Applications open for Interdisciplinary Residencies Program

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 Interdisciplinary Residencies Program, offering artists, writers, scholars, and conservation scientists dedicated time and space to pursue creative or research projects. Residents work in a collaborative environment exploring plants, gardens, landscapes, and ecological systems, with financial support, accommodation, and access to specialized studio or writing spaces.

Program Overview

The Interdisciplinary Residencies Program fosters cross-disciplinary exploration, bringing together artists, writers, conservationists, and scholars to work alongside one another while examining plants, landscapes, gardens, and the natural world from diverse perspectives. The residency encourages innovation, reflection, and collaboration while offering a supportive environment for individual projects.

Focus Areas

Eligible projects may include:

• Creative Arts: Visual art, performance, music, film, fiction, and non-fiction writing

• Conservation and Ecological Research: Sustainable use of plants, ecological or agricultural systems, and organismal or systems-based research

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Research connecting history, anthropology, art history, law, politics, religion, and sociology with plants, gardens, and landscapes

Residency Structure

• Orientation Week: Includes required tours of the formal garden, landscape, and library

• Self-Directed Work Period: Residents pursue individual projects with optional activities and field trips

• Community Engagement: Shared meals three times per week, with participation in setup and clean-up required

• Residency Showcase: Informal opportunity in the final week to share work with peers and staff

Accommodation and Facilities

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms in shared housing with one to three residents per unit

• Artists: Continuous access to visual art studio within walking distance

• Writers/Researchers: Designated writing spaces provided within accommodations

Financial Support

• Five-week residency: USD 2,000 individual grant

• Two-week residency: USD 800 individual grant

• Transportation: Ground transfer from Dulles International Airport or Union Station to Oak Spring Garden provided; residents arrange travel to these points

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be individuals at any career stage

• Live considerately in shared housing

• Engage with fellow residents and program participants

• Commit to full attendance for the selected session

• Pets and overnight visitors are not permitted

Residency is open to:

• Artists and writers across multiple disciplines

• Conservation scientists and ecological researchers

• Scholars in the humanities connecting their research to plants, gardens, and landscapes

Residency Sessions – 2027

• Five-week sessions:

  • March–April

  • May–June

  • July–August

  • October–November

• Two-week sessions:

  • Late April–Early May

  • Late August–Mid-September

How to Apply

1. Application Period: February 14 – May 31, 2026

2. Required Documents:

   • Résumé or curriculum vitae

   • Written statements on:

     • Nature of your work

     • Relationship to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission

     • Experience in community and collaboration

   • Discipline-specific work samples

3. Submission: Single application portal for all 2027 residencies and fellowship programs

4. Selection Process:

   • Multi-round review involving staff, alumni, and external jurors

   • Final decisions by expert review panels

Benefits of Participation

• Dedicated time and space for creative or research projects

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with fellow residents

• Access to specialized studios, writing spaces, and Oak Spring resources

• Financial support for project and living expenses

• Opportunity to participate in the annual Perennial Residency Program

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate the relationship between your work and plants, gardens, or landscapes

• Demonstrate how you will engage with the residency community

• Provide high-quality work samples that reflect your discipline and approach

• Highlight any interdisciplinary connections or collaborations

• Ensure full commitment to your selected session

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Individuals at any career stage in arts, humanities, or ecological sciences, with projects connecting to Oak Spring Garden’s focus areas.

2. Are pets allowed during residency?

No, pets and overnight visitors are not permitted.

3. What funding is provided?

• USD 2,000 for five-week residencies

• USD 800 for two-week residencies

• Ground transportation from Dulles Airport or Union Station to Oak Spring Garden

4. Is previous experience required?

No minimum professional seniority is required, but applicants must demonstrate ability to live and work collaboratively in a shared environment.

5. Are all meals included?

Shared meals are provided three times per week, and residents are expected to assist with clean-up.

6. Can I participate in field trips?

Yes, optional field trips and activities are available during the residency period.

7. How are applications evaluated?

Based on artistic, scholarly, or scientific merit, relevance to Oak Spring Garden’s mission, community engagement potential, and quality of supporting materials.

Conclusion

The Oak Spring Garden Interdisciplinary Residencies Program provides a unique environment for creativity, research, and collaboration, allowing participants to explore connections between art, science, and humanities while engaging with a like-minded community.

Residents benefit from dedicated time, space, mentorship, and financial support to develop innovative projects that contribute to a broader understanding of plants, landscapes, and the natural world.