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The Residency Program

Private Cottages

Each resident enjoys a private, fully furnished cottage with a kitchen, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and dedicated studio or workspace.

Flexible Stays

Residencies typically last between 1 and 6 weeks. There are no application or reservation deadlines, but advanced bookings are recommended.

Quiet, Natural Setting

Dorland is committed to preserving silence and solitude. Residents are immersed in nature with access to walking trails, mountain views, and wildlife.​

Affordable Fees

Residency fees are kept modest to remain accessible. 

Creative Freedom

There are no required projects, exhibitions, or public presentations. You’re free to focus fully on your work without interruption. 

Optional Community

While the emphasis is on solitude, occasional gatherings or informal check-ins are available for those who seek connection.

What Dorland Residents Say  

Laura Bensick

Writer

"The peace, quiet, and beauty of Dorland is the perfect place for the mind to be creative. I would cap off each day of writing with a walk to watch the sunset. There's nowhere else I'd rather work on my novel."

Andromeda Romano-Lax

Writer

"This completely peaceful, distraction-free time was what I needed to get back into the mind space to work on this novel again. It was a great retreat! "

Rabbi Elliot Kukla

Writer

 "I got so much done in my week here! A dense chapter of my book, a short essay, as well as a lot of research and contemplation for future chapters. Thank you so much for this gift of space and time!"

Jeri Frederickson

Writer

"I loved walking the trails. Thank you for having so much available to make a novie hiker feel capable! I really fell into a rythm of hiking, watching nature, then creating. This has been so helpful to reset my creative practice and to continue projects I haven't touched in awhile."

Becoming a Dorland Resident

Who Should Apply



Dorland welcomes dedicated, self-directed creatives in all disciplines:


• Visual artists

• Writers 

• Musicians and composers

• Interdisciplinary and performing artists


Residents must be comfortable working independently in a quiet, rural setting. Emerging and established artists are equally encouraged to apply. Applicants must be 21 years or over. 


Application Process


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions. Availability is limited and competitive.


What You’ll Submit

1. Completed online application

2. Artist bio and photo

3. Work samples (writing, portfolio, or audio/video clips)
4. Two professional or academic references who are willing to write a letter of reference on your behalf.

5. Application fee 

Selection Process


Applications are reviewed by a rotating panel of artists and staff to ensure a thoughtful and balanced perspective. We look closely at the quality of the work, the clarity of the applicant’s purpose for the residency, and how well the proposed project aligns with Dorland’s mission and the community we support.

Because Dorland is a working retreat, we also consider whether the residency environment is a good fit for the applicant’s goals—whether they’re seeking focused studio time, a period of creative development, or space to explore a new direction. Our aim is to build each session with artists who will thrive here and contribute to the spirit of Dorland.

Apply For Residency