Surel's Place, in Boise, Idaho, is an excellent residency, available to all creatives. Musicians, composers, poets, visual artists, playwrights, and other creatives are welcome to apply for the month-long residency.
The residency is in the beautifully kept home of local artist and art activist, the late Surel Mitchell. The house has a great gallery and studio space used to host exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and readings.
The house is located in Garden City, an area that is quickly gentrifying and has a thriving arts community. The area is a blend of chic coffeeshops, breweries, wineries, artist studio spaces, fine dining, all alongside a trailer park. The neighborhood's blend of creatives and locals, both feeling the effects of rapid gentrification, reminded me of Bushwick in Brooklyn, which was my home for a number of years.
Surel's Place is also near the Greenbelt, a beautiful park along the Boise River. Bikes are supplied to residents. Boise's vibrant city center is only a short bike ride away. There is a wonderful art museum, indie movie theatre, The Flicks, and various art galleries. Mixed Greens, a electric and hip boutique with handmade gifts, is worth checking out, as is Boise Art Glass. Freak Alley, an outdoor art gallery, is also well worth the visit.
During my stay, as a playwright-in-residence, I was made welcome by the vibrant arts community in Boise.
I went to a variety of events at Boise such as The Ballet Idaho, The Boise Contemporary Theatre, and Story Story Night.
I also taught a playwriting workshop called "Tackling the Ten-Minute Play," which was an amazing way to create and connect with local writers.
I additionally had a reading with Alley Repertory Theatre at The Visual Art Collective, another really cool venue in Boise.
Unlike some residencies with pricey application fees and costs to attend, you don't need class privilege to apply to this residency. Surel's Place is available to any creative, regardless of their income. There is no application fees or cost to attend. They support artists with a small food and travel stipend.
The whole community joins in making creatives feel welcome. People were unbelievably generous and kind to me while I was there. Local businesses also support creatives at Surel's Place by giving coupons to residents (from coffee, to movie tickets, to massages).
Overall, Surel's Place was a space for me to clear my mental space and get to writing, as well as, an excellent way for me to meet and be inspired by local artists. I would strongly encourage any creative looking for a supportive space to create to apply.
