We invite emerging and mid-career artists, scholars and professionals to apply for residency programs at the historic James Castle House in Boise’s Collister neighborhood.
Serving as a testament to the life and work of American artist James Castle, and rooted in Castle’s sense of wonder and discovery, the house today is a center for contemporary and historical exhibitions, tours, performances, talks, residencies, and community partnerships.
Creativity dwells between the floor joists, the wallpaper and the ceiling boards. Naturally curious and observant, Castle endlessly investigated his environment and material world, inventing tools and techniques for the creation of his work. His methodical and experimental approach led to the creation of thousands of works of art, spanning a wide range of aesthetic and conceptual styles that have served as an inspiration to artists and scholars for decades. Residency programs are designed to provide time and space for the experimentation and research necessary to complete a project that is rooted in the history and legacy of James Castle or the site. Projects may be creative, scholarly, or curatorial, but must be focused on the generation of a final product that contributes to our understanding of the site. No aesthetic connection to James Castle’s work is necessary.
With easy access to Boise’s Downtown and the nearby foothills, residents will have the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of Idaho’s capital city. Each residency provides one participant with private furnished living quarters, studio access, and a stipend to assist with living expenses and supplies necessary to the creation of the work. The resident is responsible for travel and shipping expenses and is expected to participate in regular community engagement events such as workshops, open studio hours, or presentations.
Residents will be offered the opportunity to work with individuals at the internationally renowned James Castle Collection and Archive to learn more about Castle and his work and will gain exposure to a global audience through partnerships and affiliations of the James Castle House. Staff will coordinate events and gatherings to introduce the resident to the community of skilled creators and professionals in the Boise area and help establish access to informational and material resources necessary for the creation of new work.
LIVING
The residency space offers a private bedroom room, restroom and live/work studio. This space is accessible through a separate back entrance and through doors that open off the exhibitions space, along with an outdoor patio/deck adjacent to the side lawn.
- WiFi
- Bicycle
- Washer/Dryer
- Private outdoor patio w/ BBQ
- Boise Valley Regional Transit bus pass
- Telephone
WORKING
The James Castle House live/work studio (275 sf) is equipped with the following:
- Basic hand tools
- Electric drill
- Circular saw
- Painters easel
- Conrad E15 etching press
- Utility closet with sink
- Chemical storage and removal
- Endless north-facing natural light
BOISE
With easy access to Boise’s Downtown and the nearby foothills, residents will have the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of Idaho’s capital city. While in residence, individuals be offered the opportunity to work with staff at the internationally renowned James Castle Collection and Archive to learn more about Castle and his work and will gain exposure to a global audience through partnerships and affiliations of the James Castle House.
