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Headlands Center for the Arts
Sausalito, CA, United States
5.0(1)
About
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).
Ratings
5.0
Exceptional
1 review
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1
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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