Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence 2023

Grand Canyon National Park is located high on the Colorado Plateau in the dry desert southwest, far from the lights of large cities. The park protects some of the most pristine night skies in the United States and was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2019, receiving the award for International Dark Sky Place of the Year that same year.

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Astronomer-in-Residence program supports artists, astronomers, educators, and other practitioners who wish to engage with the night skies of the Canyon in their work and share their expertise, instruments, and passion with the park's public. Topics of special interest include the threats of light pollution and society's complex relationship with natural darkness. Selected astronomers will live and work at the historic Verkamp's artist residence at Grand Canyon National Park for a 6-week period and receive a stipend of $2,000 to cover the costs of food, travel, and supplies. Available residency periods in 2023 are March 8 - April 19, April 26 - June 7, and October 18 - November 29. Shorter residency periods will be considered with stipends pro-rated accordingly.

Applications are due Friday, October 7, 2022, and astronomers will be notified of acceptance by the end of November. The application fee is $35, with hardship grants available for those who cannot manage the fee. Applicants should submit a brief bio, CV or resume, artist statement or teaching philosophy (optional), 3-5 work samples with titles, dates, medium, and descriptions, and a project proposal addressing self-guided research and development, on-site community engagement through presentations and/or workshops. A panel of park rangers, previous residents, and night sky advocates will select residents based on artistic or educational merit, project proposal, and the need for a well-balanced diversity of residents. Solo astronomers, artists, educators, scientists, and other practitioners who study the night sky are encouraged to apply.