Marwen’s Summer Residency Program
Applications for Summer 2026 are open through April 11.
Artward Bound is a one-week residency program where young artists engage in programming to grow their artistic practice, explore creative paths, learn about creative careers, gain professional development skills, and connect art with nature.
Artward Bound was launched in 1995 on Little Babson Island in Maine. The residency ran for 24 years and welcomed more than 250 young artists. After a six-year hiatus (2019-2024) this beloved program returned in June 2025 with a new site and partnership with the historically renowned Taliesin Preservation – the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Inspired by Wright’s design concepts, this new iteration of Artward Bound encourages young people to understand and embrace innovation in their own lives through individual and collaborative hands-on work that is both facilitated and self-guided.
Artward Bound Wisconsin 2026
This year, Marwen will select 10 young artists to be part of an immersive residency experience to support their growth as artists and creative professionals at Taliesin Preservation in Wisconsin. Transportation, lodging, food, and art materials will be provided by Marwen.
With the support and expertise of Marwen Teaching Artist, Mel Cook-White, young artists will develop skills in:
- Artistic Practice to engage in a range of art mediums and projects with a focus on painting and drawing, while also creating works of art to build a portfolio
- Professional Development to gain skills to support professional growth as artists including: portfolio development, artist statements, resume building, and careers
- Life Skills to learn how to navigate young adulthood; including cooking, sewing, and self-care
- Nature and Art to embrace innovation in their own lives, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s design concepts and exploring the connections between art, design, and nature
Eligibility
All Artward Bound participants MUST meet all of the following criteria:
- Current high school student
- Between the ages of 16 – 18
- Current or previous Marwen student (participated in courses, workshops, or paid opportunities)
- Have parental/guardian consent to participate in program
- Able to provide their own packing materials for the duration of the program
- Able to submit proof of medical insurance and an emergency contact
Program Information
- Location: Artward Bound 2026 will take place at Taliesen Preservation in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Transportation to and from Wisconsin will be provided by Marwen
- Program Length: 7 days: Sunday, June 7 – Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Departure/Arrival: All young people will depart from Marwen on Sunday, June 7 at 10 am and return to Marwen on Saturday, June 13 by 5 pm.
- Orientation Day: All finalists MUST attend a virtual Orientation with a parent/guardian on Tuesday, May 12 from 6 – 7 pm
- Community Building Day: All finalist MUST attend an in-person Community Building Day workshop on Saturday, May 30 from 2 – 4 pm at Marwen.
Application Process
Ten Marwen young people will be selected to participate in Artward Bound 2026. The application process includes the following:
- Application: Completion of this application including student information, application questions, artist portfolio, and reference list.
- Interview: Selected young people will be invited to a 30-min interview on Zoom with Marwen staff.
- Reference Check: Applicants must list 1-2 references for Marwen to reach out to.
- Finalists: Finalists will be asked to submit proof of guardian/parent consent, medical insurance, and emergency contact information.