Outpost Studio

We have open studio space waiting for you.

The Outpost Studio program at Blue Sky Center provides space and time for artists and creative professionals. We welcome visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and performance artists - at any stage of their career - as well as any kind of creative thinker interested in exploring and expanding their work in a unique and supportive environment. Blue Sky Center operates out of a repurposed mid-century corporate campus comprising unique living and studio spaces. The retreat time spans range from 2-6 weeks long, accommodating anywhere from 1-3 artists at a time.

Situated in the town of New Cuyama, population of 551, artists are provided with opportunities to connect with community members, create and participate in creative community engagement, hide away in the studio day in and out, explore the nearby forest and national monument, and the option to present work in either public or private settings.

Details & Application Process

Accommodations

During the retreat you will have a private room in our Flagship building, where our offices and meeting rooms are located. (See photo below.) The private rooms are equipped with a bunk bed, desk, space for storage, and bed and bath linens. The rooms do not have air conditioning. You will have access to a communal bathroom and shower.

As an Outpost resident you will also have 24-hour access to our facilities which include a communal kitchen (with basic cooking equipment), indoor/outdoor workspaces, and a woodshop equipped with tools and machines (please confirm we have the tools you are looking to use prior to your visit).

Resources

Currently, our primary resource is access to the land and facilities on the property. There are projects underway to support a larger woodshop and private studios, but for now, we have ample room to focus and/or make a mess. (See photos below.) Though retreats are self directed, we are also here to help you with your project and introduce you to our community. We ask residents to supply their own materials, and nothing is to remain onsite after your stay. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

WiFi internet access (please note our rural bandwidth often inhibits streaming video and large data downloads)
Woodshop and power tools (full tool list here)
Open studio space (see “Design Room” photo below)

Application

Follow the link to our Google registration form. The BSC Outpost Program has no application fees and accepts submissions on a rolling basis. The dates and duration of the retreat are finalized once you are accepted. Please pay close attention to the resume/CV and work sample specifications listed in our Google Form. Submissions that do not fit inside these specifications will not be considered.

Retreat Fee

Two-week Session: $800
Each additional week: $400

The retreat fee is split into two payments. Please note that the first installment is non-refundable, as we may not be able to fill a vacancy with short notice. Fees can be paid by check or through online payment via Venmo. Once accepted you will receive details on how to make payment. Upon request, we are happy to work with residents to create alternative payment plans.

About Us

Blue Sky Center (BSC) is a rural nonprofit located in New Cuyama, California. With a vision to build models for resilient, thriving rural economies, we work to strengthen our communities within the surrounding Cuyama Valley by supporting entrepreneurs and building our regional creative and economic resources. The Cuyama Valley, a 300-square-mile high-desert region, is home to 1,100 residents and lies just north of the Los Padres National Forest and south of the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

Founded as an ARCO company town in 1952, today the townsite of New Cuyama now serves 216 homes and contains the Cuyama Valley High School & Elementary School, the Cuyama Valley Recreation District office, a family resource center, a post office, a small local library, and a number of commercial businesses. Blue Sky Center operates out of renovated industrial and office buildings from the ARCO era. The larger Cuyama Valley is home to a number of agricultural operations, which is the primary industry, along with oil production and ranching.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Blue Sky Center is committed to provide equal opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Questions

We’re happy to answer them! Please direct any questions via email.