The 2026 Ragdale Residency Program offers 18-day residencies to about 15 artists per session, providing uninterrupted time, private studios, chef-prepared weekday dinners, and access to an 80-acre nature preserve. Located 30 miles north of Chicago in Lake Forest, Illinois, Ragdale supports artists across various disciplines, including writing, visual arts, music, and dance.
All applicants must submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. Do not email or mail any application materials. Please note the following requirements to complete the application. A completed online application form includes:
- A one-page artist’s statement and work plan explaining your work and what you plan to do while in residence.
- A one or two-page CV or resume that summarizes your professional background.
- Work samples that show work from the past 2-3 years. All media is acceptable. Most electronic file types and sizes are accepted.
- If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, we require an eligibility statement of 500 words or less for each fellowship you would like to be considered for. An eligibility statement explains how you qualify for the selected fellowship and how a fellowship would support your work at this time.
- Letters of Recommendation are not required or accepted.
