Acadia National Park Artist-in-Residence Open Call for 2025

The Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program at Acadia National Park invites accomplished and emerging artists to help create new and interesting ways for visitors to experience the park through the arts. Since 2023, the program's operational costs have been funded fully by donations from sales proceeds at America's National Park Stores (Eastern National) stores throughout the park.

Participants are asked to lead a public outreach activity for park visitors and the community, with reimbursement available up to $225 for activity supplies and materials for as many as 15 participants. Artists must also complete within a year one finished work of art based on their experience. While artists retain ownership and copyright, they are asked to loan the artwork to the program for public display for seven years and grant permission to include images and descriptions in the program's permanent online catalog.

In 2025, the program will host five participants: one visual artist and one writer from "Away," one visual artist and one writer from Maine, and one "At Large" participant in media such as music, dance, and emerging technologies. Participants from "Away" may receive a vehicle hang tag, gift card for ferry tickets, and housing options including up to 14 nights in a private apartment at Schoodic Institute, up to 30 nights in employee housing during off-season (November into March), or up to three nights at Isle au Haut ranger cabin (June to October). Participants from Maine may receive a full calendar year residency with employee vehicle decal for free park entry and similar housing options.

Applications are reviewed by jury panels consisting of past program participants, local community members, and park staff. Selection criteria include portfolio quality, professional accomplishments, and the novelty and interest of the proposed public outreach activity. Participants take part at their own expense and must possess a valid driver's license and personal vehicle. Local transportation is not provided. Repeat residencies are considered on a case-by-case basis. Housing assignments are based on availability and may include apartments at Schoodic Institute, a historic carriage road gatehouse on Mount Desert Island, or a rustic cabin on Isle au Haut without plumbing or electricity.