Big Badlands Overlook by Photographer Rikk Flohr, 2008 Artist in Residence

Location: Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Mission: The Artist in Residence program at Badlands National Park was founded in 1996 and is open to all professional artists. Writers, composers and all visual and performing artists are invited to interpret this wind-swept environment through their work. The program provides time for artists to get away from everyday responsibilities to focus on their surroundings and their medium.

Cost: Additionally, the park provides a reimbursement for expenses not to exceed $300. Reimbursable expenses include supplies for school programs, travel, or meals. All expenses incurred above $300 are the responsibility of the artist.

Several artists have been successful in seeking donations of supplies and materials from businesses or museums in their home communities prior to coming to Badlands
for their residency, using the reimbursement as matching funds.

Each artist is asked to contribute to the park a mutually agreed upon piece of original work representative of their stay in Badlands National Park within one year of completion of their residency.

Application Fee: no application fee

Number of Artists: Up to 1 artist at a time

Accommodations: The park offers an apartment located in small housing complex at park headquarters at no cost to the artist. Housing will be either an efficiency apartment or a one bedroom apartment (depending on availability) that is fully furnished with heat and air conditioning. Basic cooking equipment is also provided, as well as access to the park library. Artists need to bring bedding, personal gear, food, and art supplies. Because of our weather extremes, artists should be prepared for blizzards, heat above 100 degrees Farenheit, high winds, and varied terrain when hiking or biking.

Length of Stay: 4 – 6 weeks

Demographic/Medium: We consider all forms of arts except those that manipulate or disturb the park’s environment or are disrespectful to any race or gender. Selections are made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age, or national origin. The facilities for this program are not wheelchair accessible.

Benefits: Because of Badlands’ strong commitment to education and outreach into our rural school districts, all artists are required to present two sessions in a local school to introduce students to an aspect of art and its interpretation of their Badlands home.

Deadline: December 15: Spring Residency (March 15 and May 15)
June 15: Fall Residency (September 15 and November 15)

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