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Ucross Foundation: Wyoming Ranch Residency with Native American Fellowships
Guide to Ucross Foundation artist residency on a 20,000-acre Wyoming ranch, offering stipends, chef-prepared meals, and dedicated Native American fellowship program.
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Ucross Foundation: Wyoming Ranch Residency with Native American Fellowships
The Ucross Foundation offers artist residencies on a stunning 20,000-acre ranch in northern Wyoming, at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. The program provides dedicated support for visual artists, writers, and composers, with a specialized fellowship for Native American artists.
What Ucross Offers
Standard Residency
- 4-week residency
- Private studio space
- Living accommodations
- Meals prepared by professional chef
- Stipend (amount varies)
Native American Fellowship
Enhanced support for Native American artists:
- $1,500 stipend to offset residency costs
- $2,000 award
- Opportunity for public presentation (exhibition, reading, or performance)
- Featured in Ucross Art Gallery
- No application fee
Disciplines Supported
- Visual Arts
- Literature (fiction, poetry, nonfiction)
- Music Composition
- Performance
Application Details
Deadlines
Spring Season (January - June):
- Applications open: May 1
- Deadline: July 15
Fall Season (August - December):
- Applications open: November 1
- Deadline: January 15
Application Fee
- Standard residency: Application fee applies
- Native American Fellowship: No fee
Where to Apply
Applications submitted through ucrossfoundation.submittable.com
Native American Fellowship Details
Started in 2018 with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, expanded in 2020 with NEA funding to include writers.
Eligibility
- Must be a contemporary Native American artist
- Working in visual arts, writing, or performance
- Applicants not selected for fellowship may be considered for standard residency
Selection
- Typically two recipients selected per discipline per year
- Competitive selection process
The Ucross Experience
Location
Ucross is situated in northeast Wyoming:
- Foothills of Bighorn Mountains
- High Plains landscape
- Remote, contemplative setting
- Established in 1981 by Raymond Plank
Facilities
- Individual studios
- Private living quarters
- Common dining area
- Library
- Gallery space
- Access to ranch landscape
Daily Life
- Breakfast and dinner served communally
- Lunch delivered to studio
- Uninterrupted work time
- Evening gatherings optional
- Complete solitude available
Land Acknowledgement
Ucross acknowledges it is situated on the aboriginal land of several Indigenous communities, including the Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota nations. Indigenous people continue to live in this area and practice their teachings and lifeways.
Application Tips
- Embrace the landscape - Ucross values artists who will engage with the unique Wyoming environment
- Specific project goals - Clearly articulate what you'll accomplish
- Quality work samples - Professional documentation essential
- Fit with Ucross community - Understanding of the contemplative, focused nature of the program
What to Expect
Weather
Wyoming weather varies dramatically:
- Spring: Variable, can be cold
- Summer: Warm days, cool nights
- Fall: Crisp, beautiful
- Winter: Cold, snowy
Isolation
The ranch is remote:
- Nearest town is small
- Limited cell service in some areas
- Focus on work and nature
- Car helpful for exploring
How to Apply
- Visit ucrossfoundation.org
- Choose appropriate program (standard or Native American Fellowship)
- Create Submittable account
- Complete application with work samples
- Submit before deadline
Related Resources
Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Ucross website.