Variable West Art Writing Residency

Variable West and Stelo invited emerging and mid-career arts writers working and living in Oregon to apply for a week-long art writing residency to take place at both Camp Colton and Park Block locations; where we will welcome one resident per site, per week, for a total of 8 residents from November 2021 - February 2022. After their residency concludes, each resident will publish a work on Variable West. 

Program Updates:

As each resident’s work is published we will share links to their writing here.

March 2022: Ella Ray, Black in Bed

April 2022: Daniela Molnar, Chromophilia

May 2022: May Maylisa Cat, Asian Futures, With Asians: Astria Suparak and Everything Everywhere All at Once

July 2022: Lusi Lukova, An Invitation Into Intimacy

September 2022: Callum Angus, One Map Stapled Together

Congratulations to the recipients of the residency!

November: Callum Angus & Daniela Naomi Molnar

December: Intisar Abioto & May Maylisa Cat

January: Ella Ray & Laurel V. McLaughlin

February: Eel Probably & Luiza Lukova

With this residency partnership Stelo and Variable West have invited the residency recipients to consider their respective seasonal themes of storytelling and staying with the trouble. “In these troubled times” is a tired refrain of the past eighteen months, what stories are artists telling to surface, parse, amplify, and reframe these troubles? What role does artistic narrative play in understanding, coping with, and archiving and memorializing our current world?

For updates on the program visit our social media pages and blog.

What Residents Can Expect

For one week, participants will engage one another and Variable West founder, Amelia Rina, in reading, discussions, writing and editing. This residency is designed to support arts writing and journalism focusing on exhibition reviews, artist interviews, long form essays and research. Applicants engaging these writing forms are welcome to apply. 

Approximately half of the week will be structured and the other half of the week is self-directed; providing independent time for writing, resting, and exploring their surroundings. 

Participants will receive 

• Free on site lodging

• An honorarium of $1,500

• A produce box from a local farm and access to their own kitchen

• Access to Stelo’s on location resources

• Tailored instruction and support from Variable West’s founder, Amelia Rina

Residencies will take place

• November 10 - 17

• December 8-15

• January 12-19

• February 2-9

Covid-19 Safety

In accordance with current guidance and our own commitment to the safety of residents, your families, Variable West staff, and Stelo + Camp Colton staff, we are observing all current guidance from the Governor of Oregon, which includes requiring masks in indoor spaces, and outdoors when a minimum physical distance of 6 feet can not be maintained . Our policies will be evaluated as state and federal regulations are updated, and Stelo staff will inform you of any changes at least 2 weeks prior to your residency.

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test will be required for all selected residents. For further details on our current disease prevention requirements and consent agreements - read more here.

PARK BLOCK: The Heart of Portland’s Art Scene

412 NW 8th Ave, Portland, Oregon

Stelo’s urban campus, located in downtown Portland, Oregon, provides residents with ideal proximity to art galleries, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Portland’s characteristic amenities. 

Park Block residents will stay in the studio apartment above the exhibition space complete with a private bathroom and full kitchen. Park Block is partially ADA accessible, we are working toward a fully accessible residency space. The apartment can be accessed via an elevator and is on the second floor of a mixed-use commercial and residential building. While the apartment is wheelchair accessible it does not currently have wheelchair access to the shower facilities. Service animals are permitted with pre-arrangement with our HOA. Free indoor parking is available during the on-site portion of the residency.

Please send an email to info@steloarts.org to discuss any accessibility questions or requests prior to applying. 

CAMP COLTON: A Writing Retreat in Nature

Stelo's rural campus, located in Colton, Oregon, provides creatives an opportunity for secluded research, reflection and wellness retreat. Camp Colton sits on 85-acres of lush Pacific Northwest forest and holds the convergence of Canyon and Bee Creeks. Nestled within the tree canopy lies a hidden waterfall, Trout Lake, and open meadows.

Camp Colton residents will lodge in their own tiny home with access to flushing toilets and a kitchenette. They are encouraged to safely explore the property and commune with farm critters. There will be on-site staff available should any needs arise. Camp Colton is not currently ADA accessible. Service or companion animals are permitted with pre-arrangement. Free outdoor parking is available during the on-site portion of the residency.

Please send an email to info@steloarts.org to discuss any accessibility questions or requests prior to applying. 

Variable West aims to increase engagement with the West Coast art world while nurturing both regional communities and international conversations.