2018 Artist-in-Residence Program at Denali National Park

As Denali National Park and Preserve celebrates its 100th birthday, the park seeks a diverse suite of voices to help share the unique story of Denali through art. Applicants are encouraged to focus on the subjects of sustainability, recycling, re-purposing, or climate change. Alaska Native artists and artists between the ages of 16 and 25 are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Artist-in-Residence program invites about a half-dozen accomplished artists, writers, and composers to spend ten days in Denali at their own expense during the following winter or summer. Visits include a permit for limited access along the Denali Park Road and time at a historic ranger patrol cabin. Each participant volunteers to lead a public outreach activity with visitors and to donate a finished work to the program collection. Winter residencies (one writer, one artist) include up to four nights at the Upper Savage Cabin with no electricity or running water, plus six nights in shared housing at Park Headquarters. Summer residencies (one writer, one composer, two visual artists) are based at remote ranger patrol cabins with propane heat, cooking facilities, and outhouses. All residents must provide their own transportation, supplies, provisions, clothing, and outdoor gear. No stipend is provided. Each resident may bring one adult guest. Artists under 18 must have a parent or guardian chaperone.

All finished pieces are due by December 31 of the calendar year in which the residency takes place. Two-dimensional donations should not exceed 48 inches in any dimension and be suitably framed. Three-dimensional donations should not exceed 24 inches in any dimension. Composers must donate both a PDF score and a digital recording. While participants retain copyright, they grant permission for the program to use and publish artwork for interpretation, exhibits, and education. Applications are accepted online through CaFÉ from May 15 through September 30 each year for residencies during the winter and summer of the following year.