Philipsburg, MT

Open AIR works in collaboration with the Philipsburg Arts Fund for this residency.

The Philipsburg Arts Fund is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the arts & literature and honoring Philipsburg's rich history.

Established in 1997, they support individual community projects and initiate events that showcase Philipsburg's unique historical district, many local artists, and talented musicians.

Philipsburg Arts Fund Website

Enjoy a relaxed mountain town environment while making art and learning about the community & history of Philipsburg, Montana. Philipsburg is a charming 19th-century mining town that is enjoying a resurgence in community investment and commitment. Features include beautifully restored buildings, gem mining, robust community activities, a hand-crafted candy store, a microbrewery, the Granite County Museum, and the Law Enforcement Museum. Nearby are the beautiful Georgetown Lake and the Anaconda Smelter.

Artists will enjoy the following:

• A workspace provided by Philipsburg Arts Fund.

• Access to the nearby wilderness with great hiking, biking, water sports, blue-ribbon fly fishing, and more. 

• Possible access to the Philipsburg Theater for musicians and/or performance-based artists.

Housing for artists in this area is continually evolving. We will house artists in a private space where they have their own kitchen, bathroom, and workspace.

Philipsburg, Montana, located 1h 15m East of Missoula, is a charming 19th-century mining town. Once voted among the Prettiest Painted Places in America, the restored beautiful buildings are just the beginning of what this town has to offer.

The town of Philipsburg was named after the famous mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer, who designed and supervised the ore smelter around which the town initially formed. The surrounding hills still show the scars of mountains that have produced vast deposits of silver, manganese, sapphires, and to a lesser extent, gold. Granite, Tower, Rumsey, Black Pine, and other local mines were considered home to thousands of men in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The town is small and hilly, and all amenities are accessible by foot. A vehicle is recommended for exploring the surrounding areas.

Community engagement is an important component of the residency in Philipsburg. Artists are requested to provide a few workshops for local children and/or adults. Materials and additional compensation will be provided.