High Desert Test Sites is a platform for art and experiences that enable us to step outside everyday life and envision new possibilities.The organization is based at A-Z West–Andrea Zittel’s 80-acre compound and artwork. There it brings together artists, writers, and thinkers to create projects that engage the desert and its communities. 

Co-founded in 2002 by Andrea Zittel, Andy Stillpass, John Connelly, Shaun Regen and Lisa Anne Auerbach—High Desert Test Sites has hosted the work of more than 460 artists, 12 expansive site-specific programs, and 25 solo projects.

Staff

Andrea Zittel, Artistic Director
Hannah Bartman, Administrative Coordinator, hannah@hdts.site
Connor Schwab, Facilities Manager, connor@hdts.site
Wills Brewer, Ceramics production and sales manager

Board of Directors

David Knaus - Chair
Andrea Zittel - Founding Director/Treasurer
Brooke Hodge - Secretary
Marilyn Loesberg - Member
Susan Lubeznik - Member
Aram Moshayedi - Member
Paul Bessire - Member
Shaun Regen - Member

• The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

• Tides Foundation

• The James Irvine Foundation - Arts Regranting Program/Inland Empire at The Community Foundation

• Strengthening Inland Southern California through Philanthropy The Foundation for Contemporary Arts

• The Ranch Projects

• California Arts Council

High Desert Test Sites is incredibly grateful to Twentynine Palms for their ongoing support.

Thank you to our growing HDTS Support Circle including:
Susan Seelig

For the first time since the founding of A-Z West in 2000, both Andrea Zittel’s house and guest cabin are available for private stay for limited periods each year. All proceeds support the mission and programing of High Desert Test Sites.

Andrea’s A-Z West House is rented by Homestead Modern.

The A-Z West Guest Cabin is available directly through HDTS or by booking on Airbnb.

Reservations


For questions or to make a reservation please email HDTS.

A-Z West Work Trade Residency

The A-Z West Work Trade Residency program offers residents free lodging for 2 to 4 weeks in the A-Z West shipping container apartments in exchange for 10 hours per week labor around the compound. 

A-Z West Work Trade Residency Applications for Fall 2023 are due on May 15th with notifications going out on June 15th. The fall session will begin on September 15th and will end on December 15th. Please carefully read this entire document for pertinent information, including how to apply:

Work Trade Residency FAQ

Self-Structured Residency

The Self-Structured Residency is an alternative for those who would rather pay a modest fee rather than trade labor, and who prefer private accommodations with an indoor kitchen and bathroom.

Self-Structured Residencies last 1 to 2 weeks and are hosted in the A-Z West Guest Cabin. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and facilitated as our schedule permits. Please carefully read this entire document for pertinent information, including how to apply:

Self Structured Residency FAQ

With advance permission, all residents can access both the A-Z West weaving and ceramics studios.

Email us if you would like more information.

To donate:
HDTS Paypal

Or send checks to:

High Desert Test Sites
PO Box 1058
Joshua Tree, California
92252

The HDTS Circle provides critical philanthropic support for HDTS’s mission as a platform.

By joining the HDTS Circle, you will be directly supporting our work to bring together artists, writers, and thinkers to create and collaborate on projects that engage the desert and its communities.

Circle members receive the following exclusive benefits: 

Supporter
$1,000

• Special access to the grounds, including public tours and self-guided viewing.

• 10% discount on A-Z West Works including bowls, textiles and furniture 

• Two special invitations to Annual HDTS Holiday Brunch Open House     

• Private tour of A-Z West for up to four people

• Invitations to special events and programs

• Recognition on HDTS website and other materials

Sponsor
$2,500

All of the above, plus:

• Four special invitations to Annual HDTS Holiday Brunch Open House 

• Limited edition print or photograph by internationally recognized HDTS-affiliated artist 

Founder
$5,000

All of the above, plus:

• Six special invitations to Annual HDTS Holiday Brunch Open House 

• Private tour for up to twelve with Andrea Zittel

• Annual Luncheon with HDTS Fellow, Andrea Zittel and the HDTS Board

• Opportunity to host a private event at HDTS (restrictions and direct costs apply)

To donate:
HDTS

Or send checks to:

High Desert Test Sites
PO Box 1058
Joshua Tree, California
92252