Support & Expectations

We’re excited to welcome songwriters and musicians to our rural community of Liberal, Kansas. This residency is designed as dedicated time and space to write, practice, and develop new music, while also connecting with a community that values live music and creative exchange.

During your residency, we provide housing, workspace, and basic stipends so you can focus on your craft.

Residency Length

Residencies are generally one week in length.
Longer stays may be considered by request, based on availability, scheduling, and proposed activities.

What We Provide

• Travel Stipend
  Up to $500 travel reimbursement
  (Submit receipts for airfare or mileage, gas, shuttle, or rental car)

• Food Stipend
  $20 per day, per band member
  Flat rate, paid directly to artist(s)

• Housing
  Free private living quarters including:

  • Private bedrooms & bathroom

  • Kitchen access

  • On-site shared laundry (no extra cost)

• Workspace

  • Quiet space to write, rehearse, and work on music

  • Access to Baker Arts Center spaces for workshops or performances, as scheduled
    

Please note: Baker Arts Center provides a basic sound system for concerts and workshops. Artists are responsible for bringing their own instruments, recording equipment, and any additional gear needed during their residency.

• Staff Support

  Support from Baker Arts staff to help schedule and promote your public-facing event(s)
  
  

What We Ask in Exchange

To help us grow a vibrant music culture in our community, we ask each Musician or Songwriter in Residence to participate in:

1–2 Public-Facing Events (depending on length of stay)
These may include:

• A live concert or performance

• A songwriting workshop or music-related class

• An artist talk or informal community listening session
  

  Programming will be planned collaboratively and shaped around your strengths, interests, and availability.

Living & Creating at Baker

While you’re here, you’ll have:

• A comfortable, private place to live and work

• Time and space to focus on songwriting or musical development

• Opportunities to connect with local musicians and audiences

• A chance to share your music with a community eager for live, meaningful creative experiences
  
  

We believe music brings people together in powerful ways, and we’re excited to support artists creating and sharing work in Southwest Kansas.

Application Requirements

When applying, musicians and songwriters should submit:

• Work Samples – Audio or video recordings, links to released or unreleased music, or live performance footage

• Artist Bio – Brief overview of your background and musical practice

• Residency Interest Statement – A short statement explaining what you hope to work on during the residency and how you’d like to engage with the community

• Public Event Idea – A brief description of a potential concert, workshop, or activity

• Contact Information – Email, phone number, and mailing address
  
  

We’re excited to hear your music and welcome you to Liberal!