2020 Artist-in-Residence Program at Denali National Park

Denali National Park is seeking artists, writers, and composers for its Artist-in-Residence program. Applicants should focus on the topic of "Adapting to Change." Alaska Native artists and artists working in sustainable, recycled, or repurposed materials are strongly encouraged to apply.

About six accomplished artists, writers, and composers are invited annually to spend ten days in Denali during the summer at their own expense. Residents receive a permit for limited access along the Denali Park Road and stay at a historic ranger patrol cabin. Each participant volunteers to lead a public outreach activity with visitors and may donate a finished work to the program collection. Residencies are scheduled between June and September and are based at ranger patrol cabins with basic amenities including a propane heater, range, oven, refrigerator, and bunks. There is no electricity or running water. Residents must provide their own transportation to and from the park, supplies, provisions, clothing, and outdoor gear. No stipend is provided. Each resident may bring one adult guest. A valid driver's license is required.

Residencies typically begin on a Tuesday with orientation at Park Headquarters, followed by nine nights at the cabin site. On Thursday morning of the following week, residents return to lead outreach activities at the Denali Visitor Center and stay one final night at Park Headquarters before departing Friday morning. Outreach activities typically take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoons and last 45 to 90 minutes, with 12 to 24 participants. Residents receive up to $150 for activity materials and supplies. Donated artwork may be physical pieces (two-dimensional works not exceeding 48 inches in any dimension, or three-dimensional works not exceeding 24 inches) or digital and performance-based works. Composers should donate a PDF score with parts and program notes as well as a digital recording. Applications are accepted online through June 1 to September 30 for residencies the following summer, limited to the first 250 applications. Formal invitations are typically extended by December 31, with public announcements early in the new calendar year.