Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program
A Year of Solitude, Space, and Studio Time

The Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program (RAiR), founded in 1967 in Roswell, New Mexico, offers one of the most generous residencies available to visual artists: a full year of dedicated time, private housing and studio, and financial support. Known as “the gift of time,” RAiR is designed for artists seeking uninterrupted studio practice in a quiet, focused setting.

Why Roswell Stands Out

A Full Year to Create:
While most residencies last weeks or months, RAiR offers a rare full-year term, allowing artists to pursue ambitious projects without the pressure of deadlines or distraction.
No Strings Attached:
Residents receive a private house, a spacious studio, and a monthly stipend, with no teaching duties, public programs, or administrative obligations required.
Studio Culture Meets Solitude:
Each cohort includes six artists, fostering informal exchange while maintaining space for reflection and deep work. The result is a close-knit, low-pressure community rooted in mutual respect.
Independent and Artist-Run:
RAiR is unaffiliated with any university or institution. It is independently run, with a mission to support artists as artists—free from academic, commercial, or institutional agendas.

Time, Space, and Autonomy

At RAiR, artists are given what every creator needs most: uninterrupted time, generous space, and full autonomy. Each resident receives a private three-bedroom house with an attached, light-filled studio (about 600 sq. ft.) on a 40-acre compound in the quiet plains of New Mexico. Studios are self-contained, allowing artists to work any time—day or night—without interruption. In addition to private workspaces, the campus includes shared facilities: a woodshop, ceramics studio with kilns, printmaking studio, and digital media lab. This on-site infrastructure supports projects of any scale or discipline.

Program Details & Financial Support

Duration:
One full year (12 months), with staggered start dates.
Application:
Annual deadline in mid-March. Requires a portfolio, CV, and artist statement. A $25 fee applies. The program is fully funded and offers only six spots per year, making it highly competitive, less than 1% of applicants are accepted.
Cost & Financial Aid:
Fully funded. Residents receive free housing, studio space, and a monthly stipend of approx. $1,100, plus a materials allowance. Additional support is available for artists with families.

Who Are Roswell Residents?

RAiR supports a wide range of visual artists, from painters and sculptors to video and installation artists. Residents are selected based on the strength of their work—not degrees, exhibitions, or CV length. Many are emerging or mid-career artists seeking serious studio time, free from distractions. The program values independence, curiosity, and a strong personal vision.

Recent Alumni

Who Should Apply?

Roswell is ideal for visual artists who crave long-term stability, generous support, and deep focus. If you are self-directed, committed to your practice, and eager for a year to create on your own terms, this residency offers a rare opportunity to reset, expand, and produce your most ambitious work.

For more information, visit the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program website.