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

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve offers an Artist-in-Residence program where selected artists accompany a Park Ranger on a backcountry patrol. Artists must be physically fit and possess skills and experience for extended, rigorous wilderness travel. Artists provide their own food, art supplies, camping and backpacking gear, and transportation to and from Coldfoot, Alaska. The Park supplies transportation originating and ending in Coldfoot, watercraft and associated equipment for float trips, and bear resistant food containers for all trips. 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. Artists interested in a winter experience may propose a residency in March or April.

Applications require: a one-page Statement of Intent describing the proposed artistic project and how the residency will contribute to the preservation of Wilderness and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; a description of physical condition; a resume of no more than two pages; two letters of recommendation; and art samples (10 for visual artists, 3 for video or performance artists, or 1 six-page maximum writing sample for writers).