Hold Space Retreat for Artists of Color

Program Dates: September 14-20, 2026
Applications are open now here and are due July 5 at 12:00 a.m. EST.

This program offers artists and cultural workers of color dedicated time for communal living, creative practice, and rest on Ox-Bow’s historic campus in Saugatuck, Michigan. Designed to nurture reflection, collaboration, and renewal, the retreat provides individuals or groups of up to twelve participants space to create, organize, and connect within a supportive environment. Retreats may be scheduled for one to seven nights between September 14–20, 2026.

Participants receive lodging, two chef-prepared meals per day, and 24-hour access to our studios. Each retreat is self-directed, allowing participants to engage the campus in ways that best align with their interests and goals. Ox-Bow’s studios include facilities for metals, ceramics, printmaking, fiber, painting, and writing—each supported by on-site studio managers who can provide technical guidance and support.

The Hold Space Retreat celebrates the flexibility of creative practice. Proposals may include individual studio projects across disciplines, self-organized group retreats featuring collaborative projects or guest speakers, planning or research retreats for nonprofits or collectives, curatorial or exhibition projects using Ox-Bow’s gallery spaces, or social gatherings and creative dinners designed in collaboration with Ox-Bow’s culinary team. This openness allows each retreat to take on a rhythm and character that reflects the needs of its participants.

Proposals are reviewed by a panel of BIPOC artists and curators familiar with Ox-Bow’s programs. The Hold Space Retreat is fully funded and valued at $300 per person, per day. Participants must be 21 or older at the start of their retreat and may bring their children; however, Ox-Bow does not currently provide childcare or additional care support. Applications are open now here and are due July 5 at 12:00 a.m. EST.

If you have questions regarding the applications process or the Hold Space Retreat please email oxbow@ox-bow.org.

2025 Hold Space Recipients

2024 Hold Space Recipients

Members of WILD YAMS
Wisdom Baty, Summer Coleman, Andrea Hill Fitzgerald, Brandy Kent, Alyssa Martinez, Shonna Pryor, and Kiela Smith Upton

Members of CATALYZE
Lucia Calderon Arrieta, Nia Easley, Tiffeny Jimenez, JeeYeun Lee, Mia Manansala, LG Sebayan, Shelby Stone, and Karen Su

Inspired by BIPOC participant feedback, the Hold Space Grant for Artists of Color, is the product of many months of thoughtful planning and research by Ox-Bow's Senior Leadership Team. 

Project research was initiated in 2020 with former Ox-Bow staff member and independent curator and founder of AMFM, Ciera McKissick, and a group of nine Thought Partners who had experience in the Ox-Bow community. The research process resulted in the design of a program that held intentional and exclusive space for BIPOC artists at Ox-Bow.

Ox-Bow extends their gratitude to the Thought Partners for their foundational work, invaluable guidance and consultation on this initiative:  Cecilia Beaven, Jen de los Reyes, Kyrae Dawaun, Jessica Gatlin, Rami George, Salvador Jimenez Flores, Arnold J. Kemp, Abigail Lucien, and Patrick “Q” Quilao.

Ox-Bow’s DEIA Statement

Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency fosters an environment that rejects injustice, oppression, and racism through radical hospitality and care. We are committed to continued listening, learning, and direct action that will result in sustainable change within our organization to ensure that Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Latine artists, trans and queer artists, and artists with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported at Ox-Bow. 

Our leadership team is working toward being an anti-racist organization. Recent tangible actions include a year-long educational relationship with Enrich Chicago, expanding funding  opportunities in support of BIPOC participation in Ox-Bow programs, the Peter Williams Award for teaching and mentorship by a BIPOC alum, revised hiring practices that support equity, the adoption of ethical storytelling in our communications, and the development of the Hold Space Retreat  for Artists of Color.

As we complete our current strategic plan, audits of facilities and programs will continue this work to inform Ox-Bow’s future. 

Photos by Natia Ser (SF’23) and Kristen Norman