2023 Shenandoah National Park Artist-in-Residence Call

Over the last century, artists have had an enduring connection with national parks. Their paintings and photographic records exposed these natural wonders to a population often unaware of their existence. Today, national parks continue to inspire artists. In turn, those artists create art that excites millions of people about national parks and builds awareness and fosters stewardship of these beautiful public lands and historic sites.

Shenandoah National Park's Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists a chance to live and work in this exceptional environment. The works completed during the program will serve, through the creativity of the selected artists, to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Shenandoah National Park.

Shenandoah National Park's Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists an opportunity to live and work in this exceptional environment for three weeks. The works completed during the program will serve, through the creativity of the selected artists, to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Shenandoah National Park. The Park's Artist-in-Residence program is supported by a generous donation from the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

Benefit to the Artists
This program provides the artist with uninterrupted time to pursue their own body of work and also the opportunity to engage and inspire the public through outreach. The artist has the opportunity to create works that promote an understanding of the need to preserve our national parks. Our hope is for artists to seek and share their artistic inspiration as they explore and experience Shenandoah National Park. A small stipend for travel, subsistence and to support material for public programs may be provided to the artist.

Housing
The artist will be housed in a furnished room at the Skyland Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. The housing is only for the artists. Family members, friends and significant others may not stay in the housing. 

Eligibility
Professional artists including writers, composers, craftsmen, painters, photographers, sculptors, storytellers, musicians, videographers, poets, and all visual artists are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements for the program
The artist-in-residence will be required to present at least two public programs during their residency. The Artist-in-Residence program also requires the selected artist to donate an original piece of art, representative of the artist's style and reflecting the artist's residency within six months of the artist's stay.  Artists must provide their own personal art supplies during their residency. A vehicle is required for the residency.

Dates for the Residency
May 1 - 22, 2023
July 10 - July 31, 2023
July 31 - August 21, 2023
September 5 - September 26, 2023
October 2 - October 23, 2023

Mission of the National Park Service:
The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Artists will need to respond to several questions. They will also need to submit a resume and several images of their work. A letter of reference is optional. 

Professional artists including writers, composers, craftsmen, painters, photographers, sculptors, storytellers, musicians, videographers, poets, and all visual artists are encouraged to apply.