Artist-in-Residence

A man sits and paints a mountain landscape.
A 2019 Artist-in-Residence paints a mountain landscape in Glacier National Park.

NPS PHOTO/2019 Artist-in-Residence, Nic Fischer

 

Glacier’s call for artists for 2024/2025 will on be open from August 6 - Septmber 4, 2023. Applications will be accepted on the CaFE (www.callforentry.org) website. Two artists for each of Glacier’s 2024 and 2025 AiR programs will be selected from this call. As part of the application process, artists can choose the months of June or July for either year. The application cannot be previewed before it's posted on the CaFE website. Questions about the Artist-in-Residence program can be directed to glac_volunteer_program@nps.gov.

The Glacier National Park Artist-in-Residence program offers artists four weeks of focused time to creatively explore the natural and cultural resources of this inspiring landscape while pursuing their artistic goals. The program seeks artists whose work is related to the park’s interpretative themes as well as supports the mission of the National Park Service and conservation of public lands.

It also allows artists the opportunity to share their work with an international audience through educational programs. The Artist-in-Residence program continues a long history of Arts in the Parks.

Glacier National Park’s Interpretive Themes:

  • The geologic features of Glacier National Park combine natural beauty, examples of mountain building, and the effects of glaciation, revealing many chapters in the history of the Earth.

  • Glacier National Park offers a variety of wilderness experiences that provide the challenges and rewards of encountering nature on its own terms while conveying the necessity of stewardship for the land.

  • Glacier National Park's designation as part of the world's first International Peace Park celebrates on-going peace, cooperation, and goodwill between two nations, and symbolizes the ideal of peace among all nations.
  • Glacier's cultural resources chronicle the evolving history of human activities, interactions, and experiences in the American west that reveal changes in societal attitudes about land and its uses.
  • The enduring connection between the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai peoples and the landscape and resources of the area known as Glacier National Park is reflected through their history, traditions, language, and contemporary values.
  • The establishment of Glacier National Park and its geographic location has enabled its ecological processes and biological diversity to survive relatively intact in a rapidly changing and encroaching world.

Mission of the National Park Service:

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired 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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What artistic mediums does this program accept?
This residency is open to artists of all disciplines including visual artists, writers, videographers, dancers, singers, musicians, etc.

How do I apply to become one of Glacier National Park’s Artist-in-Residence?
Applications are submitted using the website www.callforentry.org, attaching the required documents including resume, media sample, and writing sample if you are a literary artist. Please do not mail any part of your application, including media samples to the park. If you do not have the required documents downloaded as part of your application by the time the call closes, your application will be considered incomplete, and we cannot consider you for a residency.

If you are having technical issues, or need guidance on how to use the site, check out all the quick guides and other resources on the CaFE site by clicking on the help tab at the top of the page, or email technical help by using the ticket tab.

Is there a fee for my application?
There is a $20, non-refundable and non-transferable application fee, which directly supports the Artist-in-Residence program.

When should I expect to hear back from the park on the status of my application?
Glacier's call for artists for 2024/2025 will be open from August 6 - September 4, 2023 on the website www.callforentry.org.
All Applicants will be notified whether they are selected or not by November 17, 2023.

How does the park pick the artists for this residency?
Your application will first be reviewed by park staff, who will look for applicants that have projects that fit with the goals of this NPS residency. The top 50 applications will be shared with our artist panel. The artists will then score applications, picking the top 25 applications to be shared with a staff panel. This group of Glacier employees will interview and choose the final 2 artists to invite for each of Glacier's 2024 and 2025 AiR programs, based on proposed projects, presentation ideas, and connections with Glacier National Park’s interpretive themes.

What am I asked to give back to the park as part of this opportunity?
Glacier asks for digital samples to be provided within six months of completing the residency. The images should represent their work done as the artist-in-residence. The park has the right to use those digital images in park publications, websites, and presentations for education and outreach.

The park also requires all Artists-in-Residence to share three public presentations to be given during the artist’s residency. Programs must be related to your experience as the artist-in-residence. Programs can be demonstrations, talks, exploratory walks, or performances. We ask that programs are offered on both sides the park, and possibly in the local community. Programs can be for any audiences, including youth, park staff, visitors, and locals. Upon returning home, the artist is encouraged to also present one public program to share the experience with their local community. This program should focus on your experience as the artist-in-residence and its influence on your personal enrichment.

The selected artists may be asked, but would not be required, to donate 1 piece of the art they produce during their residency.

Can I collaborate with another artist?
Yes. Up to three artists may apply under one application if their proposed project is a collaboration of several artistic disciplines. Specific directions on how to apply as collaborating artists can be found in the application. The artists will be housed together and will need to be able to live and work in close proximity to each other.

Housing
The artists selected for June and July will be given rent-free use of a furnished cabin on the shores of Lake McDonald. This cabin is rustic with no cell phone service or internet. Basic cooking equipment and bedding is provided. This housing is only available for the artist. Family members, significant others, and friends will not be allowed to stay with the artist in the house.

Can I bring a family member, spouse or friend?
This opportunity is for the Artist only. Family members, spouses, and friends are allowed to help with the move in and move out process but are not allowed to stay during the entire duration of your residency.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle?
A vehicle is required for this residency.

Does the cabin have Wi-Fi or cell service?
The cabin has neither of these services. The nearby Lake McDonald Lodge may provide intermittent Wi-Fi.

What is provided by the park for my visit?
The cabin is fully furnished, with kitchen supplies and linens. This includes a coffee maker, toaster, microwave, sheets, and towels. You will need to bring your own food and clothing to be safe and comfortable out exploring the park. We also provide bear spray and park radio.

Can I bring a pet?
Pets are not allowed during your time here at Glacier National Park.

Does the housing have a laundry facility?
No. There is a communal laundry facility in Park Headquarters, approximately twenty minutes from the cabin.

Where is the closest access to grocery shopping and other services?
The closest option is Hungry Horse, located approximately 20 miles from the AiR cabin. Columbia Falls, a larger town with more services, is located approximately 27 miles from the AiR cabin.

Can I participate in this program if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. A J-1 Visa is mandatory for participation in the program, and you can apply for a J-1 in early April after you have received a residency offer.

Email e-mail us to be added to our email list for updates on exact application dates each year, or with questions about the program.

 

Meet the Artists

Read about work of Former Glacier Artists-in-Residence

Read bios for Current Glacier Artists-in-Residence

Check the park Calendar for artist presentations.

Last updated: August 2, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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