We found 3 matching opportunities
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Alyssa Cordova
Kalispell, MT
Deadline:
Mar 1, 2026
Taylor Johnson
Providence, RI
Deadline:
Mar 1, 2026
Nan Phillips
Keller, TX
Deadline:
Mar 2, 2026
2024 Artists in Residence - BLM & Friends of Black Rock
Organization:
Friends of Black Rock High Rock
Location
Black Rock Desert-NCA, Nevada
Entry Fee
Paid Entry
Deadline
March 14, 2024
Welcome to our 2024 Artist-in-Residence page. We are excited to be hosting the Black Rock Desert NCA Artist-in-Residence program for an 11th year thanks to support and partnership with the BLM.
The Black Rock Desert Artist in Residence (BRD AiR) Program promotes awareness and appreciation of the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area through the prism of art. This Artist in Residence program is a part of the Bureau of Land Management's support of public lands through residencies in over nine western states and in National Parks, Monuments, Conservation and Recreation Areas.
Participating artists will reflect on Black Rock Desert NCA's scenic beauty, natural history, and cultural significance, creating artwork that will contribute to the public's understanding and engagement with National Conservation Lands in Northern Nevada and nationwide.
Artists are encouraged to depict the variety of cultural and natural resources of Black Rock Desert NCA, including historic structures, artifacts, cultural landscapes, the local ecosystem and wildlife.
IMPORTANT DATES
Submission Period: February 1st, 2024 to March 14th, 2024
Announcement of AiR Candidates: during the week of April 1st, 2024
Residencies: June 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 (no residencies from August 15 to September 10, 2024)
SUBMITTING ARTWORK GUIDELINES
When applying online, you will be requested to include relevant information (title, medium, date, etc.), a CV or resume, and Statement (280 words or less). The Statement should be a statement of purpose explaining interest in the program and how work will contribute to interpretation and appreciation of the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA).
-For still visual art mediums, please include 6-10 images (in JPG or TIF formats). Up to two videos with combined run times of no more than 4 minutes (as MP4 or AVI) may also be submitted if desired.
-For video mediums, please submit 2-3 videos with a combined run time of no longer than 10 minutes in MP4 or AVI formats.
-For audio mediums, please submit 2-3 soundbites with a combined run time of no longer than 10 minutes in MP3 or WAV formats.
-For literary submissions, please submit 2-5 samples in standard 12pt font, double spaced, not to exceed 10 pages.
-Artwork samples must showcase at least 6 but no more than 10 individual pieces or performances dated within the past five years.
-If you feel these stipulations may prevent your artwork from being communicated effectively and would like to request another submission format please contact Nicholas LaPalm at [email protected].
FAQs
The Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA is remote and desolate. It is surrounded by ten Wilderness Areas; each with its own unique landscape characteristics. The Black Rock Desert is steeped in the cultural history of both indigenous people and settlers and is home to dramatic unpopulated desert landscapes.
We are excited to see how artists will interpret this ancient place through their work!
What if an artist is unable to stay the full two weeks?
We ask that you, the artist, be transparent about the time you can commit. We will remain flexible on your and our behalf.
How are artists selected for the Residency Program?
There is a 3-5 person jury to curate selections from the applicant pool. Selections will be based solely on work submitted. Jurors will have access to resumes, names and locales.
Are collaborative teams accepted?
Yes. Collaborative teams applying should submit work that represents the collaboration, not individual work.
Are students allowed to participate in the residency program?
Yes, students over 18 may participate. In fact, all artists submitting work must be over 18 to be accepted.
Is residency housing provided?
No.This particular program does not cover expenses for travel, room or shipping. However, a small stipend of $900 is given to the artist to use how the artist chooses. There are a few lodging opportunities in and around the area, as well as ample camping.
Let us know what your plans are for alternative housing during this residency, we can assist you with suggestions and map out locations.
Friends of Black Rock High Rock staff is available for a one time pick up and drop off if you are arriving in Reno from another location. Once in the Black Rock we can provide some help in accessing camping locations but we highly recommend travel in a high clearance vehicle and all wheel drive for backcountry access.
What are the living/workspaces like?
The artist workspace is the entire NCA and surrounding area. Artists will have access to the Friends of Black Rock High Rock Visitor Center during normal business hours. As mentioned, Friends of Black Rock High Rock may be able to provide some camping gear, orientation and support.
What is the community of Gerlach like?
Gerlach is a one-of-a-kind western community in the true sense of the word. The restaurant and library are within walking distance, as well as the Visitor Center operated by Friends of Black Rock-High Rock. This modest town is known for its simplicity and remoteness. Hardware and supply stores are nonexistent. Errands can be arranged with the staff at the Visitor Center.
