Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 2015 Artist-in-Residence

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve hosts one Artist-in-Residence patrol each year. The resident artist(s) accompanies park staff on a working back country patrol of 8 to 10 days. Selected artists must be physically fit enough to make such a journey and possess the skills and experience for extended, rigorous wilderness travel. Artists arrange their own transportation to and from Bettles, Alaska, and the park provides transportation by small aircraft into the park from Bettles. The park supplies bear resistant food containers, watercraft and associated equipment for float trips; artists bring their own food, art supplies, camping and backpacking gear. While in the back country, NPS staff carry a shotgun, first aid kit, GPS, and satellite phone for safety and communication. Pets are not allowed.

The artist proposes an art project inspired by their residency that will be donated to the park and agrees to make at least one public presentation about their experience within one year. Contributed works become park property and are placed on public display or performed within the community. Collaborative projects and programs that coordinate with local schools and organizations are encouraged. Artist-in-Residence patrols take place June through mid-September.

Application materials required: a one-page Statement of Intent describing the artistic project and how the residency will contribute to the preservation of wilderness and the National Park Service; a description of physical condition and back country experience; a resume of no more than two pages; two letters of recommendation; and art samples (10 for visual artists, 3 for digital/video/audio/performance artists, or 1 six-page maximum writing sample for writers). Work sample requirements: up to 10 images, up to 3 audio files, and up to 3 video files.