Artist-in-Residence How to Apply

The Application Deadline: February 16

Each year, the application period is open January 2 through February 16. To be considered, all application materials must be received through the online application process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date.

 

To Lookout Louise, Pastel, 17" x 11"

NPS / JD Slack, Artist-in-Residence 2003

The Application Process

We consider all forms of art except those that manipulate or disturb the park's environment.

Combine the following requirements into one organized Word or PDF document. Visual Artists and Writers please include your samples of work (see below) in this one document. Email the required document to: [e-mail].

1. Your Resume (4 pages max)

2. Summary of Creative works (2 pages max). Examples include:

   • Exhibits

   • Galleries

   • Performances

   • Publications

   • Shows

3. Statement of Purpose (2 pages max)

   • What do you hope to gain from this experience?

   • How do you expect to grow as an artist from this experience?

   • Why have you applied to this program?

   • Describe your ability to reside in a wilderness environment

4. Public Program Concept (1 page max)

   • Public programs generally focus around a 30-45 minute talk or demonstration in the Rock Harbor's area. How would you envision using this opportunity to present your art to the public?

5. Submit your Samples of Recent Work

   • Visual Artists: Provide no more than 6 images in your Word or PDF document. Clearly label each image with your name and the work's title.

     • Images should focus only on the actual artwork; extraneous
       backgrounds, mattes, or frames should not be included.

     • For each work, clearly list name of work, medium, and dimensions (see artwork example on this page).

   • Writers: Provide no more than 6 short works or 1 long work in your Word or PDF document. Clearly label each work with your name and its title.

     • Creative Nonfiction for this program does not include travelogues, journalistic features, interviews, or job-related documents such as memos or legal briefs.

     • Examples include:

       • 6 Short Poems or other short writing samples of artistic merit (1 page each)

       • 1 Short Story, Essay, or Manuscript Excerpt (10 pages max)

   • Composers, Musicians, Performing Artists, Video, Film: Provide no more than 6 short selections (about 6 minutes total) or 1 long selection (about 10 minutes total)
     • Upload your submission to YouTube/Vimeo or share an existing YouTube/Vimeo link (or any other appropriate website link that can play the submission). Uploads may be public or private (YouTube allows private uploads that are only visible to those with whom you share the link). Clearly label each work with your name and its title. Include your link(s) in your Word or PDF document submission.
6. Fill out and submit the Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Online Application which asks for:

• Contact Information
• Medium Information
• Preferred 2 – 3 week residency period June 15 - September 15
  • Can be no preference
• Acknowledgement of Program Requirements

You're done!

 

Received Applications

In a given year, we receive somewhere between 50-150 applications for 3-4 residency spots. Competition is high. Please review the application process thoroughly. Applicants who fail to submit all requirements will be ineligible for selection.

 

Eagle Skeleton on Wet Rocks, Photograph, 10" x 12"

NPS / Barbara Yoshida, Artist-in-Residence 1999

The Selection Process

All applicants will be notified no later than May 1 whether they were selected for the upcoming summer residency.

The Jury

A jury composed of a park representative and artistic professionals from various disciplines will select the finalists. The selection is based on artistic integrity, a statement of purpose, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, willingness to donate a finished piece of work inspired on the island, and ability to relate to and interpret the park.

Selections are made without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, sex, age, or national origin. The facilities being used for this program are not wheelchair accessible.

Failure to Submit Required Materials

Please refer to the application procedure when preparing your application. The sole submission of a resume is insufficient. Proper scoring of each application can only take place if all required information is submitted. Applicants who fail to submit all requirements will be ineligible for selection.

Questions along the Way

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your application, please feel free to contact the park.

 

Scoville Point Bay, Watercolor, 20.5" x 28.5"

NPS / Clyde Mikkola, Artist-in-Residence 2001,