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An Ecology of Exchange

Residency Participation Agreement

Please read, sign and return with your application

 

1. Nature of Stay — Not a Rental or Lease

This is a short-term, limited-purpose residency program, not a rental, lease, or long-term housing arrangement. Resident is granted a limited, revocable license to use the premises solely for the duration of the Residency Term, for the purpose of participating in the Residency Program. This Agreement does not create a landlord-tenant relationship, and Resident acknowledges they hold no tenancy rights, right to sublease, or right of holdover under applicable law.

2. Condition of Premises

Resident agrees to leave their assigned bedroom, all shared spaces, and the residency premises generally in the same condition as found upon arrival, normal wear and tear excepted. Resident is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of any damage to the premises or its contents caused by Resident beyond normal wear and tear.

3. Damage Deposit and Card Authorization

Resident agrees to pay a refundable damage deposit of $300 prior to the start of the Residency Term. This deposit will be returned to Resident within [14] days following Resident's departure, less any deductions for damage to the premises or its contents beyond normal wear and tear, as described in Section 2. In addition, as a condition of participation, Resident agrees to provide a valid credit card to be kept on file for the duration of the Residency Term. If the cost of any damage exceeds the $300 deposit, Resident authorizes the Residency to charge the remaining balance to this card, or to pay the remaining balance by credit card or cash directly. No charge will be made without the Residency first providing Resident with a written explanation of the damage and an itemized estimate of its cost. The Residency will not hold or charge funds on Resident's card beyond the documented cost of repair or replacement.

 

4. Room Assignment

The Residency Director retains sole discretion to assign sleeping rooms among residents, and may reassign rooms during the Residency Term as needed for programmatic, safety, or interpersonal reasons.

5. Smoking Policy

No smoking of any kind — including tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance — is permitted inside any residency structure at any time. Smoking is permitted outdoors only. Any smoking material must be fully extinguished in a provided water-filled container immediately after use. Given the high wildfire risk of the surrounding high desert environment, Resident agrees this policy is strictly enforced, and any violation may result in immediate termination of Resident's participation under Section 12.

6. Substance and Conduct Policy

No illegal drug use is permitted on the premises at any time. Resident agrees to refrain from excessive or disruptive alcohol consumption, and to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that maintains a peaceful, respectful, shared living environment for co-residents, the Residency Director, and any household or property staff.

7. Community Engagement and Communication

Resident acknowledges that this Residency Program is built around communication and creative exchange between residents and with the Residency Director, and agrees to engage in good faith with this exchange throughout the Residency Term, including informal interaction with co-residents and the Residency Director.

8. Required Program Participation

Resident agrees to attend all three (3) scheduled video check-ins associated with the Residency Program:

•  Week 1 — Arrival & Orientation

•  Week 2 — Mid-Residency Check-In

•  Week 3 — Cross-Pollination Session

Resident further agrees to participate in good faith in any community or public engagement opportunities organized by the Residency (which may include, without limitation, a journalist interview, school visit, open studio, or gallery connection), to the extent such opportunities are offered during the Residency Term.

9. Animals

No pets are permitted on the premises. This residency accommodates trained service animals as required by law. Where a service animal and another resident’s documented allergy or health condition may conflict, the Residency will make reasonable efforts to accommodate both residents, which may include adjusted room or house assignments.

10. Publicity and Media Release

Resident consents to the Residency's use of: (a) short excerpts from the video check-ins described in Section 8; (b) photographs, video, or other documentation from community engagement activities; and (c) images of artwork or creative work produced by Resident during the Residency Term, for use on the Residency's website and in its promotional materials. Resident will be given advance notice of, and reasonable input into, what is shared, consistent with the Residency's program materials.

11. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Resident releases, waives, and discharges the Residency, its Director, and the owner of the property where the Residency Program takes place, from any and all liability for personal injury, illness, death, property loss, theft, or damage arising from or related to Resident's participation in the Residency Program, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Residency, its Director, or the property owner. Resident acknowledges that Resident is solely responsible for their own personal property, travel arrangements, health, and personal insurance coverage during the Residency Term.

12. Term and Termination

This Agreement covers the Residency Term stated above. The Residency reserves the right to terminate Resident's participation prior to the end of the Residency Term for violation of the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to smoking indoors, illegal drug use, disruptive intoxication, unauthorized animals, or conduct that endangers the safety or peaceful environment of the residency. 

13. REFUNDS / DEPOSITS  Upon acceptance to the residency, you will be asked to return a signed terms of agreement and a 300$ refundable deposit and credit card information. The balance for the residency will be due August 30th 2026 to secure the residency space. If you cancel your acceptance to the residency after signing the agreement and accepting the residency you will forfeit the 300.00 deposit and any future opportunities with this residency. 

14. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

 Accessibility Statement/Info Page

An Ecology of Exchange takes place across two houses in Joshua Tree, a remote high desert location accessed via a dirt road, with dirt and sand terrain leading to both houses. The front house's interior hallways are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. We have not yet completed a formal accessibility audit of the second house. We welcome trained service animals as required by law, and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate residents' documented health needs, including through room assignment. Given the terrain and the front house's layout, this residency is likely not currently accessible to wheelchair users, and we strongly encourage applicants with mobility, sensory, or medical considerations to contact us directly before applying so we can discuss the physical space honestly.
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