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James Castle House 10-Week Residency 2025

CONTACT: Mónica Galván mgalvan@cityofboise.org 

DEADLINE: August 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. MT

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MORE ABOUT JAMES CASTLE
MORE ABOUT THE BOISE CITY DEPARTMENT OF ARTS & HISTORY 
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Boise City Department of Arts & History invites emerging and mid-career artists in any creative field to apply for a 10-Week residency at the James Castle House in Boise, Idaho. The historic home site, where American artist James Castle lived and worked for over four decades, stands today as a testament to the artist's unique talent and artistic legacy.

Born in 1899, James Castle was deaf from birth and never learned to read, write, sign, or use any other conventional means of communication. Naturally curious and observant, Castle endlessly investigated his environment and material world, inventing many of the tools and techniques used to create his work. His methodological 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 inspiration to artists and scholars for decades.

Designed to capture the experimental and creative spirit of Castle’s lifelong practice, this residency invites artists to immerse themselves in the site, explore the house, its history, and the surrounding landscape, and respond to their experience through the creation of new works.  Residents will share their creative practice and process with our community through several public events throughout their stay, such as talks, open studios, presentations, and exhibitions.

Through this program, the James Castle House keeps the legacy of daily creativity and experimentation alive on-site, cultivating a growing local and national community and providing a deeper understanding of James Castle and the place he called home.

The James Castle House was opened by the City of Boise’s Arts &  History Department in 2018, inviting visitors to explore the artist's unique creative spaces through exhibitions, tours, and ongoing conservation and preservation.

Located in the vibrant and dynamic Collister neighborhood, it has easy access to Boise’s downtown and the nearby foothills, allowing residents to experience the beauty and culture of Idaho’s capital city. Each residency cycle provides one participant with private furnished living quarters, studio access, and a $5,000.00 stipend to assist with living expenses and supplies necessary to create work. The resident is responsible for travel and shipping expenses. Residents will donate one work to the City of Boise at the end of their term.

*Please note that this is a solo residency. The selected participant will have regular contact with staff at the James Castle House and members of the Boise public, but they will reside alone. Applicants should be able to work alone and enjoy solitude.

Residency Terms

Spring Term: February 5 - April 16, 2025

Summer Term: May 14 - July 23, 2025

Fall Term: August 27 – November 5, 2025

Applicants will select the date range that is best for their proposal.

Supported Disciplines

The James Castle House 10-Week Residency program is open to emerging and mid-career artists and professionals working in any field. However, due to the property’s limitations and proximity to neighbors, the site cannot accommodate loud or especially messy processes.

Selection Criteria

Selections will be made by committee and based on the following:

Eligibility

Duration of Residency

10 weeks 

Number of Residents Per Term

1 

Companions Allowed

None 

Expenses Paid By Resident

Expenses Paid By James Castle House

Residency Setting

Suburban 

Resources

Accommodation