Artist-in-Residence Program

Artist-in-Residence Program Details:

Wanting to apply? Read below on what to include with your application!

2025 Application Deadline : January 31, 2025

Artist reqirements during the residency:

• Explore Homestead's historical, cultural, and natural themes through your work.
• Present one public program and be visible to the public at least two (2) hours a day.
• Donate to Homestead National Historical Park one artistic production inspired by your time participating in the residency.

Application Requirements:

Please submit your application either by email or by hard copy using either address listed below:

Email: HOME_Information@nps.gov

ATTN: Arist in Residence Program
8523 W. State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

Further Information:

Residency periods are about two (2) weeks long, and take place during the months of March through October. Please list date preferences for your residency as part of your application. Housing will be provided at the park; we can most easily accommodate artists seeking spring and fall residencies.

Willingness to share your inspiration with others is a central tenet of the Artist-in-Residence Program. Resident artists are asked to present one public program during their residency. These presentations should be based on the artist’s work, experiences, and interests, and may include workshops, discussions, demonstrations, etc. All programs should be developed in consultation with park staff, and should be appropriate for general park audiences.

Painters, potters, sculptors, and other artists, when appropriate, will be encouraged to work daily in view of park visitors.

The artist is requested to donate an original work which embodies Homestead’s interpretive themes. Any donated artwork must be received within one year of the residency. All expenses for materials and for delivery of the artwork to the park is the responsibility of the artist.

Artists will permit park staff to photograph artwork created and programs given during the residency. The artist will sign a photo release to the National Park Service for use of images of the artwork from the residency, and images of activities associated with the residency. Donated artwork and/or associated images will not be used for commercial purposes, but may be used for education or interpretation by the National Park Service or Eastern National, the Park’s cooperating association.

Art in the Parks:

Artists throughout history have evoked emotions, captured moments, and shown us the world through a myriad of mediums. They convey big ideas through a unique lens and allow us to not only soak in beauty, but gain a new perspective.

Artists have been intimately tied to national parks since the 19th century, when painters such as Thomas Moran documented the unbelievable landscapes of the American West. These artists played a crucial role in stimulating the establishment, visitation, and appreciation of these national parks. Today, artists still find inspiration in national parks and continue to help us make meaningful connections to our nation's special places.

The homesteading story is big—sometimes it seems almost too big to comprehend. But art can help convey its powerful scenes, personal stories, and conceptual themes. Through our Artist-in-Residence program, we invite artists of all specialties to spend time living and working at Homestead National Historical Park. These artists channel their individual talent into one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the homestead story and prairie environment. The opportunity to live and work at Homestead National Historical Park benefits the selected professional artist as well as those who will experience their artwork today and in the future.

For additional questions about the Artist-in-Residence Program:

Email us! or call (402) 223-3514.

To find other Artist-in-Residence programs in the National Park Service, click here.