Artist In Residence Program

Stylized graphic with bands of rust and vermilion color representing the rock layers that make up canyon walls. Text reads: "Grand Canyon Artist in Residence"
 

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Artist in Residence program hosts individual artists from around the world who wish to engage with Grand Canyon National Park and its people during a 4-8 week residency at the South Rim in Arizona. The program is designed to support artists with a well-developed body of work that engages contemporary themes, especially those tied to conservation, cultural identity, and community.

The residency embraces an artist-focused, open-ended model that prioritizes on-site research and exploration in the interest of informing public relationships with Grand Canyon National Park. While community outreach is of core importance to the engagement, most of the artists' time may be spent on-site as they wish. We hope that the work that comes from this freedom will—through future on- and off-site exhibits, publications, and presentations—advance our fundamental connection with Grand Canyon,

The previous residency program at Grand Canyon National Park ran from 2003 to 2017 on both the South and North Rims. Now, managed by Grand Canyon Conservancy and hosted by Grand Canyon National Park, the Artist in Residence program aims to befit its world-class location by supporting contemporary artists to pursue rigorous research and inquiry at Grand Canyon National Park and contribute to the cultural and aesthetic legacy of this Natural Wonder of the World and its related communities."

 

Applicant Information

We are seeking professional artists working at a high level in their discipline who can give new insights and focus to Grand Canyon and the surrounding communities as an on-site resident artist at Grand Canyon National Park. To apply for a residency, visit Grand Canyon Conservancy's website >

2024 Application Process:

May 15 – July 31: Applications Open for 2024

August 1 – 22: Peer Review

August 27 – September 8: Final Selection Meetings

September 11 – 15: Applicants Notified for 2024

 
portrait of a middle aged man with glasses and black hair
Current Artist in Residence, Mark Chen, is a photographic artist, educator and author. Chen's practices center on the visual discourse on science and environment. He crosses media boundaries, often collaboratively, from photography to other visual art, sound art, creative writing and performance.

Photo courtesy of the artist

2023 Artists In Residence

  • Mark Chen
    Residency: January 21 through February 26, 2023
  • Julie Anand
    Residency: July 13 through August 9, 2023
 
a musician with long black hair in dreadlocks is playing a keyboard outside with large boulders and trees in the background.
Elijah Jamal Asani developed a collection of audio-visual works inspired by, dedicated to, and in collaboration with sites and themes throughout Grand Canyon.

NPS

2022 Artists In Residence

"Being an Artist in Residence at Grand Canyon provided so many opportunities for my work to expand. As an avid outdoors person, the easy access to backpacking and hiking in the canyon provided continuous inspiration and material for me to collect digitally."

"The residency provided me the opportunity to slow down and consider my relationship to the landscape at a deeper level than I have previously allowed myself. I enjoyed the solitary nature of the residency, as it forced me towards an inward journey that I believe will benefit my artistic practice for years to come." —Leah Aegerter

 
portrait of a smiling woman with curly brown hair
During her residency, Heather L. Johnson conducted guided sketch hikes along the canyon rim and led group discussions to reflect and exchange experiences and ideas.  Photo/Wei Hong.

2021 Artists In Residence

“This residency is an opportunity for me to dive into a place that is completely and overwhelmingly unknown to me in an intimate kind of way,” said Johnson. “I want a deeper understanding of this landscape, and I imagine I’ll walk away from this being more sensitive to the issues that affect Grand Canyon.” —Heather L. Johnson

 
 
Arc; oil painting on canvas by Paul Murray
Arc, oil on canvas by Paul Murray, North Rim Artist in Residence, September 2010

Active National Park Service
Artist in Residence Programs >

National parks have always welcomed artistic interpretations in support of land advocacy. Thomas Moran's evocative and astounding paintings directly influenced the establishment of our first National Park (Yellowstone, 1872).

This tradition continues today with more than 40 Artist in Residence programs throughout the National Park Service system.

Last updated: February 7, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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