Artist-in-Residence

Open AIR is a place-based residency that connects artists from across disciplines with unique sites in Montana. Selected artists will have the opportunity to create at a unique site for a multi-week residency. During their residency, artists can connect with the individuals stewarding that site and develop unique work in relation to the place they are in residence. (Artists apply for what site they would like to be considered for.)

The Open AIR Residency is a wonderful opportunity for artists to take critical time and space to develop their practice in a supported environment. Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) will have opportunities to engage in professional development, including exhibitions and public engagement. AIRs will additionally have the opportunity to learn from and develop connections with other artists, meet new community members, and learn about unique aspects of the history, ecology, and culture of this region.

Summer 2027 Session

Garden City Harvest: 
June 28- August 1, 2027

Home ReSource:
June 28- August 1, 2027

The Daly Mansion:
June 30- August 6, 2027

Fall 2027 Session

Flathead Lake BioStation:
September 29- November 5, 2027

Rocky Mountain Gardens:
October 4- November 5, 2027

Philipsburg:
October 11- November 12, 2027

spectrUM:
October 4- November 5, 2027
* This comes with a final exhibition requirement in December, 2026

Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation:
September 8- September 29, 2027
* This is a Remote Wilderness experience 

Spring 2028 Session

spectrUM
Jan 31 - March 3, 2028

Missoula Public Library:
March 27- April 28, 2028

Home ReSource:
March 27- April 28, 2028

Butte:
March 20- April 30, 2028

Natural History Residency
March 27- April 28, 2028
A collaboration with Montana Natural History Center, Emlen Lab (UM), and Philip L. Wright Zoology Museum (UM)

Artists are expected to…

• Participate in weekly check-ins during their residency

• Participate in community engagement, such as studio visits, artist talks, performances, workshops, etc. (This can vary per site and per artist. We work together with you to explore the best fit for the program as well as your practice and interests.)

• Provide feedback about your experience.

• Be flexible and communicative.

• Share their process and experience through photographs, archived artist talks, and artist interviews.

• Contribute digital content/artwork to WMCI/Open AIR’s collection.