Residencies

Residencies are awarded competitively to artists in the disciplines of choreography, literature, music composition, visual arts, and media arts/new genres. We seek applications from emerging and mid-career artists, for whom appointments as resident artists may make a significant difference to their careers, as well as from established artists with national and/or international reputations. Applicants are evaluated by panels of arts professionals in each category. Those selected are offered living and studio space for four to five week sessions during the season which runs from late-March through mid-November.

Housing, Studio Space & Meals

Residents work and are housed in two buildings on the ranch according to artistic discipline and creative project. Living quarters and studio space consist of a four-bedroom house and a unique, remodeled twelve-sided barn. The rooms in the Artists' House are set up to accommodate writers, each with a large desk, work space, and outdoor deck. The Artists' House also contains the main kitchen, living and dining area, a library, laundry facilities, shared bathrooms, and a large deck. The Artists' Barn contains three visual art studios, a large dance studio, a darkroom, and a music composition studio

Climate & Location

The Djerassi Program is located in a spectacular rural setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains over-looking the Pacific Ocean, yet is within easy driving distance of San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. Annual temperatures range from lows in the mid-30s to highs in the mid-90s. Fog and wind occur during the spring and fall months. The rainy season extends from October through May, but there are sunny days all through this period. The property is located 40 miles south of San Francisco and 15 miles west of Palo Alto. The special quality of the residency experience centers around its genuine "retreat" atmosphere. There is no access to public transportation from the ranch. Rides to Palo Alto for errands are provided by the staff at least once a week. Transportation to and from the Bay Area airports is provided by the Program.

with a baby grand and electric piano. The studios are rustic with wood burning stoves and modest sleeping lofts. There is also a kitchen, a large common area, shared bathrooms, and laundry facilities in the Barn. The Program employs a chef who prepares communal dinners Monday through Friday, and provisions both kitchens. Residents are expected to prepare their own breakfasts, lunches, and weekend dinners using ingredients supplied by the Program. Vegetarian meals are available.