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Headlands Center for the Arts
Sausalito, CA, United States
5.0(1)
About this Residency
Housed in artist-rehabilitated military buildings within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area just north of San Francisco, Headlands Center for the Arts supports approximately 50 local, national, and international artists annually. Four- to ten-week fully sponsored residencies include private studios of 100–2,000 sq ft, chef-prepared meals, housing in historic officer's quarters, and monthly stipends of up to $1,000 plus roundtrip airfare. Special awards include the Chamberlain ($10,000 for social practice), Chiaro ($15,000 for painters), and McLaughlin Foundation Award ($10,000 for established visual artists).
Rating Breakdown
5.0
Exceptional
1 review
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Artist Reviews
M
Marcus Webb
Attended 2024 · February 26, 2026
Possibly the most inspiring physical environment of any residency
The Headlands feels like an art installation itself: former military barracks inside a national park, fog rolling off the Pacific every morning, deer grazing outside your studio window. The stipend is real money (not just a token) and the facilities are outstanding. The proximity to San Francisco means you're not cut off from the art world either — you can be in Chelsea North in 30 minutes. A rare residency that manages to feel both deeply remote and connected.
✓ Pros
Stipend is meaningful, stunning location, great studios, access to SF art scene
✗ Cons
Housing is sparse (military barracks style) — fine for most but worth knowing