What is the weather like?
This northwestern corridor of Nevada is filled with micro-climates which change at a moment?s notice. Winds can gust up to 70 miles an hour. Dust storms, rain, sleet and snow can appear in any season. Clothes must be diverse to prepare for any and all conditions. Driving on the desert surface, or playa, is not recommended within 72 hours of a rainstorm. Other areas of the NCA are accessible in wet weather. These micro-climates enhance the wilderness areas and wildlife ecosystems which will assist in telling the story through artistic interpretations.
Are there specific sites to be considered for artistic work?
Yes, several areas of interest will be highlighted for the artist to consider. Some are remote and will require overnight camping, others are closer to Gerlach and can be day trips. Friends of Black Rock-High Rock can provide tents and sleeping bags if the artist does not own gear. If camping is desired, a set of criteria will be reviewed to ensure your trip is safe and monitored.
OVERVIEW
Friends of Black Rock-High Rock and the BLM will provide:
-Access to and from Gerlach if arriving by plane.
-Tours of potential artistic locations with the Black Rock NCA.
-Information about the NCA and the local area.
-Exhibitions and receptions at the end of residency (including invitations, refreshments, installation assistance, etc.).
-Replication of artist's artwork (quantity and method dependent on artist's medium).
-Modest $900 stipend to artist
-Recognition of achievement in press releases, advertising and promotional materials, on BLM and FBRHR websites.
-Lodging in Gerlach.
-Costs of materials (up to $100 for Community Engagement Talk or Activity).
Expectations of artist:
-At least one completed artwork for BLM/FBRHR, created within the NCA
Be prepared to show a selection of 5-7 other works alongside the piece or pieces created as Artist in Residence (does not have to be work created in the field and at the time of residency but we hope it will).
-Greet and speak to groups at two events ( Artist Reception and Community Engagement Talk or Activity).
-Willingness to speak with media as BLM/FBRHR Artist in Residence
Grant rights to print designated artwork for use in fundraising or exhibitions.
-Participation in a public exhibit of works in at least one reception in Gerlach, Reno, and/or Winnemucca.
-Donate one framed piece of artwork to FBRHR.
-The artists will retain copyright over their works and agree to grant FBRHR and the BLM a royalty-free, nonexclusive use license allowing us to use images of the artwork for whatever purpose, in perpetuity. When the artist reproduces this artwork for his/her own purposes, publication information must include the language: 'This artwork was produced under the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock/Bureau of Land Management Artist-in-Residence Program.'
The Black Rock Desert Artist in Residence (BRD AiR) Program promotes awareness and appreciation of the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area through the prism of art. This Artist in Residence program is a part of the Bureau of Land Management's support of public lands through residencies in over nine western states and in National Parks, Monuments, Conservation and Recreation Areas.
Participating artists will reflect on Black Rock Desert NCA's scenic beauty, natural history, and cultural significance, creating artwork that will contribute to the public's understanding and engagement with National Conservation Lands in Northern Nevada and nationwide.
Artists are encouraged to depict the variety of cultural and natural resources of Black Rock Desert NCA, including historic structures, artifacts, cultural landscapes, the local ecosystem and wildlife.
IMPORTANT DATES
Submission Period: February 1st, 2024 to March 14th, 2024
Announcement of AiR Candidates: during the week of April 1st, 2024
Residencies: June 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 (no residencies from August 15 to September 10, 2024)
SUBMITTING ARTWORK GUIDELINES
When applying online, you will be requested to include relevant information (title, medium, date, etc.), a CV or resume, and Statement (280 words or less). The Statement should be a statement of purpose explaining interest in the program and how work will contribute to interpretation and appreciation of the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA).
-For still visual art mediums, please include 6-10 images (in JPG or TIF formats). Up to two videos with combined run times of no more than 4 minutes (as MP4 or AVI) may also be submitted if desired.
-For video mediums, please submit 2-3 videos with a combined run time of no longer than 10 minutes in MP4 or AVI formats.
-For audio mediums, please submit 2-3 soundbites with a combined run time of no longer than 10 minutes in MP3 or WAV formats.
-For literary submissions, please submit 2-5 samples in standard 12pt font, double spaced, not to exceed 10 pages.
-Artwork samples must showcase at least 6 but no more than 10 individual pieces or performances dated within the past five years.
-If you feel these stipulations may prevent your artwork from being communicated effectively and would like to request another submission format please contact Nicholas LaPalm at [email protected].
