Emerging Artist Experience How to Apply

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 two step process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date:

1. Complete the Emerging Artist Online Application Form.

2. Email required submission materials (see below).

 

 

"Island Lovelies", Collage/Book Art, 14" X 20”

NPS / Cynthia Cote, Artist-in-Residence 2002

The Application Process

The Emerging Artist Experience is a one-week, shared camping immersion for early-career artists who have begun to develop a focused creative practice but are not yet able to compete for a professional artist-in-residence opportunity. The program combines wilderness immersion with facilitated structure: Mentors guide the selected cohort in artistic skill and professional development.

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

Do not include any extra links, websites, images, or additional artistic content in the application. Only include links, websites, and images in your "samples of recent work." Including extra content in your resume, creative works, or statement of purpose may result in disqualification from consideration.

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].

Your Resume (4 pages max)

1. Summary of creative works (1 page max). As this is for emerging artists, it's absolutely acceptable to list "none." If you're listing more than ten of the examples, you likely should be applying for the Establshed Artist-in-Residence Program. Examples include:

   • Exhibits

   • Galleries

   • Performances

   • Publications

   • Shows

2. Statement of Purpose & Collaboration (2 pages max)

   • Describe how you see your current stage of artistic and professional growth.

   • 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 Isle Royale specific program?

   • Describe your ability to reside in a wilderness environment, carry equipment, and generally be comfortable tent camping for multiple nights.

   • This is a shared cohort experience of five selected artists.

     • Describe how you would contribute to a welcoming shared environment.

     • Provide examples of your ability to collaborate with other artists in a positive and understanding manner.

3. 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 (10 pages max). 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 (6 minutes max) or 1 long selection (10 minutes max)

     • 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; use the "unlisted" format). Clearly label each work with your name and its title. Include your link(s) in your Word or PDF document submission.

4. Fill out and submit the Emerging Artist Online Application Form which asks for:

   • Contact Information

   • Medium Information

   • Acknowledgement of Program Requirements

General Cautions

• Do not include additional links, websites, images, or additional artistic content beyond the exact submission requirements. You will be assessed solely based on your application materials.

• Music and video samples may not exceed the exact submisison parameters.

• This is not a program for emerging artists who are looking for a solitary wildreness immersion. You are welcome to explore Isle Royale in your own way independent of this program.

Remember To:

1. Email the required document to: [e-mail].

2. Complete the Emerging Artist Online Application Form.

You're done!

 

Received Applications

Using existing Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Programs as a guide, we expect this program to be highly competitive. Take care in consideration of your full application. Artists who thoughtfully consider all aspects of the application process generally rise to the top for consideration.

The Artist-in-Residence Coordinator will confirm receipt and consideration of your application. This confirmation may take some time, so please excercise patience in inquiring about your application soon after you apply.

 

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 professionals from various artistic disciplines will select the finalists. The selection is based on artistic selections showcasing a developed focus, statement of purpose and collaboration, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, and ability to positively contribute to a shared group experience.

Selections are made without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, sex, age, or national origin.

Failure to Submit Required Materials

Please refer to the application procedure when preparing your application. The sole submission of a resume is insufficient. 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 contact the park.

Did you remember to fill out the Emerging Artist Online Application Form?

 

Experience Past Art

• 

  Emerging Artist Experience Overview

  Emerging Artists have an opportunity to immerse themselves in Isle Royale's wilderness for a weeklong experience.

• 

  Online Exhibit

  Visit our online gallery to see the pieces that our past Artists-in-Residence have created.

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  Isle Royale Reflections

  Isle Royale Reflections from the Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate