Residency Programs at ESSA
2026 Residency Opportunities
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts offers residency opportunities for artists who are seeking focused time to refine their skills, create work, and/or explore new avenues within their medium.
This is an opportunity to be inspired by the incredible natural beauty and unique culture of the Ozark Mountains. ESSA is located on an idyllic forested campus 5 miles west of the renowned artist community of Eureka Springs, and within an hour drive of the major cultural institutions of Northwest Arkansas, such as Crystal bridges, The Momentary, the Walton Arts Center, etc. The ESSA campus offers well equipped studios and facilities and comfortable private lodging for our artists in residence, tucked away from the distractions of the outside world.
Selected residents are provided access to ESSA studios, on-campus lodging, an opportunity (not required) to sell their work at a closing reception, and other benefits.
If you would like to be notified when new residency opportunities arise, or for questions about our residency program, contact ESSA’s Program Manager at program@essa-art.org.
To learn more about upcoming Residency Receptions and current and past Artists in Residence, click here.
2026 2D Residency
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts invites emerging and established artists working in two-dimensional mediums, including painting, drawing, and mixed media, to apply for a new funded residency designed to support creative growth and focused studio time. In partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and participating state arts agencies, the selected artist will receive more than $3,000 in stipends to refine their practice, experiment with new techniques, and develop new work while immersed in the inspiring natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
- Open to emerging and established artists working in two-dimensional media, including painting, drawing, and mixed media
- In partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and state arts agencies in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas
- The 2026 2D Residency will span approximately 8 weeks: Beginning on August 3, through October 3rd, 2026
- One resident will be selected through a competitive application review, only open to artists residing in the six-state Mid-America Arts Alliance region
- $2,000 residency stipend plus $900 travel stipend, and an additional $400 teaching stipend upon completion of teaching opportunities.
- Private, unshared studio space in ESSA’s Peine Studio with 24-hour access
- On-campus private lodging with bath, kitchenette, and Wi-Fi; shared access to Commons House
- The Deadline for submissions is April 22, 2026, and applicants will be notified by May 13th, 2026
- Submit application materials via email to program@essa-art.org.
- View the documents linked below for more information and to apply.
2026 Summer Painting & Drawing Residency
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is looking for emerging and established painting and drawing artists who are seeking focused time to refine their abilities, enrich their creative journey, experiment with new techniques, and/or complete existing project(s). This is an opportunity to be inspired by the Ozark Mountains’ incredible natural beauty and unique culture. ESSA is within 5 miles of the renowned artist community of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Our campus offers world class facilities and comfortable private lodging tucked peacefully away from the distractions of the outside world. This is also a chance to enjoy fellowship with other artists in residence, visiting instructors, and members of the creative community on campus and beyond. Experience in painting or drawing is required, and the residency will be awarded based on a review of all completed applications. It is anticipated that the selected resident will use their invaluable time at ESSA in creative research, experimentation, and dedicated studio practice.
- The 2026 Summer Painting and Drawing Residency will span approximately 4 weeks beginning on June 27th, 2026, through July 24th, 2026, with a required orientation on June 27th, 2026.
- Applications are due by March 15, 2026, by 5 pm (CST). Notifications will be made by March 31, 2026.
- 1 participant will be selected.
- Residency fee is $1200 for 4 weeks and includes lodging on the ESSA campus.
- Submit application materials via email to program@essa-art.org.
- View the documents linked below for more information and to apply.