Artist-in-Residence Program

Erica Shirk demonstrates printmaking.

NPS

Artist-in-Residence Program Details:

Wanting to apply? Read below on what to include with your application!

2026 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program (DEADLINE January 31, 2026)

Homestead National Historical Park’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program offers two-week residencies of uninterrupted time for artists seeking inspiration from Homestead National Historical Park’s rich cultural and natural resources! All visual (painting, photography, sculpture, multi-media, etc.), performing (drama, dance, music, composition, etc.) and literary artists are encouraged to apply.

Overview of AIR Expectations:

• Residencies are highly independent, but artists are expected to be available and interact with the public. The sights, sounds, textures, and features of the park’s 212 acres are the artist’s primary studio environment.
• Artists are expected to present one (1) public program tailored to their individual medium, interest, and experience that is appropriate for general audiences. Interpretive Rangers will work with the AIR to assist in planning and facilitating their program.
• An original work representative of the Residency experience will be donated to the park.

For additional information or questions about the application, please contact the park via email (e-mail us) or by phone [phone]).

Application Checklist:

1. Completed online volunteer form that includes contact information for three (3) references
2. Artist’s Statement (<250 words)
3. Statement of Intent (<250 words)
4. Resume or CV of relevant experience
5. Portfolio of selected works

Further instructions for submitting parts two (2) through five (5) are provided via the form on Volunteer.gov.

Review Process & Criteria:

Applications are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team of park professionals. The most successful applications demonstrate clear and meaningful connections between the artist’s creative goals, the themes of Homestead National Historical Park, and public engagement. While summer residencies are possible, most residencies are scheduled during the spring, fall, or winter due to park housing availability.

Top candidates will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. They should expect to discuss their goals for the residency, how they plan to engage the park’s cultural and natural resources to achieve those goals, and their potential ideas for their public program.

All artists will be contacted via email about the status of their application by March 2026. ALL residency offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, park scheduling, and housing availability.

 

2014 Artist-in-Residence paints near Cub Creek.

NPS

Further Information:

Travel and Supplies: Residents are responsible for their own travel to Homestead National Historical Park and bringing their own tools and supplies. Artists may utilize the park’s pre-existing Education Resources for their public program.

Housing: Park housing is shared across resident artists, interns, and seasonal staff. It includes locked private bedrooms and shared private bathrooms. Anyone staying in park housing is required to pass a criminal background check.

Donated Artwork: Upon conclusion of the Residency, artists are given up to six months to finish an original work inspired by their time at the park that will then be donated to Homestead National Historical Park. The work may be placed in the park’s permanent museum collection, interpretive collection, education collection or used in other ways to benefit the operations and visitor experience of the park.

Art in the Parks:

Artists throughout history have evoked emotions, captured moments, and shown us the world through a myriad of mediums. They convey big ideas through a unique lens and allow us to not only soak in beauty, but gain a new perspective.

Artists have been intimately tied to national parks since the 19th century, when painters such as Thomas Moran documented the unbelievable landscapes of the American West. These artists played a crucial role in stimulating the establishment, visitation, and appreciation of these national parks. Today, artists still find inspiration in national parks and continue to help us make meaningful connections to our nation's special places.

The homesteading story is big—sometimes it seems almost too big to comprehend. But art can help convey its powerful scenes, personal stories, and conceptual themes. Through our Artist-in-Residence program, we invite artists of all specialties to spend time living and working at Homestead National Historical Park. These artists channel their individual talent into one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the homestead story and prairie environment. The opportunity to live and work at Homestead National Historical Park benefits the selected professional artist as well as those who will experience their artwork today and in the future.

 

Mel Mann, 2010 Homestead Resident Artist

For additional questions about the Artist-in-Residence Program:

• Email us or call [phone].
• Look at other Artist-in-Residence programs in the National Park Service.