Things To Do

Artist in Residence Application Tips

Gates of the Arctic is a unique and remote park.  This in turn creates a unique Artist in Residence program.  As you think about your proposal keep the following tips in mind:

• Spend time researching the park before creating a proposal
• Your proposal should explain how the art project will benefit the National Park Service, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and/or the cause of Wilderness 
• Collaborative applications are encouraged but should demonstrate how the collaborative effort is essential to the project proposed
• Be sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Use the Checklist (page two of the application)
• Familiarize yourself with the evaluation criteria

Things To Do

Gates of the Arctic is one of the last truly wild places on earth. Here you can take a journey of adventure, discovery and solitude through vast valleys and gaunt mountains of rugged beauty and experience nature on it own terms. Visitors to the park must have the knowledge and skills to be truly self sufficient in the remote location and demanding climate of the Brooks Range. Those who come will find that opportunities for recreation and for natural quiet, solitude and wilderness enjoyment abound.

AIR Selection Process

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 's Artist in Residence Committee is committed to supporting artistic efforts from all mediums that support the preservation of Wilderness and its values. Each year the Committee selects one proposal for the Artist in Residence patrol. The process of selecting each year's artist(s) in residence is a collaborative one. Each committee member reviews all complete and on-time applications with the questions below in mind. The applications are ranked by each member to facilitate discussion. The committee then meets and discusses each member's top ranked applications. Committee members may bring any application into the discussion. The final selection is reached by consensus.

Artist in Residence

The Artist in Residence program offers professional writers, composers, musicians, two and three-dimensional visual artists, photographers, filmmakers, and artisans of all types the opportunity to pursue their art in a premier wilderness setting; Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. 

The artist accompanies a Park Ranger on a backcountry patrol. Patrols may accommodate the artist to a certain extent, but artists must be both physically fit enough to attempt such a journey and possess the skills and experience for extended, rigorous wilderness travel. Each year there is one Artist in Residence Patrol. 

Collaborative projects are encouraged as are programs that coordinate with local schools and organizations.