Call for Artists: “Creative Tides” Artist-in-Residence at Channel Islands Harbor
The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), in partnership with Channel Islands Harbor, is inviting Ventura County artists to apply for Creative Tides, a four-month artist-in-residence program exploring the connection between our coastal environment, community stewardship, and the stories that connect us to the ocean.
Funded through the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant Program, the residency will give one selected artist the opportunity to work alongside Harbor and OPAC staff, environmental partners, and community members to create meaningful experiences that inspire greater awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of our coastal environment.
The selected artist will receive a $10,000 stipend for the four-month residency, along with staff support from OPAC and Channel Islands Harbor.
A separate $2,500 project budget will also be available to support materials, workshops, travel, and community engagement activities.
More About Creative Tides
Channel Islands Harbor is more than a place to launch a boat or enjoy a day by the water. It is home to wildlife, sensitive habitats, waterways, recreational opportunities, and a community that cares deeply about the coast.
At the same time, our coastal environment faces challenges that require all of us to play a role in protecting it.
Through Creative Tides, we’re looking for an artist who can help explore these issues through creativity, storytelling, collaboration, and community participation.
Artists may choose to explore themes including:
- Wildlife and biodiversity
- Western Snowy Plovers and sensitive nesting habitats
- Marine debris and discarded fishing line
- Clean beaches and waterways
- Stormwater and creek pollution
- Responsible boating and environmentally friendly boat maintenance
- Respectful interaction with seals and other wildlife
- Responsible pet ownership, including proper disposal of dog waste
- Creative interpretations of local flora and fauna
- Environmental stewardship through art, storytelling, and shared experiences
- Ecotourism and responsible visitation of our coastal communities
These themes are starting points – not limitations. Artists are encouraged to bring their own creative voice and perspective to residency.
An Opportunity to Create With the Community
The selected artist will receive a $10,000 stipend for the four-month residency, along with staff support from OPAC and Channel Islands Harbor.
A separate $2,500 project budget will also be available to support materials, workshops, travel, and community engagement activities.
During the residency, the artist will have opportunities to:
- Research Channel Islands Harbor ecology and local environmental initiatives
- Collaborate with Harbor staff, community members, and environmental organizations
- Lead community workshops and educational activities
- Participate in stewardship experiences such as habitat restoration or beach cleanups
- Develop creative work inspired by the Harbor and the people who live, work, and recreate here
- Present one culminating public event, exhibition, installation, performance, or other creative activation
The final artistic outcome is flexible.
It could take the form of visual art, sculpture, installation, performance, multimedia, storytelling, participatory art, or another creative approach that brings people together and encourages them to see their coastal environment in a new way.
Who Should Apply?
Creative Tides is designed for artists who are curious, collaborative, and excited about creating work that grows through research, partnerships, and community participation.
Applicants must:
- Be based in Ventura County
- Demonstrate experience with community-engaged arts
- Have an interest in environmental education and public engagement
- Be comfortable facilitating workshops with diverse audiences
One artist will be selected through a competitive review process based on artistic excellence, community engagement experience, creativity, and collaborative potential.
Artist selected: Fall 2026
Residency: Spring 2027 (anticipated)
How to Apply
Please visit this link to learn more: https://www.theopac.org/artist-residencies
