Solitary Retreat in the Nevada Desert

Overview

The Montello Foundation provides a solitary two-week retreat where artists can work in the vastness of the Nevada desert. The facility is a building with a large shading roof containing two distinct spaces: one for bodily needs (eating, sleeping, washing, heating) and one for work (writing, painting, drawing, studying). The retreat is designed as a "base camp" offering inspiration, creation space, and a shield from distractions.

Eligibility

Open to artists based anywhere in the world at any stage of career. Work must foster understanding of nature, its fragility, and the need to protect it. The panel evaluates submissions based on: quality of work; relevance to the Montello Foundation's mission; and the artist's commitment to exhibiting and organizing events in non-profit spaces.

Disciplines & Media

The residency welcomes applications across all disciplines, including: Animation, Architecture, Art History, Biology, Book Arts, Choreography, Criticism, Dance, Digital Fabrication, Digital Media, Documentary, Drawing, Ecology, Electronic Arts, Environmental Arts, Fiction, Film, Graphic Design, Illustration, Installation Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts, Journalism, Landscape Architecture, Literary Nonfiction, Literature, Mathematics, Mixed Media, Moving Image, Multimedia Arts, Music, New Genres, Opera, Painting, Paper Arts, Performance Art, Philosophy, Photography, Playwriting, Poetry, Public Art, Science, Screenwriting, Sculpture, Social Practice, Sound Art, Storytelling, Textile & Fiber Arts, Theater, Translation, TV + Radio, Urban Planning/Design, Virtual Reality, Visual Arts, Woodworking, and Writing.

Facilities & Accommodations

Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house). Private studios available. Painting workspace (oil) and woodworking tools provided. Music/media studio available (non-recording). Residents have access to a private kitchen; no meals are provided. Facilities are partially accessible (50% or more). Pets (non-service animals) and spouses/partners allowed for full stay. Children allowed for full stay.

Residency Details

Length: 2 weeks. Average of 1 artist in residence at a time. Collaborative teams may apply. All applicants must cover their own travel and living expenses.

Application & Fees

There is no cost for the residency itself. Application fee: $20. No travel stipend, material stipends, or other funding support is provided, though the foundation offers assistance with fundraising.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: January 17, 2027

Selection & Statistics

In the most recent year, 12 artists were accepted from a pool of 230 applicants. Selection criteria emphasize work quality, relevance to nature and environmental conservation, and demonstrated commitment to exhibition and community engagement.