Palm Springs Boutique Hotel
Artist in Residence Program

The PSPSH Artist in Residence Program is an ongoing initiative for artists who are passionate about architecture, the desert environment, storytelling, cultural preservation, and creative exploration.

Villa Royale Hotel, Palm Springs Promotional image circa 1951, courtesy of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation

Call for Photographers | November 2026 – January 2027

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, landscape, history, and placemaking.

Developed in partnership with the boutique hotel community of Palm Springs,

the residency invites artists to document and interpret the city’s celebrated small hotels through their own unique artistic lens.

It launches with a 2026/2027 photography residency. Future residences will focus on other artistic mediums of expression.

A New Residency Inspired by Palm Springs

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.

Preserve a Moment in Palm Springs History
The Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel Artist in Residence Program offers photographers more than a residency. It offers an opportunity to help document a singular place at a singular moment in time.

Through architecture, landscape, storytelling, and visual experimentation, artists will contribute to an evolving portrait of Palm Springs and the boutique hotels that continue to shape its cultural identity.

Why Palm Springs Boutique Hotels Are at the Center of the Residency

Palm Springs boutique hotels are more than places to stay. Many are historic, independently owned properties shaped by midcentury architecture, desert design, and the creative spirit of the city.

Through this residency, selected photographers will document the architecture, landscape, history, and personality of participating boutique hotels, creating a visual record of the properties that continue to define Palm Springs hospitality and culture.

Explore Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.

Program Snapshot

Detail Information
Focus 26-27 Photography Residency
Program Dates November 2026 through January 2027
Location Palm Springs, California
Residency Length 1 to 2 weeks
Lodging Provided at participating boutique hotels
Stipend $250 weekly living stipend
Application Platform CaFÉ Call for Entry
Application Window June 29, 2026 through August 15, 2026

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About Palm Springs

The history of Palm Springs is a unique tapestry woven from an ancient, sacred spring, a groundbreaking architectural movement, and a Hollywood escape that birthed a legendary culture of boutique hospitality.

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About Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

Palm Springs is home to approximately 80 independently owned boutique hotels and resorts, many of them historic properties shaped by midcentury modern architecture, desert design, and the city’s creative spirit.

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Exhibition & legacy archive

At the end of the residency season, participating artists' work will be presented through exhibitions, multimedia installations, and archival projects throughout Palm Springs.

Community & Cultural Partnerships

Palm Springs Cultural Center Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center Palm Springs Public Arts Commission Palm Springs Life Visit Palm Springs The Hastings Gallery Desert Art Center
The 2026 Hotels

Places that hold a
century of desert light.

The residency is designed to document, celebrate, and preserve the architecture, history, design, and cultural identity of Palm Springs’ boutique hotel community. These Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are independently owned, visually distinctive, and deeply connected to Palm Springs’ creative identity.

Casa Cody

The Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood

Ingleside Estate

The Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood

Triangle Inn Palm Springs

Tahquitz River Estates

Villa Royale

Deepwell

The Hideaway

The Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palm Springs Boutique Hotel Artist in Residence Program?

The Palm Springs Boutique Hotel Artist in Residence Program is a creative initiative from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels that invites selected photographers to document and interpret the city’s boutique hotels through their own artistic perspective.

Who can apply for the 2026/2027 photography residency?

The inaugural residency is designed for photographers with an interest in architecture, preservation, desert landscapes, hospitality, cultural storytelling, and creative visual exploration.

What does the residency include?

Selected photographers receive lodging at participating Palm Springs boutique hotels, a $250 weekly living stipend, transportation reimbursement support, passes to local attractions, and opportunities to connect with regional artists and cultural organizations.

How long is the residency?

Photographers may participate in a residency lasting between 1 and 2 weeks during one of the planned 2026/2027 residency sessions.

How do photographers apply?

Applications must be submitted through the CaFÉ Call for Entry platform during the application window.

Where will the selected work be exhibited?

Participating photographers’ work is planned to be featured through public exhibitions, sales showcases, multimedia installations, archival projects, and an online interactive exhibition hosted by Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.

The Inaugural Season

Document a place that
documented a century.

Applications for the 2026 photography residency open June 29 and close August 15, 2026.

Learn More Apply Today