Shenandoah National Park's Artist-in-Residence program offers artists an opportunity to live and work in this exceptional environment for three weeks. The works completed during the program will deepen the understanding and appreciation of Shenandoah National Park. The Park's Artist-in-Residence program is supported by a generous donation from the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

Benefit to the Artists
This program provides the artist with uninterrupted time to pursue their own body of work and also the opportunity to engage and inspire the public through outreach. The artist has the opportunity to create works that promote an understanding of the need to preserve our national parks. Our hope is for artists to seek and share their artistic inspiration as they explore and experience Shenandoah National Park. Artists will receive a $1,200 stipend and up to $100 to purchase supplies for public programs.

Housing
The artist will be housed in furnished employee housing in the southern portion of Shenandoah National Park. 

Requirements for the program
The Artists-in-Residence will be required to present at least two public programs during their residency. Participants must also donate an original piece of art to the Shenandoah National Park Trust within six months of their residency. This piece should represent the artist's unique style and reflect their experiences during the residency.

Donated artworks may be showcased at local art galleries, visitor centers, and community outreach organizations, helping to promote awareness of Shenandoah National Park and the Artist-in-Residence program.

Artists are responsible for providing their own art supplies and must have access to a personal vehicle during their residency.

Dates for the Residency
May 9 to May 30, 2025

June 9 to June 30, 2025

July 11 to August 1, 2025

August 4 to August 25, 2025

September 12 to October 3, 2025

October 8 to October 29, 2025

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 National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Application Requirements

Artists will need to respond to several questions. They will also need to submit a resume and several images of their work. A letter of reference is optional. 

Please Note:

• You MUST upload images/samples of your work to be considered
• You can be logged out due to inactivity without your application saving, consider saving your application answers elsewhere during this process to ensure your information is not lost before you have completed the application
• February 5 is the deadline to apply - under no circumstances will we extend this deadline or accept applications afterwards. We strongly recommend submitting your applications early in order to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Please do not wait until the last day.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists including writers, composers, crafters, painters, photographers, sculptors, storytellers, musicians, videographers, poets, and all visual artists are encouraged to apply. 

Artists-in-Residence must be at least 18 years old and prepared to dedicate three weeks to creating and inspiring others largely independently in a semi-remote setting within Shenandoah National Park. Applicants should demonstrate a high level of proficiency and a strong commitment to their chosen artistic medium.