Since its founding in 1981 and first residency period in 1983, Ucross has grown into a vital and relevant resource for artists of all backgrounds and disciplines, who come to Ucross from all over the United States and the world. The uninterrupted time and space we offer is increasingly rare, and the connections built within our community are of great importance to artists. We are honored that our artist residency program plays a dynamic, invaluable role in the creative life of our country.

Ucross strives to provide a respectful, comfortable, and productive environment, freeing artists from the pressures and distractions of daily life. Each year, we provide residencies to approximately 115 individuals. Residencies range from two weeks to six weeks in length. At any one time, there are up to ten individuals in residence, typically four writers, four visual artists, and two composers.

Ucross provides each artist with living accommodations, meals, work space, and uninterrupted time so that the artists can focus on their creative process. Lunch and dinners are prepared Monday to Friday by a professional chef with ample provisions on hand for breakfasts and weekends. Lunches are delivered to individual studios; group dinners take place at 6 p.m. Towels and all linens are provided, as is weekly housekeeping for bedrooms. There is cell phone service and wireless internet throughout residency facilities. Residents are responsible for providing their own working materials and for their travel to Sheridan, Wyoming. There is no charge for a residency.

The residency program is open to visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Applicants must exhibit professional standing in their field; both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

There are two residency sessions each year:

Deadline for applications for Spring 2026 (January through early June): July 15, 2025.

Applications for Fall 2026 (August through early December) is open from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

Application Fee: $40

Application Guidelines

MUSIC/SOUND:

  • Submit 3-5 audio files.
  • Each file must be equal to or less than 8 minutes in length and 200 MB in size OR provide up to 3 VIMEO URL links.
  • If your video is longer than 8 minutes, you must give a time stamp of the section you would like the reviewers to watch.
  • Musical scores are also welcome.

INTERDISCIPLINARY:

  • Your samples should represent the genres in which you plan to work while in residence.
  • Writing (fiction, nonfiction) samples should be double-spaced and playwriting/screenwriting should be one complete play, noting the 20 pages you would like the reviewer to read, including your full name.
  • Appropriate samples may combine the following: DANCE, MUSIC/SOUND, PERFORMANCE/VIDEO, VISUAL ART, PLAYWRITING/SCREENWRITING, and WRITING.