Artist-in-Residence Program
A residency shaped by the redwoods themselves
The National Park Service, California State Parks, and Redwood Parks Conservancy coordinate and deliver the parks’ Artist-in-Residence program. The program provides an opportunity for eligible artists to spend two to four weeks at Redwood National and State Parks to pursue their particular art form while surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscape of the parks.
Writers, sculptors, photographers, painters, dancers, cinematographers, musicians, composers, and other visual and performing artists may apply for this opportunity to draw upon the multifaceted qualities of the park for inspiration. During the residency, the artist is given ample time to find inspiration throughout the park, with opportunities to interact with park staff and the public — including at least one public presentation, helping the next generation of artists see the parks through new perspectives.
All of these artists translate the national park’s purpose — as a place of pleasure and preservation — into creations that bring others enjoyment and deeper understanding.
Meet the Artists-in-Residence
Past Artists-in-Residence
What to know before applying
Eligibility
- Open to both established and emerging writers, composers, and visual and performing artists.
- All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- International artists may apply, but the park is not able to facilitate visas at this time.
- Artists must pass a federal background check to access some NPS facilities.
- Artists must apply as an individual, not on behalf of a group.
Expectations
- Donate an original piece of art, representative of the artist’s style and reflecting the residency, within six months of the stay — directly to Redwood Parks Conservancy for fundraising use. Work is not accessioned into the NPS museum collection.
- Present a public program during the residency.
- Provide your own supplies and transportation. Limited indoor storage or work space may be available.
- Abide by all park rules, including no collecting (with few exceptions), no installations, and no attaching to or climbing trees.
Stipend
Selected artists receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to facilitate logistical needs. Half is awarded upon arrival at Redwood National and State Park; the second half upon receipt of the donated artwork.
Selection Process
A committee of park partners and community arts leaders reviews application materials and selects the artist based on:
- Degree of integrity, artistic maturity, and professionalism.
- Quality of work.
- Appropriateness to the residency, illustrated by connection to the park’s primary themes — the ancient redwood forest, the modern conservation movement, rare ecosystems and endangered species, the journeys of the Tolowa, Yurok, Chilula, and Hupa peoples, the region’s active geology, and the parks as a place of hope and restoration.
- A personal statement of desire to participate, viewed as a serious opportunity for enrichment and personal development.
How to Apply
QUESTIONS?
Send applications or questions to Redwood Parks Conservancy:
Or mail / hand-deliver to:
Artist in Residence Program · 1111 2nd Street · Crescent City, CA 95531
KEY DATES
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Jun 1 – Jun 15, 2026Submission window
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Aug 15, 2026Selected artist announced
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Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2026Dates of residency
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May 31, 2027Deadline to donate artwork
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- 1 Contact Information
- 2 Cover Letter
- 3 Resume
- 4 References
- 5 Sample of Work
Frequently Asked
How much time will I have for the residency program?
We want you to be as successful as possible and are willing to negotiate your length of time here, but generally residencies last 2–4 weeks.
Where do I stay?
Generally, park housing is provided — typically a private bedroom within a shared house of other park staff. Guests or additional family members are not permitted to stay in park-provided housing.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, in certain areas only — not on trails, in housing, or in offices. Pets must be leashed at all times. Generally, it would be challenging to bring a pet as part of the program.
Is there a deadline for the presentation? Does location matter?
The presentation is conducted during the residency, and park staff will help coordinate details. It may be in the park, at a local school, or a campground.
How flexible are the dates I choose?
Redwood will work with selected artists as much as possible on ideal residency dates, but residencies generally take place in spring and fall.
What kind of art do I need to produce?
Whatever your preferred medium is.
If I produce more than one work, how is it shared?
Artists donate one piece from their time as AIR to Redwood Parks Conservancy, in a format agreed upon before the residency begins, up to 6 months after completion. Any additional pieces belong solely to the artist, though the park would love a record of work created during the residency.
Will I have access to storage or interior space?
There is some interior storage space adjoining an NPS office. It has no climate control and cannot house volatile supplies.
How much time will I have to work each day?
Your time is largely your own. We’ll help coordinate a few logistics, such as the public program, but day to day you set your own schedule.
Will transportation be provided?
You’ll need to provide your own transportation to and around the park. A vehicle is strongly recommended, though there may be alternatives including biking and public transportation.