The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Chesterton Art Center coordinate the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. They provide artists and the general public the opportunity to experience one of the most environmentally diverse parks in the country.

Artists have been an important part of the National Park System for over a century. In fact, the writings, paintings, photographs, and public outreach of artists have not only created a permanent record of, but in many instances, helped preserve National Parks.

At Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the list of artists who have drawn inspiration is long and distinguished. From landscape architect Jens Jensen to painter Frank V. Dudley to poet Carl Sandburg, many have understood the connection between unspoiled natural settings and artistic pursuit. Today, the Dunes and surrounding area continue to be a Midwestern center for artistic reflection and community.

Our Artists-in-Residents are invited to meet our citizens, seek both solitude and solidarity in the nurturing environment of the Indiana Dunes, learn some of the history of this special place, and share with us the fruits of creativity so long appreciated by all of the friends of the Dunes.

**The 2010 Artist-in-Residence application process will be posted shortly. Please check back soon for details.**

The application process for the 2009 Artist-in-Residence Program at the national lakeshore is now open.  If you would like more information on the program please send an e-mail using the link below.

Application postmark deadline: April 25, 2009

You will receive....

Housing accommodations at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. A lightly furnished house for the length of the residency. The house is fully equipped with kitchen appliances and utensils, bedroom furniture, lamps, and related housewares.

There is no stipend. You must provide your own food, bed linen, personal gear, and art supplies. Pets are not permitted.

In exchange .....

The national lakeshore is offering two different types of residencies this year. You must choose which you prefer in the application.

A photographer that is willing to document a variety of activities, park facilities, and scenes throughout the park and provide those images for unlimited use with the national lakeshore.

OR

General artist in any medium including writing with an interest in connecting science and art as part of a regional project that is examining this type of connection. Artist will provide a framed piece of art at the end of the residency and assist in coordinating a networking event with park partners on the connection between scientists and artists.

Any artist selected for the residency will provide the copyright for this artwork to the National Park Service. The artist will allow unrestricted, unlimited use of the artwork. The artist retains a royalty-free, nonexclusive use license under the copyright of the art.

The artist must be willing to volunteer a few hours for one or more programs. Your programs must be appropriate for all age groups. You must clearly explain what the audience will learn from your programs.

Particulars....

The Artist-in-Residence program offers a two week or less residency in June, July, or August. A panel of local artists and park staff will review applications received, select candidates, and notify artists selected for the program. Be sure to tell us the time period you desire. We ask that you confirm your intention to participate in the program within two weeks of notification. Applications received after the postmarked date cannot be considered due to the time involved in reviewing requests and notifying artists. Please do not send original work or irreplaceable articles as the park cannot assume liability for items which may be lost or damaged in transit.

How to Apply...

The 2010 application will be posted soon. Please email Jeffrey_Manuszak@nps.gov to be notified when the application is posted. In the subject line please write AIR application.

Past artist-in-residence