Artist-in-Residence Program

Erica Shirk demonstrates printmaking.

NPS

Artist-in-Residence Program Details:

Wanting to apply? Read below on what to include with your application!

2025 Application Deadline : January 31, 2025

Artist reqirements during the residency:

• Explore Homestead's historical, cultural, and natural themes through your work.
• Present one public program and be visible to the public at least two (2) hours a day.
• Donate to Homestead National Historical Park one artistic production inspired by your time participating in the residency.

Application Requirements:

Applicants need to provide the following application materials:

1. Completed volunteer form found online here.

2. Statement of Purpose - Your statement of purpose must address the following items, in no more than one (1) single-spaced typed page:
a) An explanation of what you hope to accomplish during your residency;
b) How you will use park themes in your work;
c) How you will use the stay to contribute to your artistic development;
d) A description of the artistic production you will contribute to the park;
e) A brief description of at least one public program in which you share your artistic pursuits. Please note Homestead National Historical Park desires artists who want to be visible and interact with visitors.
3. List of desired dates of residency - Please be as specific as possible when identifying your proposed dates of residency.

4. List of exhibitions and/or relevant teaching (or other professional) experiences.

5. Samples of artwork (no originals) - Please send prints or digital copies of six (6) images. Please note Homestead National Historical Park does not accept original works as part of the Artist-in-Residence application package.

6. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applicants are not guaranteed to participate in Homestead National Historical Park's Artist-in-Residence program. However, Homestead National Historical Park will extend a soft offer and provide further instructions and information to applicants tentatively accepted to the program. The final offer to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program is contingent upon the applicant's successful completion of background check materials and confirmation of the dates the applicant will be in residence at the park.

Please submit your application either by email or by hard copy using either address listed below:

Email: [e-mail]

ATTN: Arist in Residence Program
8523 W. State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

 

2014 Artist-in-Residence paints near Cub Creek.

NPS

Further Information:

Residency periods are about two (2) weeks long, and take place during the months of March through October. Please list date preferences for your residency as part of your application. Housing will be provided at the park; we can most easily accommodate artists seeking spring and fall residencies.

Willingness to share your inspiration with others is a central tenet of the Artist-in-Residence Program. Resident artists are asked to present one public program during their residency. These presentations should be based on the artist’s work, experiences, and interests, and may include workshops, discussions, demonstrations, etc. All programs should be developed in consultation with park staff, and should be appropriate for general park audiences.

Painters, potters, sculptors, and other artists, when appropriate, will be encouraged to work daily in view of park visitors.

The artist is requested to donate an original work which embodies Homestead’s interpretive themes. Any donated artwork must be received within one year of the residency. All expenses for materials and for delivery of the artwork to the park is the responsibility of the artist.

Artists will permit park staff to photograph artwork created and programs given during the residency. The artist will sign a photo release to the National Park Service for use of images of the artwork from the residency, and images of activities associated with the residency. Donated artwork and/or associated images will not be used for commercial purposes, but may be used for education or interpretation by the National Park Service or Eastern National, the Park’s cooperating association.

Art in the Parks:

Artists throughout history have evoked emotions, captured moments, and shown us the world through a myriad of mediums. They convey big ideas through a unique lens and allow us to not only soak in beauty, but gain a new perspective.

Artists have been intimately tied to national parks since the 19th century, when painters such as Thomas Moran documented the unbelievable landscapes of the American West. These artists played a crucial role in stimulating the establishment, visitation, and appreciation of these national parks. Today, artists still find inspiration in national parks and continue to help us make meaningful connections to our nation's special places.

The homesteading story is big—sometimes it seems almost too big to comprehend. But art can help convey its powerful scenes, personal stories, and conceptual themes. Through our Artist-in-Residence program, we invite artists of all specialties to spend time living and working at Homestead National Historical Park. These artists channel their individual talent into one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the homestead story and prairie environment. The opportunity to live and work at Homestead National Historical Park benefits the selected professional artist as well as those who will experience their artwork today and in the future.

 

Mel Mann, 2010 Homestead Resident Artist

For additional questions about the Artist-in-Residence Program:

Email us! or call [phone].

To find other Artist-in-Residence programs in the National Park Service, click here.