top of page

APPLY

RESIDENCY APPLICATION

ELIGIBILITY, DEADLINE, AND PROCEDURE​

The application window for Summer 2026 opens on November 6th, 2025, and closes on January 9th, 2026. ​

​

Actively working visual artists, writers, instrumentalists, and composers with at least two years
of professional experience may apply. Residencies are for three weeks. There is no application
fee and no fee to attend.

​

**Undergraduate and Graduate students are welcome to apply provided they submit current work that is not part of an assignment

in any course of study.


In order to offer opportunities for more artists, if you had a residency last summer (2025), please
wait a year before reapplying. You are most welcome to apply again for 2027 or inquire about a
winter rental.


We encourage group applications (a combination of artistic disciplines is fine), although
applications from individual artists are also welcome. When you apply as part of a group, you
may pursue individual projects, collaborative projects, and/or both. Each application is reviewed
separately, and the judges reserve the right to select or reject individual members of a group.


A limited number of $250 or $500 need-based grants are available. If a grant will significantly
affect your ability to attend, please fill out the grants section on the application page. Applying
for a grant will not affect your eligibility for a residency. Grant applications from historically
marginalized communities are particularly encouraged.


Soaring Gardens offers two locations to stay during your residency. The farmhouse offers a more
communal atmosphere, with four to five residents typically staying there, and utilizing the studio

building next door. The church provides a more intimate, private experience, for no more than
two residents at a time. For more information on the facilities go to our 'about' page.​​

​

Summer 2026 Residency Schedule

Session I - 4/27 - 5/15

Session II - 5/24 - 6/12

Session III - 6/14 - 7/3

Session IV - 7/5 - 7/24

Session V - 7/26 - 8/14

Session VI - 8/23 - 9/4 *two weeks

Session VII - 9/7 - 9/25 

Session VIII - 9/27 - 10/16 (church only) 

Session IX - 10/19 - 11/6 (church only)

ALL APPLICANTS

​

To apply for a residency at Soaring Gardens:

1. Please complete the Google Forms application using the link below (remember to push ‘submit’ before proceeding to the second step of creating your portfolio).

2. Create a portfolio using the guidelines below. You can download the instructions using the tab below).

​

**If you are applying as a group, each member of the group should submit their own PDF. Please list members' names and disciplines after your project proposal. 


Soaring Gardens and the Ora Lerman Charitable Trust are dedicated to keeping the no-cost application process as simple as possible, and we handle each application with attention to detail and respect. If you have any difficulties with the application process, please get in touch with Jordan Oakey at

lermantrust.residencymanager@gmail.com.

________________________________________________________________


1. Google Forms Application:

​

https://forms.gle/w4FKFP8rym222Yq2A​

​

​2. Please create a single PDF portfolio document including the requirements below.

Title your PDF by using this convention: " Firstname Lastname Discipline 2026" 

(e.g., Amadeus Mozart Composition 2026) 

​

Please email your PDF portfolio to Jordan at lermantrust.residencymanager@gmail.com.

​

​

 


Portfolio Format and Requirements:
Please create a single PDF document including the following, organized in this order 


1. Samples of your work

  • Visual Artists:

    • Six numbered images, including specification captions. Please have one large image per page.

    •  Thumbnail image list including: title, media, dimensions, and year.

    • If you work in film or similar media, please provide a separate link to three works, totaling no more than fifteen minutes.

  • Writers:

    • A sample of your writing, totaling no more than fifteen pages.

  • Composers:

    • Provide links to three samples of your compositions. Acceptable platforms include Vimeo, YouTube, SoundCloud, and any comparable platform. Please do not use a platform that would require a subscription  of any kind (e.g., Spotify). 

    • If possible, include the written score of one of your samples with the measures that correspond to your sample. Please indicate to which link the score belongs. 

  • Instrumentalists:

    • Provide Links to four performance samples, each no more than five minutes in duration.

    • Repertoire list

    • List of performances within the last two years.

​

2. Project Proposal (no more than 200 words, single-spaced) Provide a description of what you would like to accomplish in your residency. If you are applying as a group, each member of your group and their discipline should be listed after your project proposal.

​


3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae. Your resume or CV needs to include two years professional experience. 

​


________________________________________________________________

Applicants will be notified within 48 hours that we have received your application.  

​


If you want to view a sample portfolio or need help creating your PDF, please contact Jordan at lermantrust.residencymanager@gmail.com.

​

​

​

Soaring Gardens is an inclusive organization and we welcome all applications from a wide
range of candidates. Selection for residencies is based on individual merit.

bottom of page