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Artists In Residence
Seeded by the generous Nelson Family Bequest in 2025,
the Channel Islands Maritime Museum is pleased to announce its new initiative:
the annual Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program.
Including grants for time, space, and materials,
the CIMM AIR Program is unique in California for its commitment
to fostering the next generation of maritime artists and scholars.
About the CIMM AIR Program
About the 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 from the Ventura County region and beyond with our dynamic collection spanning from 17th Century Europe to Contemporary California of maritime paintings, historical ship models, maritime artifacts, primary source documents, scrimshaw, sculptures, and our extensive rare books library.
In conjunction with our curatorial team, artists and scholars develop individualized, seasonal residencies of 4-12 weeks to deliver exhibitions and presentations focused on maritime art and art history aligned with the museum's ongoing calendar of events.
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Who should apply?
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We are looking for adult artists and scholars at all stages of their professional careers to register their interest on this page using the short application form provided. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will reach out to candidates directly. If you don't hear from us within 12 months, you are welcome to re-apply with new work once per year.
The ideal candidate has a dedicated and demonstrated interest in the art of the sea and maritime history. Additionally, each Artist-in-Residence must develop 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.​​
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What does it cost?
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CIMM is 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.
In fact, there are honoraria, materials support, and purchase awards available to all selected artists, based on each residency's needs and length.
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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, and each Artist-in-Residence will receive space and time in the museum to study and produce works during normal museum hours.
Please note, while we do not provide housing support or travel costs and 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.
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​​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.​​​​​​​