surf air program

Applicants are invited to apply for the 2026 Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program in Lead, South Dakota.

Purpose

The SURF AiR program provides opportunities for artists to create work inspired by the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), which is set in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. SURF’s unique location and history make it an ideal place for creative work. At 4,850 feet deep, SURF is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine. The facility houses experiments in physics, biology, geology, and engineering. The SURF AiR program leverages the unique characteristics of SURF and the science experiments it hosts to create awareness and encourage interdisciplinary work. This residency is modeled after various programs offered by government, science and industry including the National Park Service, CERN, and Fermilab.

Program overview

The SURF AiR includes a four-week on-site visit in the summer and a one-week art installation/guest lecture visit in the fall. Timeframes for the visits will be determined by each artist’s schedule in coordination with SURF (please note, available dates for the summer visit are between May 22-July 31 and the fall installation/guest lecture visit is scheduled for October).

The SURF AiR Program includes the following for the artist: transportation in the form of airfare, rental car or mileage, housing and per diem for both visits; access to a studio space; and tours of the surfaces and underground facilities. Artists must undergo safety training at SURF and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, which will be on loan while the artist is on site. SURF provides a guide for all onsite activities at and artists must be accompanied by their designated guide at all times. A stipend of $5,000 will be paid in two installments over the course of the residency. The artist may apply for up to $5,000 in additional funds to be used for the creation of the artwork.

In the fall, the artist will install an art exhibition and give up to two lectures based on the artist’s proposal. In addition to the lectures, each artist will provide promotional or outreach events within the local community. SURF will work with the artist to establish and schedule these events and make arrangements for the exhibition location. This may include working with local schools and universities, interviews and/or documentation of the residency. Each artist will donate at least one piece of artwork to SURF for inclusion in SURF’s permanent art collection; the artwork will be selected by a representative of SURF. The artist will be responsible for installation and de-installation of the artwork (in coordination with SURF and the exhibition space). SURF will cover the cost of return shipping up to $7,000.

Working underground requires the artist to be comfortable in dark spaces and follow all safety protocols. The artist must also be able to walk on uneven surfaces for at least a mile at a time. Travel underground entails taking an elevator ride in the dark as well as negotiating wet conditions and slippery surfaces. A guide is required and will accompany the artist at all times while at SURF.

A timeline and expectations will be agreed upon before the residency begins. An MOU will be drafted and signed by the artist and SURF.