Language:
English
Founded:
2016
Duration:
3 weeks
Paid by artist:

Oatmeal Creek requires a non-refundable $30.00 application fee.

Application guidelines:

Oatmeal Creek is open to individual applicants worldwide. Applicants must be at least 21 years old as of January 1 of the year of residency to which they are applying. Applicants should be fluent in the English language. Chosen residents are expected to be highly motivated, self-sustained, and capable of managing their own schedule. The property is non-smoking and drug free. The facilities are currently not ADA accessible and the residency is unable to accommodate people with disabilities or significantly impaired mobility.

For prose a maximum of 15 pages of writing samples must be submitted in PDF or Word format with a font size no smaller than 12pt. For poetry, 3 poems with a maximum of 8 pages. For screenwriting/playwriting the first act with a maximum of 20 pages. If you are chosen for a residency and plan to work on a particular project while in residence the Oatmeal Creek judges would prefer you forward a sample from that project with your application. An up to date CV must also be included with your application. Additional information, complete application requirements and instructions can be found on the Submittable application form.

Deadline:
Deadline:
Application open between 1-31 Aug.
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Oatmeal Creek

Oatmeal Creek

The Oatmeal Creek Residency
Description

The Oatmeal Creek residency program supports artistic vision by offering emerging and established writers opportunities to pursue their range of expression. These opportunities are the time, space, and support to experiment and cultivate new ideas, or to focus on works in progress. Most importantly, residents can immerse themselves in the peace and quiet of a protected rural environment to clarify the promise and potential of their creative development.

Oatmeal Creek is situated on 240 acres northwest of Austin in the northern Hill Country of Central Texas. The property has open fields of native grasses, a mile of riparian area, and numerous live oak trees. A conservation easement was placed on the land in 2004 limiting any further development and guiding its ecological restoration and maintenance for today and into the future. This vision for conservation promotes activities including prescribed burning of existing fields, removal of invasive and aggressive plants, and the planting of native grasses and tree species.

The picturesque namesake creek that winds its way through the property provides numerous swimming holes and small waterfalls as well as quiet areas that encourage peaceful reflection. Along with wide open vistas across fields of native grasses, numerous pathways and trails to hike, radiant sunrises and sunsets, and brilliantly starry nights, the surrounding environment allows residents a unique opportunity for solitude and self-discovery.

Outcome

 

The facilities of Oatmeal Creek and the 240 acres of protected land provide the opportunity for solitude and self-discovery. Each year Oatmeal Creek awards three separate 21-day residencies between late February and mid May. Each residency period is reserved for an individual resident. The program is open to emerging and established writers of all genres—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenplay. The residency provides a fully equipped private residence at no additional cost. Residents are responsible for their own food, materials, and transportation to the residency. Applications are accepted between the dates of August 1 and August 31. Applicants are each evaluated by a diverse selection committee with experience in writing and reading. Applicants will be required to sign a Residency contract, the House Rules document and a Liability Disclaimer before arrival at Oatmeal Creek. These documents will be shared with the finalists before choosing the awarded applicants.

There are opportunities for residents to do a local reading or provide a community workshop at the Joann Cole Mitte Memorial Library in Bertram.

Studio Information

 

The 240 acres have several miles of cleared trails throughout the property as well as numerous spots for viewing the crystal clear waters of the spring fed creek which transverses the property. The creek has several deep spots that are suitable for swimming. The nearby Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge provides additional hiking and outdoor opportunities.

Accommodation Information

Residents have the exclusive use of a simple 1920's one level ranch home with 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen/dining room, 1 bathroom with shower, and a small sitting room. Numerous windows allow for pleasant views and plenty of natural light. There is ample surface space in the house to utilize as needed. Common areas include outside decks, a screened porch, a laundry room, a large vegetable garden, and a covered deck sitting area perched above the garden room. Limited internet access is available and there is no cable television. The property is currently not ADA accessible and the residency is unable to accommodate people with disabilities or significantly impaired mobility. The owner enjoys his own personal space in other quarters on the property.

Technical Information

There is a pickup truck available for resident's limited use. The nearest large grocery store and a YMCA with a gym and swimming pool is about 15 miles away in Burnet, Texas. There are convenience stores 2.5 miles away in Bertram, Texas.

Location

Oatmeal Creek is 240 acres of relatively undeveloped property in Burnet County, within the northern Hill Country of central Texas and about 45 miles northwest of Austin.

Contact information

533 Co Rd 325
Bertram, TX 78605
United States

Email
admin [at] oatmealcreek.org
Phone
+18104128884
Website
https://www.oatmealcreek.org/