop Files Here
or
Browse

    You have selected to mail your work samples. Please mail your samples to:

    The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of NM
    P.O. Box 1891
    Taos, NM 87571

    Work samples must be post-marked by Jan. 21st, otherwise your application will be considered for the following year.

    The Foundation will not retain samples of work and recommends a self-addressed stamped envelope be included if applicant wishes to have samples returned.

    Filmmakers:

    Filmmakers must submit hard-copy work samples. Omit your name and any identifying information from work sample filenames, and descriptions, if possible. Please mail a USB-drive containing up to 30 minutes of video which represents no more than five different samples of your work to:

    The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of NM
    P.O. Box 1891
    Taos, NM 87571

    Work samples must be post-marked by Jan. 21st, otherwise your application will be considered for the following year.

    The Foundation will not retain samples of work and recommends a self-addressed stamped envelope be included if applicant wishes to have samples returned.

    Literary Artists:

    Important: Omit or redact your name and contact information from work samples, including in descriptions and filenames. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in elimination from the review process.

    Submit writing samples of your recent work. You may include a cover sheet containing a table of contents, but please omit names and contact info. Writing sample files must be in PDF format, and must not exceed 10MB. Please omit your name in filenames.

    • Writers: samples should not exceed 35 double-spaced pages
    • Poets: a maximum of six poems
    • Playwrights: include one complete play
    • Screenwriters: include one complete screenplay

    You have selected to apply for the Chesley Bumbalo Award. A hard copy of your complete play is required to be considered for the Chesley/Bumbalo Award. Please mail a copy of your play to:

    Victor Bumbalo
    c/o The Robert Chesley/Victor Bumbalo Foundation
    828 N Laurel Ave
    Los Angeles CA 90046

    Additionally, a digital copy (PDF) of your play should be sent to The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation. Select 'Choose File' below to upload - file must not exceed 10MB.

    Optionally, you can mail us a copy of your samples. Do you wish to mail your samples?

    You have selected to mail your work samples. Please mail your samples to:

    The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of NM
    P.O. Box 1891
    Taos, NM 87571

    Work samples must be post-marked by Jan. 21st, otherwise your application will be considered for the following year.

    The Foundation will not retain samples of work and recommends a self-addressed stamped envelope be included if applicant wishes to have samples returned.

    Composers:

    Important: Omit or redact your name and contact information from work samples, including in descriptions and filenames. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in elimination from the review process.

    Include 5 recordings of your recent work. Specify title, length and date for each sample. Include one USB-drive with at least 5 songs. You may also submit printed scores to accompany your audio samples. Audio files must be mp3 or m4a, and must not exceed 10MB each. You can drag multiple files into the box below, or click 'browse' to select them. See how.

    Optionally, you can mail us a copy of your samples. Do you wish to mail your samples?

    Drop Files Here
    or
    Browse

      You have selected to mail your work samples. Please mail your samples to:

      The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of NM
      P.O. Box 1891
      Taos, NM 87571

      Work samples must be post-marked by Jan. 21st, otherwise your application will be considered for the following year.

      The Foundation will not retain samples of work and recommends a self-addressed stamped envelope be included if applicant wishes to have samples returned.