FAQs
The Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA is remote and desolate. It is surrounded by ten Wilderness Areas; each with its own unique landscape characteristics. The Black Rock Desert is steeped in the cultural history of both indigenous people and settlers and is home to dramatic unpopulated desert landscapes.
We are excited to see how artists will interpret this ancient place through their work!
What if an artist is unable to stay the full two weeks?
We ask that you, the artist, be transparent about the time you can commit. We will remain flexible on your and our behalf.
How are artists selected for the Residency Program?
There is a 3-5 person jury to curate selections from the applicant pool. Selections will be based solely on work submitted. Jurors will have access to resumes, names and locales.
Are collaborative teams accepted?
Yes. Collaborative teams applying should submit work that represents the collaboration, not individual work.
Are students allowed to participate in the residency program?
Yes, students over 18 may participate. In fact, all artists submitting work must be over 18 to be accepted.
Is residency housing provided?
No.This particular program does not cover expenses for travel, room or shipping. However, a small stipend of $900 is given to the artist to use how the artist chooses. There are a few lodging opportunities in and around the area, as well as ample camping.
Let us know what your plans are for alternative housing during this residency, we can assist you with suggestions and map out locations.
Friends of Black Rock High Rock staff is available for a one time pick up and drop off if you are arriving in Reno from another location. Once in the Black Rock we can provide some help in accessing camping locations but we highly recommend travel in a high clearance vehicle and all wheel drive for backcountry access.
What are the living/workspaces like?
The artist workspace is the entire NCA and surrounding area. Artists will have access to the Friends of Black Rock High Rock Visitor Center during normal business hours. As mentioned, Friends of Black Rock High Rock may be able to provide some camping gear, orientation and support.
What is the community of Gerlach like?
Gerlach is a one-of-a-kind western community in the true sense of the word. The restaurant and library are within walking distance, as well as the Visitor Center operated by Friends of Black Rock-High Rock. This modest town is known for its simplicity and remoteness. Hardware and supply stores are nonexistent. Errands can be arranged with the staff at the Visitor Center.
What is the weather like?
This northwestern corridor of Nevada is filled with micro-climates which change at a moment?s notice. Winds can gust up to 70 miles an hour. Dust storms, rain, sleet and snow can appear in any season. Clothes must be diverse to prepare for any and all conditions. Driving on the desert surface, or playa, is not recommended within 72 hours of a rainstorm. Other areas of the NCA are accessible in wet weather. These micro-climates enhance the wilderness areas and wildlife ecosystems which will assist in telling the story through artistic interpretations.
Are there specific sites to be considered for artistic work?
Yes, several areas of interest will be highlighted for the artist to consider. Some are remote and will require overnight camping, others are closer to Gerlach and can be day trips. Friends of Black Rock-High Rock can provide tents and sleeping bags if the artist does not own gear. If camping is desired, a set of criteria will be reviewed to ensure your trip is safe and monitored.
OVERVIEW
Friends of Black Rock-High Rock and the BLM will provide:
-Access to and from Gerlach if arriving by plane.
-Tours of potential artistic locations with the Black Rock NCA.
-Information about the NCA and the local area.
-Exhibitions and receptions at the end of residency (including invitations, refreshments, installation assistance, etc.).
-Replication of artist's artwork (quantity and method dependent on artist's medium).
-Modest $900 stipend to artist
-Recognition of achievement in press releases, advertising and promotional materials, on BLM and FBRHR websites.
-Lodging in Gerlach.
-Costs of materials (up to $100 for Community Engagement Talk or Activity).
Expectations of artist:
-At least one completed artwork for BLM/FBRHR, created within the NCA
Be prepared to show a selection of 5-7 other works alongside the piece or pieces created as Artist in Residence (does not have to be work created in the field and at the time of residency but we hope it will).
-Greet and speak to groups at two events ( Artist Reception and Community Engagement Talk or Activity).
-Willingness to speak with media as BLM/FBRHR Artist in Residence
Grant rights to print designated artwork for use in fundraising or exhibitions.
-Participation in a public exhibit of works in at least one reception in Gerlach, Reno, and/or Winnemucca.
-Donate one framed piece of artwork to FBRHR.
-The artists will retain copyright over their works and agree to grant FBRHR and the BLM a royalty-free, nonexclusive use license allowing us to use images of the artwork for whatever purpose, in perpetuity. When the artist reproduces this artwork for his/her own purposes, publication information must include the language: 'This artwork was produced under the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock/Bureau of Land Management Artist-in-Residence Program.'