Saguaro National Park
Artist Residency
Gateway to the Sonoran Desert
June 2025 Now Open To Apply!
Now with a $3,000 Stipend
Deadline: October 22nd, 2024
Saguaro National Park, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of the American Southwest, boasting a unique blend of cultural richness and ecological diversity that captivates visitors from around the globe. Spanning two distinct districts, to the west and east of Tucson, the park showcases the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American West, against a backdrop of rugged landscapes and magical, vibrant sunsets. The park's cultural significance is deeply rooted in the history of the Akimel O'otham and Tohono O'odham, and other indigenous people who have inhabited this region for centuries, as well as the Petroglyphs of the Hohokam culture on Signal Hill.
Please Note: This program is not affiliated with the NPS at Saguaro National Park this program year.
Gateway to the Sonoran Desert
The park's landscapes range from the saguaro-studded hillsides to rugged mountain terrain, offering panoramic views that change with the shifting light of the day. Whether exploring the towering cacti forests, participating in ranger-led programs, or stargazing under the clear desert sky, visitors are enveloped in an iconic landscape that fosters appreciation for the delicate balance between nature and cultures of Southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park, with its awe-inspiring vistas and rich cultural tapestry, beckons adventurers and seekers of natural beauty alike. It stands as a sanctuary where the past and present converge, inviting all who enter to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.
Ecologically, Saguaro National Park is a marvel, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. The park is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, with over 1,200 plant species and a myriad of wildlife, including desert tortoises, Javelina, Gila monsters, and a variety of bird species. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts to witness the desert's intricate ecosystems up close.
In 1933, President Herbert Hoover established the original park, Saguaro National Monument, in the Rincon Mountains. 30 years later, President John F. Kennedy added the Tucson Mountain District to the monument and renamed the original tract the Rincon Mountain District. The United States Congress combined the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District to form the national park in 1994.
An Artist Colony since the 1920s, Tucson‘s sights have drawn many artists & writers over the years, including Maynard Dixon, Georges Simenon, Frederick Sommer, Erskine Caldwell, Larry McMurtry, Ed Abbey, Charles Bowden, and Ettore DeGrazia.
More information about the Saguaro National Park can be found on the park website below
For questions about the Artists Residency, please contact NPAF https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
Artists Residency
June 2025 Now Open to Apply
Current Application Deadline: October 22, 2024
Notification: February 1st, 2025
Residency Date: June 3rd - 27th, 2025
Residency Type: All artistic media
Artists Stipend: $3,000
Solo Artist/ Couple/ Duos: Yes
Groups / Family / Household: Yes
Housing: Housing in a spacious house outside the park (without a separate studio) centrally located, approximately 30 minutes from each of the two Saguaro NP districts, Tucson Mountain and Rincón Mountain Districts.
Artist Event(s) / Workshop(s) Required/ Venue on location: Optional, but if you are interested, specify your interest in a public event and NPAF will consider it.
National Museum/Archives Art Donation: Yes, for consideration.
