2026 RESIDENCY OPEN CALL
Ryan Heffington’s DESERTRADE invites applications from individuals or small teams (up to 3) seeking time and space to create in the Mojave Desert. Located in 29 Palms, beside Joshua Tree National Park and just 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, the residency welcomes visual and performing artists as well as writers.
​
Residency cost is $750/week—funds that sustain our staff and help grow the residency. We encourage artists to secure grants or self-fund their stay.
​
The residency currently offers a new 2,200 sq ft, one-bedroom house with a full kitchen, laundry, two sunlit workspaces, and two freestanding workshops. The property spans 12 private acres of quiet desert expanse. Our next phase will add four bungalows and two more workshops, allowing up to five artists in residence at once.
​
While we provide no equipment beyond what’s listed in the FAQ, we do offer visibility through our website and Instagram. Please note: the property is not yet ADA compliant, and the sandy landscape may pose accessibility challenges.
Requirements:
-
25+ years of age
-
Provide $750 per week for accommodations (current awarded grant or personally funded)
-
Access to a vehicle (own or rental) with a valid driver’s license. Vehicles needed for grocery shopping, acquiring materials, seeing sights, etc.
-
A complete written statement OR a video about yourself as an artist and your project’s concept, where you are in the development process and what you hope to accomplish at DESERTRADE (phone video absolutely fine)
-
At the end of your stay a casual performative or conversational presentation for friends and the general public. Sharing with our community what is happening at DESERTRADE is fundamental.
Our Mission: DESERTRADE is a space to commune, create and educate. Our goal is to support the development of healthier humans within a dignified culture through residencies, workshops, lectures, gatherings, concerts, performances, dinners and healing. We believe that through support, communion, and education, we can create a more inclusive and conscious world.
Artists, neighbors, students, intellectuals, and children alike are welcome to join us in cultivating friendships, sharing dreams and setting them free.