Skip to content
Residency Program

Artist in Residence

Image by Annie McCone-Lopez, Artist in Residence 2023

The Grand Canyon Artist in Residence program elevates the cultural legacy of the park through innovative artwork and compelling programs that create emotional and intellectual ties between the public and this precious natural resource. 

Annie McCone Lopez Codex
Grand Canyon National Park Artist in Residence color logo

About the Program

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Artist in Residence program supports contemporary artists who wish to contribute to the cultural and aesthetic legacy of Grand Canyon. The Artist in Residence program is directly tied to the National Park Service's priority of expanding equity and inclusion through storytelling and Grand Canyon Conservancy's mission to inspire generations of park champions and to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. 

The residency embraces an artist-focused, open-ended model that prioritizes on-site research and exploration to create exciting new work and deepen relationships between the public and Grand Canyon. Contemporary artists exploring concepts of conservation, cultural identity, or community through any discipline are encouraged to apply. We prioritize artists whose work and outreach programs best fit the park's interpretation and education goals of telling stories that have been excluded, hidden, unknown, untold, or under-emphasized.

Selected artists live and work at the Grand Canyon's South Rim in Arizona for up to eight weeks. In addition to free private accommodations and workspace, a stipend is offered to help with travel, food, and supply costs. Residents are given first-hand access to the natural beauty of Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and our visitors. Each artist is asked to provide at least two public programs that engage Grand Canyon’s community and a written summary of their experience. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications for 2025 residencies will be available from May 15 – July 15, 2024.

2024 Residencies

Carlos Estevez
April 8 – May 31

Carlos Estevez

Through a variety of visual media, Estevez will explore the multidimensional connection between nature and human existence, especially the profound symbolism of mountains and their impact on humanity. In addition, Estevez will provide a public program: "Artistic Insights: A Journey into the Creative Process," where he will share his journey as an artist with exclusive insights into his inspirations, techniques, and the transformative power of art. Hands-on creative workshops will also be provided. 

Vander Kelen Headshot2 300 PPI
June 10 – July 5

Janelle VanderKelen

During her time in residence, VanderKelen will be working on a short 16mm experimental film focused on endemic plant growth patterns and the ways that the movement of their biogeography indicates climate change. In addition, VanderKelen will provide an artist’s talk and a screening of curated films exploring ecological agency and ethical environmentalism. 

Retouched
July 12 – Sept 14

Duane Maktima

Maktima will provide cultural demonstrations of his jewelry process and its relationship to his Hopi ancestry, including hands-on lapidary workshops and lectures on the evolution of Southwest Jewelry and wearable art.  

Headshot
October 1 - 31

Anne Finger

While in residence, Finger will be working on an essay-length work of creative nonfiction about John Wesley Powell, the disabled Civil War veteran and geologist who led an expedition down the Grand Canyon in 1869. Readings of her work-in-progress will be held for the public, in addition to “Writing Outside!” a writing workshop for visitors and residents amidst the splendor of Grand Canyon. 

Lin headshot 1
November 11 – December 15

Hai-Wen Lin

While in residence, Lin will work in collaboration with the wind, sun, and sky to “paint with light” via photography and generate ephemeral sculptures, like hand-made kites and other wind-responsive instruments. Lin’s public programs will engage visitors in activities that inspire play and wonder, reference childhood, and encourage interconnectedness with the invisible natural forces around us.

Program Partners

Nevada Museum of Art, Center for Art & Environment
Phoenix Art Museum 
Northern Arizona University School of Art & Design 
Grand Canyon School 

Artist in Residence elijah jamal asani with special guest, Aaron White

Generous support provided by

Flinn Foundation Logo Border V2
Questions?

Contact us for additional information.

Clover Morell headshot

Clover Morell

Residency Program Manager, Grand Canyon Conservancy