2025 Residency + Fellowships

18-day residency session for individuals. Based on personal financial considerations, artists determine their own residency fee, and may opt to pay according to our suggested income-based sliding scale. No financial aid application is required. Admitted residents are responsible for their own travel.

Fellowships: We currently offer 12 fellowships each year. All qualified applicants may apply for fellowships. A fellowship award includes an 18-day fee-waived residency for individuals and a stipend of at least $1000 to participate in the Ragdale Youth Engagement educational outreach program. All applicants who apply for fellowships will be considered. Please note that applicants may be awarded a residency without a fellowship award. Fellowship awards are disclosed upon acceptance.

Ragdale is one of the largest interdisciplinary artist communities in the country, located 30 miles north of Chicago and accessible locally by Metra train and internationally by O’Hare airport.

Ragdale residents represent a cross-section of ages, cultures, experiences, and mediums, making for a diverse and vibrant community. Specialized and accessible live/work spaces include writing, dance, music, visual art, and interdisciplinary art studios. Each year Ragdale awards up to 150 residencies and 12 fellowships.

Each session, 11-16 artists-in-residence enjoy 18 days of uninterrupted time for work, a supportive environment, dynamic artist exchanges, 50 acres of idyllic prairie, close proximity to Lake Michigan, and chef-prepared communal dinner each weekday evening.