Apply for Artist-in-Residence Program

Submission Period

Sunday November 2, 2025 through Monday March 1, 2026

• Residencies last for four weeks.
• Residencies occur June through November.

 

A photograph captured by one of the 2025 Smokies Artists-in-Residence using a special 'paint with light' technique, showcasing the Heintooga area in a mesmerizing way.

Matt Stock

 

Benefit to Being an Artist-in-Residence

The Artist-in-Residence Program provides opportunities to develop creative work and inspire the public. During their stay, residents are given time to explore and experience the Smokies. They work independently and in collaboration with ranger staff to facilitate experiences that promote visitor understanding about the need to care for and preserve this national treasure.

Interpretive themes of the Smokies

• Diversity and abundance: The Smokies is among the most biodiverse places on our planet. Its ecological significance has been recognized by the United Nations, establishing the park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
• Continuum of human activity: Countless stories are embodied in one of the largest historic structure collections in the eastern United States. The national park preserves structures of cultural significance including homes, cemeteries, churches, barns, schools, pathways and gristmills.
• Refuge of scenic beauty: Mountain ridges, deep-cleft valleys and sparkling streams and waterfalls provide visitors a profoundly immersive experience, with opportunities to experience sanctuary, wilderness, adventure, and solitude.

 

Artist-in-Residence Participation & Guidelines

Artist participation as a volunteer-in-park

Selected artists work with the parkwide volunteer coordinator to develop a residency theme that makes it possible for the park to generate visitor awareness and enrichment opportunities. Artists are scheduled to facilitate at least two public programs tailored to their medium, experience, and interests. These may be in the form of participatory workshops, hands-on learning, demonstration, performances, exploratory walks, outreach in classrooms and community, or another means of visitor / community engagement that aligns with park protocol. Artists provide most equipment and supplies needed to lead their visitor engagement programs.

Artwork donation

Within one year of completion of their residency, artist donate a mutually agreed upon piece of original work, representative of their time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The work may become part of the National Park Service Collection or donated to our park partner, Friends of the Smokies, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for the park and provides support for the Artist-in-Residence Program.

The selection process

A jury of representatives from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts review submitted materials and interview top candidates. Selections are made on the basis of merit as well as understanding of the mission of the National Park Service and the Smokies interpretive themes.

We consider and host artists representing a variety of creative mediums that align with park goals and priorities. Selections are made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age, or national origin.

Artist live in a free, furnished apartment inside park boundaries for 4 weeks. They may be reimbursed for materials and expenses (not to exceed $300). Residents are enrolled in the National Park Service Volunteers-in-Parks Program and given opportunity to connect and collaborate with artists affiliated with the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

 

Applying

Please submit your application materials and samples as outlined below. Inadequate or excessive materials may result in application rejection, as will the proposed use of work that is already in progress during a residency.

Selection is based on artistic merit, a thoughtful statement of purpose, and connectivity with current themes and concerns of the national park.

Due to the high number of submissions, applicants will not receive confirmation that their submission has been received by the park. Artists selected for a residency are notified in early May.

All applicants must submit the following information by emailing us at [e-mail] with ‘AIR Program’ in the subject line:

1. Resume (.pdf or .doc) including a summary of creative works.

2. Statement of purpose: Why are you interested in serving as an Artist-in- Residence? Share what you hope to gain through your time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? How might you share insights, experience and creative contributions with visitors of all ages and backgrounds and with local community?

3. Samples of Recent Works (see additional details below).

4. Preferred Month for Residency (June through November).

 

Samples of Creative Works Details

Follow the details listed below for submission requirements. Requirements differ for each artform.

Visual Artists

Submit six labeled digital images in .jpeg or .png form. Include a list of the images (.pdf or .doc) with title, medium, and image size (height and width). Images should show only the actual work—backgrounds, frames, or mats should not be included.

Musicians, Performing Artists, & Composers

Submit files via email including hyperlinks or .mp3 files. Please identify a 2 – 4 minute segment that you wish panelists to review.

Writers

Submit no more than four double-spaced pages, in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Writers are strongly encouraged to apply to The Steve Kemp Writer's Residency in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

The Artist-in-Residence Program is led by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in partnership with Friends of the Smokies and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Funding for the program is provided by Friends of the Smokies.