We’re thrilled to announce our paid artist residency program!
Made possible by the 4Culture Cultural Services grant and our open storefront on Roy Street, this residency addresses the need for local opportunities for artists making live work to expand their creative capacity without the expectation of of a finished production.
We aim to begin the residency Fall 2026 through an open call, and will serve at least 12 artists a year.
Timeline
• Applications close: June 28, 2026
• Curatorial review/selection: July 2026
• Selection announced: August 2026
• Residencies: September 2026 – June 2027
The Residency
The Residency activates an empty tenant space at OtB's Behnke Center on 100 W Roy Street in the Uptown neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
Resident artists will receive time, space, and mentorship to explore new ideas without the expectation of a finished production. Stipends are $1,000 per week and the residencies will be offered in 1, 2, 3, or 4-week increments. Each artist or collective receives a stipend and professional development from OtB marketing, production, and development teams.
While in residency, the artist or collective will have exclusive use of the space.
The Space
Our residency space is street level, with wood floors, lots of natural light, a shared restroom, and 1,000 square feet of rehearsal space. It is equipped with marley, mirrors, as well as simple light and sound resources.
We encourage you to look at the images below and determine if the space is right for you and your proposed project.
Who Can Apply
Artists or artist collectives who reside in the Pacific Northwest and make live work, of any career stage. This is an informal geographic region, and we encourage artists to self-define. Preference will be given to artists or collectives in King County.
The residency does not cover travel, accommodations, or VISAs. We do not accept applications from other non-profit organizations or commercial entities.
On the Boards has a tradition of working across dance, theater, music, and interdisciplinary works, and supports a broad definition of such mediums. That said, we will not accept applications for artists that primarily work in visual art, exhibition, or installation unless the residency is an experiment in adding live elements to their practice. While in residence, projects may not involve minors, fire, loose glitter, aerial, or elements that could risk the safety of artists or permanently damage the space.
Selection Criteria
• Compelling artistic practice that adds to the fabric of PNW performance
• Participation in residency has relevant artistic goals and advances the artist's practice
Process
The application is an open call. 10 or more artists will be chosen by the OtB Curatorial Council from the applicant pool.
By submitting, you give consent for copy and images to be used for OtB press release, website, or other promotional materials.
Artist Residencies supported by the 4Culture Cultural Services grant.