Dorland Residency Program

Dorland Residency Program is sponsored by Dorland Mountain Arts. Dorland Mountain Arts offers a retreat where artists, writers, musicians, and composers can create in a secluded natural setting. The residency provides private cottages with workspaces.

Stays can range from one week to two months.

Residency Program | Dorland Mountain Arts Each resident enjoys a private, fully furnished cottage with a kitchen, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and dedicated studio or workspace. Residencies typically last between 1 and 6 weeks. There are no application or reservation deadlines, but advanced bookings are recommended.

Dorland is committed to preserving silence and solitude. Residents are immersed in nature with access to walking trails, mountain views, and wildlife. ​ Residency fees are kept modest to remain accessible.

There are no required projects, exhibitions, or public presentations. You’re free to focus fully on your work without interruption. While the emphasis is on solitude, occasional gatherings or informal check-ins are available for those who seek connection.

What Dorland Residents Say "The peace, quiet, and beauty of Dorland is the perfect place for the mind to be creative. I would cap off each day of writing with a walk to watch the sunset. There's nowhere else I'd rather work on my novel."

"This completely peaceful, distraction-free time was what I needed to get back into the mind space to work on this novel again. It was a great retreat! " "I got so much done in my week here!

A dense chapter of my book, a short essay, as well as a lot of research and contemplation for future chapters. Thank you so much for this gift of space and time!" "I loved walking the trails.

Thank you for having so much available to make a novie hiker feel capable! I really fell into a rythm of hiking, watching nature, then creating. This has been so helpful to reset my creative practice and to continue projects I haven't touched in awhile."

Becoming a Dorland Resident Dorland welcomes dedicated, self-directed creatives across all disciplines who seek a quiet environment for reflection and creative work. • Musicians and composers • Interdisciplinary and performing artists Residents must be comfortable working independently in a quiet, rural setting. Emerging and established artists are equally encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be 21 years or over. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions. Availability is limited and competitive.

1. A completed online application 3. Work samples (writing, portfolio, or audio/video clips) 4.

Two professional or academic references who are willing to provide a reference on your behalf. Applications are reviewed by a rotating panel of artists and staff to ensure a thoughtful and balanced perspective. We look closely at the quality of the work, the clarity of the applicant’s purpose for the residency, and the extent to which the proposed project aligns with Dorland’s mission and the community we support.

Because Dorland is a working retreat, we also consider whether the residency environment is a good fit for the applicant’s goals—whether they’re seeking focused studio time, a period of creative development, or space to explore a new direction.

Our aim is to select artists whose work and working style are well-suited to Dorland’s quiet, self-directed residency environment, where optional informal gatherings offer opportunities for creative connection.