Ragdale is a non-profit artist residency program located in Lake Forest, Illinois, that provides time and space for writers, dancers, choreographers, musicians, composers, and visual artists to develop new works. Hosting more than 200 artists annually, Ragdale is one of the largest creative communities in the United States, with a commitment to environmental stewardship, and access for artists with disabilities. Situated on the grounds of the former summer home of Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, Ragdale is a stunning example of Arts and Crafts Architecture, and listed on the National Register. Comprising a series of historic homes, purpose-built studios, and access to 30 acres of protected prairie land, Ragdale provides artists with a remarkable environment to explore their work.
Complete this application if you wish to apply for a Ragdale Creative Sabbatical during Session A (July 7-10, 2026). The application portal for Session B (Dec 1-4, 2026) will open in August.
Ragdale's Creative Sabbatical program was established to broaden access to our historic campus, offering individual artists, curators, designers, and arts administrators dedicated residency time outside of our juried sessions. Ideal for those seeking to re-engage with their work, venture into new creative territory, or step away from daily demands to reconnect with their practice, these four-day, three-night stays offer the focused time and supportive environment that Ragdale is known for.
ADMISSIONS
Ragdale reviews applications on an ongoing basis as they are submitted (i.e., rolling admissions). Selection is made with the goal of building a diverse and balanced community of participants, with consideration given to artistic discipline, geographic location, background, experience, and a mix of new and returning residents. Ragdale encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and to that end, emerging as well as established artists are invited to apply. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
GUIDELINES
All applicants submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. There is no fee to apply for a Creative Sabbatical.
Please note the following requirements to complete your application. A completed online application form includes:
- A brief work plan (1 page or less) - describe your proposed project or the focus you wish to pursue while at Ragdale and share how you consider Ragdale to be a suitable location for this work
- A CV or resume
NOTIFICATION
Notifications are sent to applicants as they are accepted. Ragdale may offer an applicant a position on a waitlist. A position on the waitlist does not guarantee placement for a Creative Sabbatical. Ragdale will reply to submissions within 7 calendar days.
FEE
2026 Creative Sabbaticals are offered at a flat rate of $800 per person for the full session, inclusive of housing and meals. Details for payment process will be provided in applicant notification emails. There are no sliding-scale rates or fellowships available for Ragdale Creative Sabbaticals.
QUESTIONS?
All inquiries should be directed to admissions@ragdale.org. Please do not reply directly to messages sent through Submittable.