How competitive is the application process?

This is the first year after a long hiatus — we assume that the opportunity will attract quite a few artists! We have only had invited artists up to this point, it has been very, very successful, so much so, in fact, that we thought it only fair to release this publicly. So, I really encourage you to apply, this could be a great chance to live and work in a very unique and wild place.

When will applicants be notified of their acceptance to be the Big Bend National Park Resident Artist?

Two months in advance of the commencement of the AIR term for which they applied.

What are the housing arrangements?

Artists will stay at a 1-3 bedroom house either in the park or in nearby Terlingua, TX, approximately 30 miles from the Panther Junction Visitors Center. There is no official studio but plenty of room to make a decent workspace for most projects.

Can Couples/Partners Apply?

Yes. And Families and Small Groups. All people staying at the residency MUST BE LISTED on the original application.

Or Artists are housed at the Park in employee housing. Occupants are responsible for daily cleaning and final cleaning. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas. There is a full kitchen, ample air-conditioning, and wifi.

What are the studio arrangements?

There is no studio available this year.

Can an applicant apply for other NPAF Artist in Residence programs and workshops simultaneously?

Yes. You can even apply with the exact same proposal but fitted for a different park or monument — who knows it may work better in other parks!

May an applicant apply with their Nom de Plume, pseudonym, fauxnom or exhibit name?

No. The name on the application must be the individual’s legal name. However, please include above on your application if you prefer to be addressed and credited by this artist’s name. 

Do I need to have a car?

Yes. Artists are responsible for their own travel and travel expenses.  Also, Big Bend is very isolated and you need to be inspired by places you can only get to with a car or truck, as well as to buy groceries and other supplies. On occasion, we will have a donation of a vehicle but will notify the participant if and when it becomes available.

Where do I apply?

https://nationalparksartsfoundation.submittable.com/submit

What are the guidelines for submitting my digital images?

We basically accept most file types and are looking for files no more than a resolution of 72 PPI, no more than 3 MB, and no less than 1920 pixels. We basically need to see them clearly on a full screen. Audio files may be submitted as MP3, and video files as MOV files. See Submittable Portal for details on accepted formats and sizes, etc. 

Do we select artists whose work is specifically about Big Bend?

We are interested in artists being inspired by the Park and, like our past artists, it is impossible not to be inspired in some way by the majestic beauty of the park. A performance artist with striking artwork and documentation has just as much a chance at being selected as does someone who has been plein-air painting in the park for fifty years. We have a full panel of judges, who are at the top of the arts professions looking at the portfolios. This is not about taste or any agenda, it is about great artwork and giving an artist a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create fine art in a National Park.

Are the artists selected judged strictly on a scoring scale?

Our curators, judges, and panelists are top of their profession in the arts and their names may be posted on the website. We may also consider input from cultural experts and the NPS. So, the answer is, no, because knowing and judging what art is and choosing appropriate candidates, goes far beyond just knowing a numbers scoring system. In addition, we are only able to contact, the selected artists, and the alternates. 

Are you or the jurors able to give feedback on my submission?

No. Neither NPAF nor the jurors have time to provide individual feedback. 

Is there any funding or stipends available?

Yes, this year we are able to offer a $2,000 stipend, payable after the residency. 

Do you accept international artists?

Yes, but they must have all of the proper INS and Homeland Security paperwork, visas, etc for the program of their own accord, though we will help them as much as possible.