The Joshua Tree Residency for Artists and Writers was founded in 2026 to provide artists from around the world with a self-directed, week-long residency in the heart of Joshua Tree, California. Open to creators across disciplines, the program offers dedicated time and space to pursue independent projects in an inspiring, obligation-free environment.

In its inaugural year, JTRAW will host four residencies, awarding each selected resident a $100 stipend and a 7-Day Standard Entrance Pass to Joshua Tree National Park.

Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand by partnering with additional homes throughout the high desert, creating a decentralized desert campus. The long-term vision includes a culminating presentation where visiting artists can gather, share work, and exchange ideas.

At a time when the region has experienced an over-saturation of short-term rentals and a shifting local economy, JTRAW aims to return homes to active creative use while supporting homeowners and the broader community. By welcoming artists who will engage with the area and return with others, the residency seeks to foster sustained cultural exchange in the high desert.

While summer is often considered the off-season in Joshua Tree, it is home year-round to a vibrant community of artists and writers. JTRAW was founded in part to build upon this longstanding creative tradition, offering visiting artists the opportunity to join and support the local ecosystem of independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural spaces. Residents are also invited to draw inspiration from the region’s extraordinary landscape, including our national park and open desert preserves. In the face of economic shifts driven by short-term rental markets causing many homes to sit empty throughout the year, the Joshua Tree Residency for Artists & Writers is committed to helping sustain the independent spirit that defines Joshua Tree.

Each selected resident will be invited to join JTRAW’s selection committee in future years, participating in the annual review process and helping shape the program’s continued evolution.

In addition to the four summer residents, the inaugural resident will be Lena Valencia, author of the acclaimed short story collection Mystery Lights.

Our inaugural host location for each residency will be The Cabins at Sunset and Vine, a five-acre desert retreat featuring three bedrooms, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, and, most notably, complete privacy. Set just outside Joshua Tree Village, the property offers a quiet, secluded setting while remaining only a fifteen-minute drive from Joshua Tree National Park.

For more information, please contact joshuatreeresidency@gmail.com.