Date: May 4, 2015
Contact: Kris Fister, (907) 683-9583
Denali National Park and Preserve is seeking applications for the 2016 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, which provides the opportunity for professional visual artists, writers and composers 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, the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station, and the Public Lands Information Centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks. “These diverse interpretations of the park’s landscape, wildlife, and cultural history are powerful means to connect our visitors with the beauty and complexity of this great national treasure,” said Superintendent Don Striker.
Applicants can specify whether they want to be considered for the winter or summer program. Summer participants reside in an historic patrol cabin 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 outreach activity for visitors at the end of their residency. For a two-year trial period beginning with the residencies in 2016, the program will explore a preference for digital and performance-based donations rather than physical pieces for the program collection.
Apply online or learn more about the Denali arts program. Applications for the 2016 season must be submitted by September 30, 2015. Notification letters will be sent out by December 15, 2015.
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 15th year of Denali’s program. By the end of 2015, a total of 60 artists, writers, and invited composers will have participated in the program.
