Application Period for Denali National Park 2015 Artist-in-Residence Program Opens May 1

Date: April 25, 2014
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-683-9583

DENALI PARK, Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve is seeking applications from visual artists and writers for the 2015 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. This program provides the opportunity for professional artists and writers to use an historic roadside cabin as a base to explore the park and seek inspiration from it. Works created by previous artists-in-residence are displayed in the park's visitor centers, and at the Public Lands Information Center in Anchorage. Several pieces will also be installed in the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station this spring, and at the Fairbanks Public Lands Information Center in the fall. "These interpretations of the park's landscape, wildlife, and cultural history provide a superlative means to connect our visitors to the beauty and complexity of this great national treasure," said Superintendent Don Striker.

This year the National Park Service expanded the AIR program to include winter residencies. For the 2015 call, applicants can specify whether they want to be considered for the winter or summer program, or both. Summer participants reside in the East Fork cabin, located at Mile 43 on the park road, for a ten day period between June and mid-September. The winter residency is also for ten days, split between housing at park headquarters, and conditions permitting, one of the historic ranger patrol cabins along the first 23 miles of the park road.

In return for their residency, each artist donates a piece of artwork or written piece inspired by their time in the park to the park's collection. Artists also offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency. By the end of 2014, a total of 53 artists, writers, and invited composers will have participated in Denali's AIR program.

A link to the online application and more information about the program is available at https://www.nps.gov/dena/historyculture/arts-program.htm.Applications for the 2015 season must be submitted by September 30, 2014.Notification letters will be sent out by December 15, 2014.

The Artist-in-Residence program is a national program. Artists have played a significant role in raising public awareness of the natural wonders preserved within the National Park System and the need for their protection since the creation of Yellowstone, the first national park. This is the 14^th year of Denali's program.

www.nps.gov