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Artists in National Parks
Artists were first to record the visual beauty and the drama of the American West on canvas and in photos. Thomas Moran, William Henry Jackson, and others awakened a nation to the magnificent waterfalls, geyser basins, and wildlife found in what would become Yellowstone National Park. John Muir and Henry Thoreau touched people the world over with their writings. Musicians, composers, and other performing artists have likewise found inspiration in our national parks. They looked beyond nature as a raw resource; they spoke in defense of disappearing wildlife. They saw beauty and virtue in places promised to the future. Their works continue to foster pleasure and appreciation in others and have helped generate support for the establishment and preservation of our national parks.
The Acadia National Park Artist-In-Residence Program provides professionals the opportunity to become part of a long-established tradition of artists in our national parks.
Mount Desert Island Artists: A Long Tradition
In the mid-1800s, landscape painters, including Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, came to Mount Desert Island and captured its beauty on canvas. Their work inspired writers, composers, naturalists, and folks from away to seek the natural splendor of the island.
Those who followed were known as rusticators because they ate and lived with local fishermen and farmers during their summer stay. The rusticators returned each summer to delight in the tranquillity of Mount Desert Island, and for some, to practice their craft. Villagers cottages and fishermen’s huts soon overflowed, and by 1880, 30 hotels competed for vacationers’ dollars. Ballet, opera, musical festivals, and readings flourished each summer on Mount Desert Island.
Over the years the accommodations and number of visitors have increased, but the heart of what first drew people here remains as Acadia National Park. The park, with its dramatic cliffs stretching to the sea, balsam-scented forests, and spring warbler serenades, offers artists a perfect setting to practice and pursue their craft.
Artist-In-Residence Program at Acadia
The Artist-in-Residence Program at Acadia National Park offers professional writers, composers, and all visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while surrounded by the inspiring landscape of the park. In the spring and fall, the park provides housing to participants for two-week to four-week periods. No additional stipend is available.
In return, participating artists are asked to donate to the park collection a piece of work representative of their style and their stay. These creative works will be displayed on a rotating schedule or shared with the public through other appropriate means during the upcoming seasons. Artists are also asked to participate in one public program per week of their residency such as demonstrations, talks, exploratory hikes, or performances. In the fall, artists will be working with fifth and sixth grade students. Programs can be tailored to your medium, interests, and experiences, and only consume a few hours of your stay.
How to Apply
Applications for the program are accepted beginning October 1 and must be received by January 7 for consideration for the following season. NOTE: The 2009 application deadline has been extended to January 15, 2009. Notification will be made by late March. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee for applying to the residency. Make checks payable to the National Park Service.
Any medium that involves collecting or altering park resources would be in conflict with national park preservation goals and would be deemed inappropriate for a residency.
Please send six copies of the following:
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One- to two-page résumé and summary of creative works.
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One-page statement about what you hope to accomplish and achieve during a term as an artist-in-residence at Acadia National Park.
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Description of public/school presentation.
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Names and contact information of two references who know your work.
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An appropriate sample of your recent work (e.g., six slides or one digital (jpg) format from visual artists; six copies of a brief manuscript excerpt, short story, article, poetry, etc.—maximum of six pages—from writers and poets; one ½" VHS videotape or DVD from dancers and other performing artists).
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A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of sample materials. (Written material will not be returned.
For additional information or to mail your application, please contact:
Artist-In-Residence Program Coordinator
Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207-288-3338 - "0" for operator
Selection Process
A panel composed of professionals from various related disciplines and a park representative will choose the finalists for the upcoming season. Selections are made solely on the basis of submitted material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many artists are selected each year? Between four and six artists, plus two alternates, are selected each year.
Do I need to have a car? Yes. There is no public transportation to the park or towns during the residency period.
What are the housing arrangements? Artists are housed in a fully furnished, one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen outfitted with pots, pans, dishes, and silverware. The park supplies linens and bedding. There is a laundry facility in the apartment complex. Occupants supply personal items such as clocks and audiovisual equipment. Occupants are responsible for cleaning the apartment prior to their departure. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Wheelchair-accessible housing is available.
Can I bring my family or pet? Family members may join the artist for the residency as long as the number of occupants does not exceed the occupancy limits of the apartment. Pets are not permitted.
You may also download an Artist-In-Residence brochure (pdf - 221kb) with this information.
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