GALLERIES OPEN: Thursday - Monday: 12 - 4 PM (closed Tues & Weds). Free docent tour with admission.
Artists In Residence
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program,
built around one of the West Coast’s most significant historical collections,
is small and selective by design.
Seeded by a generous gift from the Nelson Maritime Arts Foundation in 2025,
CIMM's AIR program provides dedicated time, space, and materials
to support living maritime artists and scholars.
(Click video below to view our campus)
About the CIMM AIR Program
About CIMM and our AIR Program:
Established with funding from the founders of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, the Artist-in-Residence program is our new flagship initiative to connect emerging as well as established artists and scholars with our dynamic collection.
Spanning from 17th Century Europe to Contemporary California, CIMM's collection is the region's premier repository of maritime paintings, historical ship models, maritime artifacts, primary source documents, scrimshaw, and sculptures. Our extensive rare books library is second-to-none.
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The collection reflects centuries of artistic engagement with the sea, capturing themes of exploration, trade, naval history, and the evolving relationship between people and the maritime world. It serves not only as a record of the past, but as a living resource for study, interpretation, and creative inspiration. ​
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Artists and scholars in residence are given direct access during open hours to the collection as a foundation for research and artistic development. In conjunction with our curatorial team, artists and scholars develop individualized, seasonal residencies of 4-12 weeks to produce new work. Additionally, they will be eligible for opportunities to deliver exhibitions and presentations focused on maritime art and art history aligned with the museum's ongoing calendar of events.
​​Who should apply?
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​We are looking for adult artists and scholars at all stages of their professional careers. The ideal candidate has a dedicated and demonstrated interest in the art of the sea and/or maritime history.
Each Artist-in-Residence is invited to develop and deliver a unique project, in conjunction with the museum's curatorial team, that engages the collection and illustrates their vision of the future of maritime art either through new artworks and/or art historical research.​​
CIMM's AIR program is low-residency, meaning we invite working artists and scholars to join our staff and engage the collection during regular museum hours. Therefore, CIMM neither provides housing nor allows 24-hour access. Successful candidates will either already live in the region or make arrangements to secure room and board independently.
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Artists can register their interest on this page using the short application form below. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will reach out to candidates directly. If an artist applies and is not accepted, they are welcome to re-apply after one year with a fresh proposal.
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​What does it cost?
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​We are proud to offer the AIR program at no cost to artists and scholars: no fees to apply, no fees to participate, no fees to exhibit.
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Shipping artworks and materials to and from the museum are the responsibility of the artist and on a case-by-case basis may be supported by the AIR program. Housing, room and board, and transportation are also the responsibility of the artist.
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What are the benefits to the artist?
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Supported access to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum's collection
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Honorarium and/or materials support based on scope and duration of successful project application
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Dedicated studio space within the museum during open hours
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Opportunities for exhibition and public presentations
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Eligibility for annual Purchase Award and acquisition into the CIMM permanent collection
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One year of Lieutenant (Family) membership to CIMM
Featured Contemporary Artist
Jonathan Biermann
Jonathan Biermann is a self-taught wildlife photographer based is San Diego, California. Working in fine art photography, Biermann specializes in Pelecanus occidentalis, the brown pelican. Capturing its expressive nature through patience, observation, and trust. Born in Denver in 1989 and raised amid the wilderness of Golden, Colorado, Biermann developed an early and enduring connection to the natural world. He moved to San Diego in 2019 after founding and operating a successful interior design firm focused on mid-century modern and contemporary spaces. A discipline that continues to inform his refined visual sensibility. Through dedicated time in the field, Biermann cultivates trust with his subjects, allowing for the capture of rare, intimate moments that reveal their true character. His work invites viewers to experience the brown pelican as a remarkable, expressive embodiment of the coastal environment.
​​​​Where is the AIR Program?
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The program is on-site at the museum in Oxnard, California, on the shore of the Channel Islands Harbor.
Please note we do not provide room and board, housing support, or travel costs. Out-of-region candidates are encouraged to make their own arrangements at their own expense.
Liveaboard artists may be able to find a slip nearby in the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor.
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How long can artists be in residence?
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The AIR program is designed to be seasonal in Spring, Summer, and Fall, with flexible dates ranging from a minumum of four weeks to a maximum of twelve weeks depending on your proposal. Please indicate on your application of interest which season(s) you are available.
Each resident is expected to be present at the museum a minimum of one day a week and provide at least one public programming presentation in the form of a talk or tour. Individual exhibitions may be available depending on time, space, and coordination with the curatorial department.​​​​
​​Why does CIMM offer the AIR Program?
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Our mission is to engage and enlighten the public with our collection with the artistry and accomplishments of centuries past. We see no better way to sustain the practice and passion of maritime art than helping foster and train future artists and scholars.
The museum welcomes support from other individuals and institutions to perpetuate the visionary Nelson bequest. Please contact the museum for more information to include the AIR program in your giving plans.​​​​​​​