great basin national park artist in residence 2024

Artists have played an important role in the formation, preservation, and enjoyment of national parks. Over a century ago, by painting landscapes of the American West, artists publicized many of the natural wonders of a land little known to an eastern populace. Their body of work helped to foster appreciation for these national wonders which ultimately resulted in the establishment of many national parks. Artist’s interpretation of park landscapes through many types of media connects people to these special places, which is an essential part of the preservation and protection of America’s national parks.

At Great Basin National Park, artists will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Park from the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the depths of Lehman Caves. The Park offers the solitude of the wilderness and provides expansive and renowned dark-sky stargazing. The sights, sounds, and textures of the environment, along with uninterrupted time, offer a respite from typical daily life and provide inspiration for creative work.

Great Basin National Park is very remote. The closest town is Baker which has few to no amenities. Artists will find amenities in Ely, Nevada, 60 miles away.

Each AIR will present one public program in the Park during their residency. The winter program may take place in a local school rather than the Park. The AIR will also present one virtual public program after their residency which will be organized through Great Basin National Park Foundation (GBNPF). GBNPF is the nonprofit partner of Great Basin National Park, and is financially supporting this residency.

Each AIR will provide a digital portfolio of visual art, writing, music, or performance created during the residency. The digital portfolio will not be monetized, and exclusive rights will not be requested. Artists will always be credited with their work when digital items are used. Digital portfolios will be shared with Great Basin National Park and GBNPF.

Each AIR will donate one physical artistic piece (if applicable), along with a digital representation of the artistic piece within one year of their residency. The donation may be displayed in the Park for up to three years, after which it will be transferred to GBNPF for unrestricted use. Each AIR will provide a deed of gift to GBNPF for donated work(s) allowing rights to both digital & physical pieces.

Artists will be selected based upon their demonstrated professionalism, artistic integrity, creativity, ability to interpret Great Basin National Park and the Great Basin Region, and ability to reside in a remote location (camping and/or housing). Artists' professional resume and personal statement should address the above to be competitive within this application.