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.

• Access to a studio space in a unique location

• Housing to all artists coming from out of the town for their residency

• Community engagement and professional development opportunities where artists can present/share about their work

• Listing on our website and promotion on our media and communications channels.

• A chance to connect with members of the community

• Modest stipends for every artist. $35/day for every day of the residency.

AIRs in Missoula will have access to Community Resources including:

• Montana Natural History Center

• Home ReSource

• Free Cycles

• MCAT Media Center

• MUD Missoula

• Missoula Public Library

• University of Montana
  (seasonal availability)

• 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.

Artists of all disciplines living and working in the United States and abroad are eligible to apply.

• Artists must be 18 years old to apply.

• We strongly encourage Indigenous Artists and members from other underrepresented groups to apply to Open AIR residency opportunities.

• If you encounter any barriers that prevent you from submitting your application, please contact program@openairmt.org for assistance and an accessible alternative.

Artists are selected by a team of jurors and considered on the basis of merit, excellence, and best fit to site. Jurors consider your work samples and commentary on research as it relates to a site to determine the best fit. Applicants selected for the final round of decision-making will be required to participate in a phone-call interview.

• The application fee is $30. Artists can add additional sites for an extra charge.

• There is NO CHARGE for artists to participate in the residency.

• Artists are responsible for travel and food costs.

What does the term ‘artist’ mean? For the purpose of the Open AIR Residency Program, the term artist refers to individuals with a creative practice. This can be visual artists, writers, dancers, thespians, musicians, and folx working across and between disciplines and in new media. The terms ‘artist’ and ‘creative’ can/will be used interchangeably in our language. See more about supporting equipment below.

How much does the residency cost? The cost of the residency is free. Artists are responsible for their travels to and from their residency site. Artists are also responsible for their food during their residency.

Am I eligible to apply? Artists of all disciplines are eligible to apply. Disciplines include but are not limited to visual arts, writing, performance, dance, theater, sound, music, cross-disciplinary work, and new media, are encouraged to apply for this round of applications.

Artists enrolled in school are welcome to apply to be in-residence during a break (such as summer).

Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply.

Artists must be 18 years old to apply.

There are some residency opportunities for 2027/28 that are limited to those with Indigenous background.

Our priority is to elevate underrepresented voices, particularly those of Indigenous artists. We strongly encourage Indigenous Artists and members from other underrepresented groups to apply for Open AIR residency opportunities.

I live outside of Montana. Can I apply? Yes! We are accepting applications from across the United States and internationally for the 2026 residency session. 

Where will I stay while in-residence? This varies from site to site. Some sites have lodging provided on-site. On other sites, Open AIR will provide lodging to artists who need lodging. Details will be provided upon acceptance.

What are the studio spaces like? The studio spaces vary depending on location. But in general, the workspaces are not traditional white rooms. The studio spaces are embedded into the work life of a specific site and can be as varied as a table in a public space, a cubicle in an office, a live/work space, a wall tent, etc. Open AIR artists are encouraged to embrace the experience of working in a space unique to the site.

How much does the application cost?: The application is $30 to apply for up to 3 sites and $10 for any additional site applications. If the application fee is a barrier for you, please email program@openairmt.org

What equipment is available for me to use? Site-specific resources can be found under each site listing. In addition to a studio, all artists will have access to a variety of resources available in the community. If you have particular needs to support your practice, we recommend contacting us to see if this accommodation can be arranged. Email program@openairmt.org

Are there group activities I should be aware of? An important aspect of our residency is to invite the community in to understand the unique work of artistic practices and discover beloved places in Western Montana. This may include meals together, artist talks, on-site studio visits, exhibitions, and, if relevant, workshops. Group activities are strongly encouraged. Some form of community engagement is a mandatory part of the artist's agreement to participate. More information will be provided to selected artists.

Are there any other requirements of the program? Artists are required to contribute a digital piece of work with Open AIR’s collection. This piece functions as an educational piece for the community. This could be audio, video, photographs, or other documentation from your residency experience. Artists may additionally leave a physical object if they would like to Open AIR’s collection but are not required to. 

What kind of support will be available to me? Artists will have the support of staff at each site as well as support and check-ins from Open AIR staff. We also like to promote the artists working, and it is not uncommon to have the opportunity to speak with local news agencies. Permission will be requested first. 

Is there a stipend? Yes. All artists will be provided with a modest stipend of $35/day to offset the burden of costs associated with the residency.

Do I need a car? This answer varies per site and depends on the needs of each artist. Missoula is a bike-friendly and bus-friendly city with free bus service. Open AIR will connect Missoula artists with affordable bikes through Free Cycles. Some sites may be difficult to access without a vehicle. For specifics, please refer to the information on each site's Residency page. 

Can I bring my dog? Unfortunately, at this time, we do not allow pets to join the residency. 

Can I bring my family? Yes. Unless otherwise noted at a particular site, families and couples are welcome to apply. Family includes spouses, partners, and children not participating in the residency. Partner groups will be required to share lodging. Children are welcome to join. At this time, we do not have daycare arrangements for parenting artists, but we can provide resources available in the community for you to make independent arrangements. 

Can I apply as a duo? Yes. For duos who are collaborating artists, please apply with one application. For non-collaborating artist duos, please apply separately for the same site, and indicate the name of your duo on your application. Depending on the lodging circumstances, duos might need to share a room with separate beds. Please indicate your housing preferences in the application.

How much time do I need to spend at my site? Preference is given to serious artists interested in exploring and engaging the site. There is no minimum number of hours an artist must work, but this is a unique site-based opportunity that happens for a limited period of time. There are many libraries of historical information and resources the artists will have access to, and we are interested in connecting artists to each site who are committed to their practice and who are curious and enthusiastic about the opportunity. We encourage artists to make the best use of their precious time and set aside engagements that could distract from their residency whenever possible.

Do I have to make artwork about the site? While not everything created during an artist’s residency has to be exclusively site ‘related’ or ‘thematic,’ a unique opportunity of a place-based residency is to be engaged in the site where you are in-residence. If you are looking for a place to finish an unrelated novel or new series you’ve been thinking about, Open AIR is not the best residency for you. Creative practices that are curious about the place, find overlap or opportunity at the site(s) and are interested in exploring the nexus further thrive best.

Can you accommodate artists with disabilities? Many of our partnering sites are ADA-approved. Please contact program@openairmt.org to discuss individual concerns.

What if I have other questions not answered here? Email Rachel at: program@openairmt.org.

Each residency site is unique. Survey the residency sites here.