Application Portal: OPEN on SlideRoom FEBRUARY 1-April 1, 2026
We are accepting applications for our fall 2026 through summer 2027 Long Term Residency
CLICK HERE to apply
About this Residency:
September 1 – July 31 annually with possible 1 additional year renewal (2 years total)
This Residency is ideal for committed individuals interested in pursuing the development of their professional artistic careers through an immersive experience as part of the Clay Center community. Individuals searching for the time, space, and resources needed to explore new ideas and develop their work will benefit from our friendly and supportive Clay Center community found in our rural mountain setting. LTR’s are awarded on an initial one-year commitment with the option for a second year renewal.
Accepted residents will be provided numerous financial and professional benefits including a monthly stipend, annual material & firing budget, 24/7 access to a private studio space, furnished housing, participation in RLCC events, as well as exhibition and networking opportunities in exchange for 80 hours of work per month at the Clay Center.
Responsibilities will include assisting in the retail operation of the gallery, teaching community clay classes, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the studio, gallery, and housing properties. Residents will be responsible for personal living expenses such as travel, groceries, vehicles, etc. Visit our Facilities page to learn more about the gallery, Resident Housing, and Fox Studio. Click here to see some of our former Long Term Residents.
Eligibility:
RLCC Residents are asked to be part of our active and vital community; this includes interacting with Clay Center customers, Visiting Artists, staff, and fellow residents. We accept applications from emerging artists, post-bacc, post-graduate, and artists with equivalent educations. RLCC requires that applicants be at least 18 years or older, have a valid US driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and have the knowledge and experience to work independently in the studio.
In addition, we ask all prospective candidates to have an advanced and self-directed studio practice as well as a mature and professional demeanor. Although we are open to all media of expression, applicants studio practice should be ceramic focused, and must be familiar with ceramic processes and be able to teach basic Clay Classes.
Applicants with partners, spouses, and significant others or families are always welcome to apply, and we would ask that you clearly state on your application the number of individuals that would be included in your household. If you are interested in the LTR and have a spouse/children/etc. we encourage you to contact our Programs Coordinator (contact below) before applying to inquire regarding the feasibility of accommodating multiple dependants.
International applicants are welcome to apply, but must meet the above requirements as well as any necessary immigration and/or work visa requirements in accordance with current US laws. RLCC will provide letters of sponsorship and limited logistical support, but International applicants will be responsible for securing the required Visa/work permit and any related costs incurred. We strongly encourage International applicants to contact us prior to applying to discuss their individual circumstances regarding visa status and the visa application process. We are sorry, but our housing and studio does not accommodate pets of any kind.
All applications submitted by April 1, 2026 will be reviewed.
Housing:
All Long-Term residents will receive year-round, fully furnished housing, which includes all utilities and Wi-Fi. LTR lodging is divided between two locations. The “Salmon House” is a large, historic property located within 3 blocks of downtown Red Lodge, and has two private, one-bedroom, ground-floor apartments, a shared laundry facility, and garage parking. Additional LTR housing is located on the 2nd floor of the RLCC Gallery building in downtown Red Lodge. There are two private apartments, and each have access to the downstairs laundry facilities as well as off-street parking. Residents will be assigned to individual apartments depending on availability and/or individual circumstances. Please keep in mind that there is a strict, “no pet” policy for all RLCC housing and studios.
Studio:
The “Fox Studio” is RLCC’s resident and staff studio facility which boasts a variety of kilns, equipment, and individual studio spaces. It is located 6 miles north of town making an individual vehicle necessary for all residents. Each resident will receive a personal 10 x 12′ (120 sq. ft.) studio space as well as access to the larger communal space. The studio boasts over 8,700 sq. ft. of combined indoor work space and outdoor kiln areas. We have 6 electric Skutt kilns of various sizes, 2 gas kilns, 2 soda kilns, and 2 wood kilns. In addition, the studio is equipped with a clay mixer, glaze lab, sandblaster, spray-booth, wood shop, and numerous other amenities.
Benefits & Opportunities:
- $850.00/mo. stipend ($10,200 annually)
- $1,200 annual ceramic “Materials & Firing” budget per resident (residents may use these funds to purchase ceramic materials or pay for firing costs)
- Private Studio Space (120 sq. ft.) + large communal work space, fully equipped studio, 24/7 access
- Housing – Private Apartments, year-round, fully furnished, all utilities are included (no pets)
- Group Exhibition and RLCC Gallery Representation (at the discretion of Gallery Coordinator)
- Professional practice assistance and guidance from the RLCC staff
- Numerous Opportunities for Professional Development (possible workshop and exhibition opportunities, tours of local and regional art institutions around Montana, support to attend the NCECA conference, and many more)
Application Requirements:
All applications will need to be submitted online through our slideroom portal (click here to apply). In order to apply to the LTR Program you will need the following;
- Letter of Intent
- Artist’s Statement
- Brief bio
- Resume
- 20 images of current work
- List 3 References that can speak to your qualifications for the residency (name, phone, and email contact)
- $45 application fee, payable through Slideroom.
For more information, feel free to contact our Programs Coordinator at [email protected] or by phone at (406) 446-3993