2026 New Mexico Arts Artist Residency - Sandia Mountain Natural History Center

The 2026 New Mexico Arts Artist Residency at Sandia Mountain Natural History Center offers a six-week residency period in Cedar Crest, New Mexico. Artists will reside and work at the Caretaker's Casita, a one-bedroom adobe building with full furnishings, kitchen, bathroom, and access to miles of trails. The residency culminates in the artist's research and development of new work created during their stay, with required public engagement opportunities including artist talks, exhibitions, workshops, temporary site-specific installations, or performances. All artwork and community engagement must be safe and appropriate for children and adults, ADA compliant, and must not permanently alter the environment when removed.

Eligibility is open to individual artists nationally. The residency stipend is $14,000 all-inclusive, covering materials, shipping, travel, insurance, and applicable taxes, paid in two installments: $7,000 upon contract execution and $7,000 upon completion of the public engagement activity. Artists are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the site and for food expenses. Internet access is not provided in the residence but is available in main buildings. No medical or workers' compensation insurance is provided; artists must provide personal coverage. A professional services agreement with New Mexico Arts is required.

Two residency periods are available: March 6 – April 17, 2026 and April 24 – June 5, 2026. The submission deadline is October 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Work samples should include 5-15 images and up to 3 videos. Artists will be notified in late October 2025. This opportunity is for individual artists only; artistic duos and families cannot be accommodated.