hold space retreat for artists of color

Participants who qualify for a Hold Space Retreat can enjoy communal living, making, and opportunities to organize on Ox-Bow’s campus in Saugatuck, Michigan. Lodging, three meals per day, and access to Ox-Bow studios and spaces are provided.

Ox-Bow encourages applicants to consider how they would like to use its facilities and resources to best suit their interests and goals. Some proposal examples are listed below, but are not limited to;

• An individual artist utilizing the metals, ceramics, printmaking, fiber, painting, or writing studio, with guidance from Ox-Bow’s on-campus studio managers. You can see more about our studios and equipment here.
• A self-organized group gathering with collaborative creative projects and BIPOC speakers. Assistance from the Ox-Bow programming team is available.
• Other nonprofits in need of time and space to plan and organize, with comfortable lodging, and space to talk and make. Assistance from the Ox-Bow programming team is available.
• BIPOC curators may utilize the campus gallery spaces for exhibitions, with assistance from the campus team.
• A set of existing collaboratives coming together to design a suite of dinner parties and conversation with assistance from Ox-Bow’s culinary team.

Proposals are reviewed by a panel of BIPOC curators and artists who are familiar with the Ox-Bow experience. The Hold Space Retreat includes lodging, meals, and access to Ox-Bow resources. Hold Space Retreat recipients should be 21 years or older at the start of their residency and have the option of bringing their children to campus. Children must be accompanied by a legal guardian while on campus. Ox-Bow does not provide childcare or additional care support at this time. This experience is valued at $300 per person, per day, and does not currently include a cash stipend.