Ragdale Residency Program

Ragdale is a not‑for‑profit artist residency program located on a historic 1897 Arts and Crafts estate in Lake Forest, Illinois, just north of Chicago. The interdisciplinary community welcomes writers, dancers, choreographers, architects, musicians, composers and visual artists to apply for 18‑day residencies. Each residency provides private accommodations, a personal studio, chef‑prepared weekday meals, and access to a 30‑acre prairie. An income‑based fee ranging from $35 to $250 per day ensures affordability, and eleven named fellowships each year offer a $1,000+ stipend and waive the residency fee. Applications are reviewed by the Ragdale Curatorial Board and the annual deadline is May 1 for the following year’s sessions. The program awards over 200 residencies annually and supports artists with a supportive community, historic facilities, and a natural environment.

18‑day residency, private accommodation, studio space, chef‑prepared weekday meals, prairie access, stipend for fellowships

Open to individual writers, dancers, choreographers, architects, musicians, composers and visual artists; no group applications; no explicit age or nationality limits