      Application FAQs

      When is the application due?
      The annual deadline for applications is January 18th to be considered for a residency grant the following calendar year. We're currently accepting applications for artist residency grants in 2026 until Jan. 18, 2025. Online applications must be received, and mailed applications must be postmarked, by January 18th.
      What is the length of the residency?
      Between 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the session. Sessions #1 & #3 are 12 weeks, Session #2 is 10 weeks. Because this is a longer residency, applicants are encouraged to consider whether the length and relative isolation are right for them; it can be helpful to have had experience with your creative routine in solitude. If you cannot commit to attending for an entire residency session, please don't apply; we do not provide shorter residency sessions.
      When are residencies offered?
      The Foundation offers three sessions a year. We're currently accepting applications for residencies in 2026:
      • Session #1 - late January through late April (12 weeks)
      • Session #2 - early June through mid August (10 weeks)
      • Session #3 - mid September through early December (12 weeks)
      What is included in the residency?
      The HWF grants rent-free and utility-paid housing on the foundation campus, providing artists with their own fully furnished home (casita) and a peaceful setting in which to pursue their creative endeavors. The HWF places no expectations or requirements on the artists in residence; It is the gift of time and space. In addition to the artist casitas, the HWF campus includes the Commons House w/ WiFi*, Library, The Main House, and laundry facilities. Residents are responsible for their own food and transportation, although the Foundation does provide bicycles for artists in residence.
      * WiFi is available in the artist casitas, but is not included in the residency grant. It must be set up by the artist in residence if they wish to have it in their casita.
      Is there an application fee? What costs are involved?
      We have an application fee of $30.00 USD. If you are selected to receive a residency we require a deposit of $300.00, half of which is retained for maintaining your casita, the other half being held as a refundable damage deposit.
      Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?
      No. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization we depend on every dollar to sustain our residency program. Maintaining an application fee also prevents spam applications, and applicants who are not serious about attending our program, and those who are looking for housing opportunities rather than the time and space to create.
      What is required of me if I receive a residency grant?
      Our residency program is unique in that we don't place any expecations or quotas on artists in residence. However, we do have a NO-WORK POLICY for grantees while they're in residence. Our program is designed to allow artist to immerse themselves in a distraction-free environment for 10 - 12 weeks.
      What artistic disciplines are eligible for a residency grant?
      • Visual artists: painters, illustrators, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, ceramicists
      • Literary artists: writers, poets, playwrights & screenwriters
      • Music composers and songwriters
      What work samples should be included with my application?
      Important: Omit or redact your name and contact information from work samples, including in descriptions and filenames. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in elimination from the review process.

      Visual artists are required to submit five images to represent their artwork. Image files can be uploaded when applying online - acceptable file formats are jpg, jpeg, gif and png, and must not exceed 10MB.

      Composers are required to submit five recordings of their compositions. Audio files can be uploaded when applying online - acceptable file formats are mp3 and m4a, and must not exceed 10MB.

      Filmmakers must mail a USB-drive containing up to 30 minutes of video which represents no more than five different samples of your work.

      Literary artists may upload writing samples in .pdf format using the application form above. You may include a cover sheet containing a table of contents, but please omit names and contact info.
      • Writers: samples should not exceed 35 double-spaced pages
      • Poets: a maximum of six poems.
      • Playwrights: include one complete play.
      • Screenwriters: include one complete screenplay.

      Alternatively, applicants may choose to mail hard-copies. To do so, check the box next to "Do you wish to mail your samples?" in the Work Samples section of the application form above.
      When will I be notified of my application status?
      Applicants who apply by the Jan. 18, 2025 deadline will be notified of their application status in or before June 2025.
      Who is eligible for an artist residency grant?
      We provide residency grants to creative artists from all over the world, regardless of age, experience, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or sexual preference.
      Does the HWF pay for travel costs or provide artist stipends?
      Generally, no. However, in certain cases, and dependent on the Rhonda Artist Stipend Fund, the Foundation may be able to assist with grocery expenses.
      May I submit my resumé, curriculum vitae, or a project proposal?
      While not required, you may submit your resumé, CV, and/or project proposal after you submit an application. Supplemental materials are only reviewed if an applicant is selected as a finalist. Upon successfully submitting your application, you may upload supplemental documents (in .pdf format) from your personalized Application Status page.
      When will you contact my references?
      References are only contacted if an applicant is selected as a semi-finalist, in which case we’ll notify the applicant before we contact references.
      Can both my partner and I be in residence at the same time?
      The casitas are single-occupancy only. Couples who apply must do so separately; if both are awarded grants, they will be scheduled for different sessions.
      Can I bring my pet?
      No, we ask you to leave your pets at home during your stay at our campus. Exceptions can be made for certified service animals.
      I'm a playwright. How do I apply for the Chesley/Bumbalo Award?
      Playwrights applying for the supplemental Robert Chesley/Victor Bumbalo Award will be disqualified if the submitted play is not of LGBTQ subject matter. Sexual preference of the author/applicant is disregarded.

      To specify your interest in applying for the Chesley/Bumbalo grant on the application form: After you select 'playwright' as your Specialty, check the box specifying your interest in applying for the Chesley/Bumbalo Award. A hard copy of your complete play is required to be considered for the Chesley/Bumbalo award. Printed applications: You must write on the form that you are interested in applying for the Chesley/Bumbalo grant.
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