In 2023 the park is offering four residencies. One residency will be offered to a night sky artist for 2-4 weeks. As an International Dark Sky Park, we are interested in engaging in art and culture with our dark skies. The park also offers three artists a choice of residency of 2-4 weeks for visual and performing artists, writers, and composers.

The selected artists will be given rent-free use of a furnished park house and will also receive a $500 contributions from The Entrada Institute to assist with travel and supply expenses.

The Artist-in-Residence program is supported by Capitol Reef National Park, in partnership with the Capitol Reef Natural History Association and The Entrada Institute.

Selection Process

Writers, sculptors, photographers, painters, dancers, cinematographers, musicians, composers, and other visual and performing artists are invited to apply for this opportunity to draw upon the multifaceted qualities of Capitol Reef for inspiration.

Applications are reviewed by jury panels of past program participants, subject matter experts, local community arts leaders, and park staff. Their decision will be based on merit and how the artists’ work can communicate the park’s significance and its relevance to park visitors.

Once all available residencies are accepted, remaining applicants are notified of the outcome of their submissions via email. A press release will follow announcing the names and backgrounds of selected participants.

Jury panels consider applications based upon the following-

Portfolio: Does the art suggest they can help broaden, diversify, and enhance Capitol Reef National Park through their art form? Does it have a wow factor that makes you really want to see/hear/read more from this artist?

Outreach: Is the artist's proposal for public outreach activity novel, interesting, and provide visitors with opportunities to experience Capitol Reef in new ways?

Accomplishments: Does the artist's resume demonstrate competence in their chosen field and that they have a track record of achieving what they set out to do?

Program limitations

Selected artists travel to and take part in the program at their own expense except for the $500 contribution. Participants are at liberty to use online fundraising campaigns to help cover costs associated with their residencies, but they may not brand, promote, or imply endorsement of such activities by the National Park Service, Capitol Reef National Park, or the Artist-in-Residence program.

Local transportation is not provided. Participants must possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. 

Housing

The artist will be lodged for free in temporary park housing within the Historic Fruita District. Utilities are included. ADA-compliant (standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act) housing is currently not available. The artist will have a private bedroom and studio but may have shared common living areas, bathrooms, and kitchen. Housing rules apply, such as no pets or smoking. Prior approval is required for guests.

The house is furnished and has a telephone line for local or phone card calls. Wi-Fi is provided however, there is no cell phone service in the park. A shared washer and dryer are available in the park to use. Kitchen includes major appliances (refrigerator, stove, sink) and some very basic utensils and dishes. The selected artist is responsible for bringing everything else he/she may need.

Dental and medical care, churches and groceries are available within 30 miles west of the park in Torrey, Bicknell, and Loa. More extensive services are available in Richfield (population 7,500) located 75 miles to the west of the park.

Responsibilities and Duties

Artists-in Residence are enrolled in the Volunteers-in-Parks program. The artist works an average of 40 hours of work per week in the park or other approved locations.

During the residency, the artist presents a minimum of one 45-minute public interpretive program for a two-week residency or two 45-minute presentations for a four-week residency either in the park and/or at The Entrada Institute.

No later than six months after an artist’s residency, the artist will donate an original, Capitol Reef-inspired product to the Capitol Reef Natural History Association (CRNHA). For visual artists creating physical pieces the size is limited to 48 inches on any side for two-dimensional pieces, and a footprint of roughly 18-inches square (324 square inches) for three-dimensional pieces intended for indoor display. Potable outdoor pieces will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Finished works must be donated with frames or cases appropriate for secure public display, transportation, and storage, and must not require permanent installation or alteration of host facilities. While artists retain ownership of copyright for their donated pieces, they are asked to grant permission for limited ongoing use to the park and its formal partners for program promotion, public outreach, and development of sales items in the park bookstores, with proceeds benefitting program operational costs.

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

All applications, without exception, must be completed online through the CallForEntries.org website, where you can create an account and manage your application for this and other arts opportunities.

For questions and troubleshooting of your application, please email program staff.

Complete submittals will include:

• Professional resume and summary of creative achievements. (No more than two pages)
• Statement for purpose for residency (No more than one page). Explain what you hope to accomplish during a residency at Capitol Reef National Park, how the stay will contribute to your artistic development, and what you will contribute to benefit the park.
• Brief description of intended public presentation, including AV and infrastructure needs, and any other expectations of the park.
• Samples of artistic work.
  • Visual artists (painters, photographers, sculptors, etc.) JPEG files of up to six different works.
  • Videographers and performing artists (drama, dance, etc.) Up to three productions not to exceed 10 minutes total.
  • Performing artists (music, composers, etc.) Up to three compositions not to exceed 10 minutes total.
  • Literary artists (writers, poets, etc.) Up to four samples not more than three pages each.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a track record of professional artistic pursuit.