Artist-In-Residence Program Information

 

"The Ozark in Autumn," a painting by 2014 Artist-in-Residence, Steve Whitfield

NPS Photo

Program Overview

The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program in the National Park Service continues the legacy of art-creation in national park sites that blends time, space, and community. Many parks preserve artwork of Indigenous communities made since time immemorial. 19th century artists played a crucial role in inspiring stewardship of the landscapes and stories that have become national parks. Today, artists continue to interpret the meanings and stories of national parks for new generations.

The AIR program at Hot Springs National Park welcomes artists of all backgrounds and mediums to explore the park's themes and stories and create new and engaging works of art to share with the public and community.

AIR Participant Requirements:

• Attend at least 2 ranger-led programs to understand Hot Springs National Park history.
• Present at least 2 public or community programs within Hot Springs National Park boundaries. Staff support available upon request.
• Explore Hot Springs National Park’s historical and natural aspects and interpretative themes through artwork.
• Present or participate in a culminating program, to be determined by the artist’s medium, at the conclusion of the residency.
• Wear volunteer uniform and adhere to volunteer policy and procedures during length of residency

2026 Application Information

In 2026, the program will host two participants:

1 Spring Residency

Application opens: January 20th

Application closes: March 1st

Candidate selected and notified by March 7th

1 Fall Residency

Application opens: July 1st

Application closes: September 1st

Candidate selected and notified by September 8th

Application Requirements:

1. Statement of Purpose -
   Please explain what you hope to accomplish during your residency, how you plan to use park themes in your work, and what you hope to contribute as a program and donation. Please also include your vision of sharing your art with the public in at least one public program. (No more than one page)

2. Top 3 desired 3–4-week periods for a Spring or Fall Residence-

   You may apply for both terms but will only be selected for one.

   a. Spring Residency: April, May, or June

   b. Fall Residency: October, November or December

3. List of previous exhibitions, residencies, and/or teaching experiences.
4. Samples of artwork (no originals) - Please send print or digital copies of up to 6 images, videos, recordings, poems, etc.
5. Contact information for 3 professional references

How To Apply

• Review the park’s interpretative themes below.
• Submit application materials as required above.
• Applications must be postmarked by the deadline. If the deadline falls on a Sunday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.
• Arkansas residents highly encouraged to apply.

Please submit your application by email or hard copy:

Email: [e-mail]
Hard copy:
ATTN: Artist-in-Residence Program
c/o Volunteer Coordinator
101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901

 

Photo by 2017 Artist-in-Residence, Matt Parker

NPS Photo

Interpretative Themes

The Hot Springs.

The geothermal spring water that Hot Springs National Park protects and shares flows from Hot Springs Mountain and carries thousands of years of history. The water is transformed by the power of the Earth and dependent upon present actions by all to preserve its future.

The American Spa.

The impressive cultural landscape of Bathhouse Row reflects the growth of the “American Spa” movement and the changing medical, architectural, social justice, and public health standards of the past; the landscape continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern times.

Ouachita Range Ecosystem.

The ancient Ouachita Mountains’ geology creates a geothermal system with mineral-rich waters that support a diverse ecosystem and has inspired scientific discoveries throughout its history.

Park and People.

The geothermal water and geologic features attracted many communities to the area over the centuries and gave rise to a city that catered to visitors from all walks of life seeking health and wellness, even as equal access was denied to some because of race, ethnicity, religion, and gender.

Resource Protection Pioneer.

Because of the perceived healing power of the thermal water, the federal government protected the springs for public use in perpetuity-an action that helped shape the national park purpose of preserving natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

 

Sculpture by 2010 Artist-in-Residence, Lori Arnold

NPS Photo

Further Information:

This is a non-paid, volunteer position. Residency periods are 3-4 weeks long and take place during the months of March through December. Please list date preferences for your residency as part of your application. A camp site with full RV hook-ups is provided free of charge; no other housing options are provided. If camping is not preferable, artists are responsible for providing their own housing for the duration of their time with Hot Springs National Park.

Willingness to share your inspiration with others is a central tenet of the Artist-in-Residence Program. Resident artists are asked to present at least two public programs during their residency. These presentations should be based on the artist’s work, experiences, and interests, and may include workshops, discussions, demonstrations, etc. All programs should be developed in consultation with park staff and should be appropriate for general park audiences. Additionally, the selected artist is expected to participate in or present a culminating program, appropriate to their given medium. This can take the form of a public performance, a panel discussion, or a final presentation of art.

Painters, potters, sculptors, performing artists, etc., when appropriate, will be encouraged to work daily in view of park visitor.

Artists will permit park staff to photograph artwork created and programs given during the residency. The artist will sign a photo release to the National Park Service for use of images of the artwork from the residency, and images of activities associated with the residency. Artists are invited to offer pieces made during their residency to be added to park collection.

 

Previous Residencies

The first AIR program at Hot Springs National Park began in 2004, and we’ve been lucky to host wonderful artists of all mediums since. Here you can see the artwork donated to the park by participating artists to gain inspiration and admire:

2004	2005	2006	2007
2008	2009	2010	2011
2012	2014	2015	2016
2017