Weir Farm’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program is envisioned to be an outstanding National Park Service residency program that reflects the values and character of Weir Farm National Historical Park (NHP) by continuing the creative conversations started by the Weir Family through the work of contemporary artists. Weir Farm’s AIR Program fosters contemporary artistic expression on site and prioritizes experimental and thought-provoking approaches to examining and interpreting our world through the medium of contemporary visual art practice. The AIR Program keeps Weir’s experimental tendencies alive allowing the Park to share new ideas broadly with ever more diverse artists, communities, and visitors.

Visual artists apply for residencies in all media and diverse artistic points of view from traditional to experimental. Artists are chosen through an annual call for applicants followed by a competitive jury process. The Weir Farm AIR Program hosts 6 established or emerging visual artists per year to spend one month living and working at the Park (May-October). Housing and studio space are provided. Artists will receive a stipend of $400. Following their residencies, artists have the option to participate in the Artist-in-Residence Alumni Program which is managed by the Weir Farm Art Alliance.

The program is broadly inclusive of all people with a special focus on new and underrepresented voices, while maintaining high standards of artistic practice throughout the program. This reflects society’s shift from the exclusivity of Weir’s time to reflect the values of our society today and of the National Park Service as an organization that is open to all. Weir Farm NHP places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Park and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.

In addition, this program is supported by the generosity of Park partners; the Weir Farm Art Alliance and the Friends of Weir Farm.

Mission of the National Park Service:

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Housing & Studio:

The fully furnished residence sits in the middle of the 68-acre Weir Farm NHP and is one of the Park’s many historic structures. The AIR Studio, constructed in 2010, received a Certificate of Honor Award from the National Park Service. It is a compatible new construction built on the footprint of what was the former garage/barn a few steps from of the historic Cottage. Virtual tours of these spaces are available here.

Artists must supply their own food, personal items, and art supplies for the duration of their residency.  

Selection Process & Criteria

A three-member jury of experts from the professional art world (academics, museum curators, gallery owners, professional artists, previous artists-in-residence) are selected to review applications. The panel of jurors will consider applications based on the following:

-        Quality of work/artistic merit

-        Well defined, realistic project proposal. What is the likelihood that the artist will be able to successfully execute their work plan in the time given?

-        Selection of the cohort of six artists should represent a diversity of artistic mediums.

-        Selected artists thoughtfully address the ‘Why Weir Farm’ question. Include artists who have reflected on the importance of this location, will flourish in this environment, and will capitalize on the opportunities specifically related to Weir Farm.

-        Does the work foster experimentation, innovation, or diversity/relevance to audiences?

-        Artists must commit to the full residency (4 weeks).

Additional suggestions: Strong submissions often include a well-written workplan, artist statement and recent work samples (within the past two years); articulate what is exciting, different, interesting, or innovative about your process/work; have evidence of some preliminary research and understanding of Weir Farm, the Park’s history, and/or the trajectory of American art; address compelling or relevant topics such as social injustice or climate change; and have a well-thought-out plan that also leaves room for flexibility and innovation.

When Will I Be Notified of a Decision?

-        All Applicants will be notified whether they are selected or not by mid-March 2024.

Application Requirements

Artist Expectations and Requirements:

-        Age 25+ at submission of application

-        Graduate student, Emerging Artist, Professional Artist

-        Artists may only apply as individuals, as only one person can be in residency at a time. Couples, collectives, etc. will not be considered.

-        Ability to speak and read English at a conversational level.

-        Willingness to engage with the Park and art community while in residence:

o   Welcome Event - Artists are required to attend a Welcome event - a small meet and greet event with Park staff, partners, volunteers held at the start of each residency that is organized by the Friends of Weir Farm.

o   Open Studio: Meet The Artist event – Artists are required to provide one public program during their residency – a Public Open Studio. This program will be scheduled with Park staff and will take place towards the end of your residency. This is your opportunity to share your work and a bit about your experience with the public in the studio space.

-        Artists are required to sign up with the NPS VIP Program as volunteers and track/submit their hours worked.

-        Artists are required to sign a Volunteer Service Agreement Form and adhere to all Park Polices during their residency.

-        While not required, it is encouraged that artists arrive with their own mode of transportation. Due to the location, a vehicle is recommended. Biking in the area is not encouraged.

-        Artists will send 3-5 images of their work to the Park each week of the residency to be shared on Park and partner social media.

-        Artists will send digital representation of their work done while in residence no later than 6 months from the last date in residency.

-        Artists are required to complete a post-residency feedback questionnaire.

-        Must commit to full 4-week residency (applicants requesting a shortened residency will be removed from consideration).

-        Upon accepting the residency, artists must provide headshot, bio, and paperwork as requested.

-        Optional: Artists will participate in a post-residency video interview speaking on their experience and sharing images of their work/work-in-progress.

-        For more information about the Weir Farm Artist-In-Residence Program, click here.

Limitations

-        Projects that plan for outdoor installations or projects that may negatively impact Weir Farm’s natural and cultural resources will not be considered. Weir Farm NHP does not allow any temporary or permanent installations on-site that would impact the historic landscape.

-        The use of toxic chemicals or hazardous materials is prohibited. Prohibited items include chemicals identified as hazardous in the Safety Data Sheets Database, combustible materials, large quantities of paint thinners, anything containing mercury, and heavy metals (such as lead).

-        Working with open flames, welding, grinding of metal, or acid etching is prohibited. Items that produce heat that do not have an automatic shutoff are prohibited (Weir Farm has an approved hot plate available for studio use).

-        Collection of natural materials is not permitted on Federal land which includes all areas of Weir Farm NHP. Collection of natural materials may be permitted from within the neighboring Weir Preserve with permission.

-        Selling artwork on Federal lands is prohibited.

-        No overnight guests or pets.

-        No smoking.

-        There is not a kiln and firing would not be permitted on the property. 

-        Limited access to museum collections (artists may schedule a time with Park staff to take photographs inside the Weir House and studios to use as inspiration for their work but will not be permitted to handle any archives or collections or use them as part of their artistic process during the residency. The Park has many images and scans of collections and archives that can be shared with artists upon request.)

Applicants may apply in any of the following visual art media:

Painting

Photography

Printmaking

Sculpture

Fiber Art

Mixed Media

Eligibility Criteria

Weir Farm NHP encourages applications from artists representing a wide range of perspectives, demographics, and media (e.g., painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, fiber art, mixed media). Graduate & Doctoral students, emerging and professional artists aged 25+ at the time of application may apply. Applicants must be eligible to travel to and within the United States. Weir Farm NHP and the Artist-in-Residence Program are not responsible for procuring or sponsoring visas to the United States.​