Artist In Residence Program: Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

Creative people have always found their way to Palm Springs. There’s something about the light, the geometry of the mountains, the rhythm of the wind through the palms, and the layers of history tucked into its neighborhoods that invite one to look closer.

Launching in Fall 2026, this artist-in-residence program invites Southern California photographers to do exactly that. Set within the city’s collection of distinct boutique hotels, the program offers time, space, and access to explore the relationship between architecture, place, and community.

Selected photographers will live and work on-site, moving between resorts and perspectives, to document what makes these hotels and this place a living archive. One that reflects Palm Springs as it is now, through the eyes of those paying attention.  Apply and explore now.

Creative people have always been drawn to Palm Springs. The desert light, dramatic mountain landscapes, iconic midcentury architecture, and vibrant creative culture have inspired generations of artists, photographers, designers, writers, and filmmakers.

Launching in Fall 2026, the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels Artist in Residence Program is a new creative initiative celebrating the relationship between art, architecture, hospitality, and placemaking. Developed in partnership with the boutique hotel community of Palm Springs, the residency invites photographers to document and interpret the city’s celebrated small hotels through their own artistic lens.

This juried residency program is designed for photographers who are passionate about architecture, the desert environment, storytelling, cultural preservation, and creative exploration.

Residency Goals

The residency program was created to:

• Celebrate the connection between artists and placemaking
• Preserve the evolving visual history of Palm Springs boutique hotels
• Support photographers and visual storytellers
• Create a meaningful archive of contemporary desert hospitality culture
• Generate creative assets for exhibitions, publications, merchandising, and future historical projects
• Strengthen connections between artists, hospitality, preservation, and the local creative community

Residency Overview

During the inaugural season, up to 12 photographers will be selected for 1 to 2 week residencies hosted across participating Palm Springs boutique hotels and resorts.

Artists will rotate among different properties, allowing them to experience and photograph a variety of architectural styles, histories, landscapes, and communities. Approximately 18 hotels will be included during the first residency cycle.

Selected photographers will have time and freedom to develop personal projects while engaging with fellow artists, writers, preservationists, and creative placemakers throughout Palm Springs.

At the conclusion of each residency season, participating artists will be featured in a curated public exhibition and sales showcase at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with the potential for other exhibitions.

Residency Dates

Three residency opportunities are planned during the inaugural year:

• Fall 2026 Residency Session One:  November 8 through 21, 2026
• Fall 2026 Residency Session Two:  December 6 through 19, 2026
• Winter 2027 Session Three: January 18 to 30, 2027

Selected photographers may participate in a residency of their choice lasting between one and two weeks.

Who Should Apply

This is a juried residency that welcomes photographers working in a broad range of styles and mediums, including:

• Architectural photography
• Documentary and reportage photography
• Historical photography
• Fine art photography
• Experimental photography
• Multimedia and hybrid work
• Digital and AI-assisted visual practices

Photographers with a strong interest in architecture, preservation, desert landscapes, hospitality, and cultural storytelling are especially encouraged to apply.

What Selected Photographers Receive During Residency

During the the residency, photographers will have:

• Complimentary lodging at participating Palm Springs boutique hotels
• A weekly stipend of $250 for living expenses
• Transportation reimbursement support to and from Palm Springs
• Passes to local attractions and cultural destinations
• Opportunities to connect with regional artists and creative organizations
• Optional opportunities to lead or enjoy artist talks or workshops
• Mentorship support from noted local photographer, Terry Hastings.

Printing, framing, exhibition, and merchandising costs will be supported by the organization through sponsorships and sales proceeds.

The Real Benefits

At the end of the residency season, participating photographers’ work will be presented through exhibitions, multimedia installations, and archival projects throughout Palm Springs. Selected works will also be shared through an online interactive exhibition hosted by Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels under a licensing agreement.

Other planned exhibition opportunities may include:

• Exhibition and reception at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Downtown multimedia projections and installations
• Construction screening installations
• Exhibition opportunities with local arts organizations and preservation partners
• Archival inclusion within regional cultural institutions

In addition:

• One photographer will receive a seasonal “Best of Residency” award and a $500 honorarium
• Participating hotels will receive a selected print from the residency
• Select works may become part of future publications documenting the history of Palm Springs boutique hotels
• Images may appear in citywide promotional installations and future Artist in Residence campaigns

Community and Cultural Partnerships

This Artist in Residence Program is being developed in collaboration with organizations across the Palm Springs arts, preservation, and hospitality communities, including:

• Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
• Palm Springs Public Arts Commission
• Palm Springs Life
• Desert Art Center
• The Hastings Gallery

Additional partnerships and sponsors will be announced as the residency launch approaches.

About Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

Palm Springs is home to approximately 80 independently owned small hotels and resorts, many of them historic properties shaped by legendary midcentury modern architects and designers. Each hotel reflects a distinct personality and history, contributing to the city’s identity as one of the world’s most visually iconic desert destinations.

These hotels are more than places to stay; they are part of Palm Springs’ artistic and cultural fabric.

The Artist in Residence Program recognizes the important role these properties play in preserving the city’s architectural legacy while continuing to inspire contemporary creative work.

• A completed application through CAFE.
• $25 non refundable application fee
• Must have a taxpayer identification number (or social security number) for payment purposes. A completed W-9 will be required.
• Must have own camera and equipment as needed
• Must read and consent to the agreement.

Who is Eligible to Apply

Photographers 18 years of age or older residing in one of the following Southern California Counties:

• San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, San Diego or Ventura (Initial residency invitations will prioritize photographers from the Coachella Valley and surrounding regions).