The Refuge offers affordable short and long-term living and studio spaces for artists of all disciplines. A variety of living and studio spaces are available to meet the needs of individual artists. Each living space includes basic furnishings, a kitchen, bathroom, double bed, and private phone. All facilities are non-smoking. No pets. Visiting artists may come and stay for one month to one year. Residencies for less time are considered based on demand for space; rent is by the month only.

Visit our Facilities page for information about living and studio spaces.

Virtually visit the Refuge! Go our Quicktime virtual visit of the Refuge living and work spaces.

There are no specific residency requirements, but residents are asked to support the Refuge in one of many ways. Artists may wish to donate a piece to our permanent collection, support fund raising by a donation of time or work to be sold, or provide community outreach. The Refuge would like to use a photo or written copy of one piece created by each artist during their residency for promotional purposes. (Full credit will be given to the artist.) The Refuge hopes that each artist will credit the Refuge whenever exhibiting or performing work created during their residency.

The Refuge provides some fully funded residencies each year. In addition to the fully funded residencies, scholarships and financial assistance with rent are available on a limited basis. Artists are responsible for their own personal living expenses, supplies, long distance phone charges and any other expenses relating to the cost of production work while in residence.  Transportation to and from the program and any shipping expenses are the responsibility of the artist.

Community Outreach

The Refuge makes every effort to enhance the artistic and creative expression of the community and provide opportunities for interaction with artists. The Refuge facilitates interactions with local schools and/or helps organize workshops, slide shows, studio openings or performances at the artist's request.

The Refuge has three fully-funded programs:

• The American Indian Artists Program in September. Deadline for applications is April 15. Download an appliction in Word or Adobe Acrobat.
• The Writer’s Residency Program in October (with the Helena Festival of the Book). Application deadline is May 15. Download an Application Packet in Word or Adobe Acrobat.
• The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Scholarship Program in August. The MFA Scholarship Program is with the San Francisco Art Institute and the MFA writer’s program of the University of Montana and is open only to recent MFA graduates of these institutions (one month in length, one scholarship annually). No application to MAR is required.

For regular and writers' residencies: We have an open/rolling deadline for for residencies available November 2007 through July 2008. Want to apply for an Artist Residency? Download a Residency Application Packet (pdf)

If you have questions, please contact us at 406.225.3500 or e-mail Debbie Sheehan, Residency Coordinator at mar@mt.net.