Inviting artists to live and create at Allerton Park and Retreat Center will recreate the intimate experience Robert Allerton provided his guests. Residencies of two to six weeks will allow uninterrupted time for artists to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Park, and engage with our central Illinois communities.
Sculptors, photographers, painters, printmakers, installation artists, videographers, sound artists, writers and poets, performing artists, and more are invited to apply to live onsite and create site-inspired artwork, temporary installations, or performance projects.
Apply for the Fall 2025 Joan and Peter Hood residency here. The application deadline is April 30, 2025.
Allerton will provide:
- Comfortable living accommodations for a 2-6 week residency (duration to be proposed by artist upon application)
- $1,200 stipend
- Private lodging, access to laundry facilities, small indoor studio space, and full access to outdoor space at Allerton (Find details about available space here.)
- Marketing to promote work and engagement activities
- Limited assistance from staff
Artist will be responsible for:
- All needed materials, tools, equipment, etc.
- All food and drink
- Transportation to/from/around Allerton
- Donating a mutually agreed upon work of art intended to further engage visitors once the residency is done
- Participation in a minimum of one mutually agreed upon public engagement program that involves the public in their work and process (i.e., community projects, lectures, demonstrations, learning experiences, workshops, etc.)
A committee of Allerton leadership, community members, and University of Illinois staff will evaluate:
- Artistic excellence, innovation and originality in work and project proposal
- How strongly the artist and their work is related to Allerton’s mission and vision
- Evidence of a current and ongoing professional practice
Artist selection will be based on merit and will be free from discrimination in all its forms. To review the University’s nondiscrimination statement and policy, visit here.
To be considered for the Artist-in-Residence Program, applicants must include the following information:
- Artist statement and list of exhibitions, awards, etc.
- Detailed description of project proposal. (Authors should be specific about length of manuscript; Performing Arts includes musicians/composers.)
- Public engagements and community involvement
- At least three (3) Professional references
- Portfolio of artwork. (For video/audio please limit submission to 2 pieces at 5 minutes or less.)
Allerton Park & Retreat Center aims to provide a healthy, safe, and welcoming space where people with different cognitive and physical abilities, ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, and religious backgrounds can thrive. We are committed to the University of Illinois Inclusive Illinois initiative of “cultivating a community at Illinois where everyone is welcomed, celebrated and respected.” Visit here to view our full statement about Diversity, Inclusion, and Access.
Questions?
View our In-Residence FAQ here. Or contact Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu or 217-333-3287
