The Whirlybird Artist Residency
A quiet place inside a living culture—where artists come to create, reset, and reconnect with their work.
Just outside Lafayette, near Opelousas, Louisiana.
Apply for a Residency →
thewhirlybird@gmail.com
Founded by Christy Leichty and Jim Phillips, The Whirlybird Artist Residency began as a way to support traveling musicians and their families.
Over time, it’s grown into something broader—welcoming writers, storytellers, visual artists, and musicians drawn to the deep cultural roots of South Louisiana.
Since 2005, hundreds of artists have passed through, guided by one simple idea:
give artists a quiet, beautiful place inside a vibrant living culture—and something meaningful will happen.
What It’s Like
- Up to 16 artists at a time
- Private rooms and shared creative spaces
- Studio, stage, kitchen, and room to breathe
- A working cultural environment—not isolation
Community Lagniappe
Residency includes a small contribution to the community—what we call a little lagniappe.
- a workshop
- a reading or talk
- a jam session or performance
- an open studio or gathering
Something simple. Something shared.
The Place
Acadiana is a living culture—music, food, storytelling, and landscape shaped by water and time.
Artists don’t just visit. They step inside it.
The Stay
Accommodations include a mix of private rooms and shared spaces across the Whirlybird compound—each with its own character and rhythm.
Full details are shared during the application process.
Apply
Apply by email:
thewhirlybird@gmail.com
Include a short note about your work, samples or links, and your preferred dates.