What are the Details of GCC's Artist in Residence Program?

The Artist in Residence program at Grand Canyon National Park offers artists the opportunity to practice and share their discipline with park visitors at one of the most beautiful sites in the world. Through impactful, site-specific, community-engaged work, the program seeks to inspire the community to deepen their knowledge of Grand Canyon National Park. The program is tied directly to the National Park Service Interpretation and Resource Education goal of inclusive storytelling and Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. Contemporary artists focused on site-specific community engagement, social practice, and immersive or interactive artworks are encouraged to apply. We seek a variety of voices and strategies for engaging our visitors in underrepresented stories about the park. Annually, three artists are selected to live and work on the South Rim of Grand Canyon in Arizona. Artists in Residence stay in a private apartment overlooking the Canyon for 3-10 weeks and receive media exposure, a weekly stipend, and modest support with supply and travel costs. Additionally, residents have special access to Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and international visitors. Alumni are often invited to participate in additional opportunities like proposal reviews, webinars, blog posts, and local exhibitions.

Who are GCC's 2024 Artist in Residence Program?

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. 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. Amy Monaghan In both her writing and visual art, Amy explores the nuances of memory, identity, and the sometimes futile desire to reconcile the present with the past. While in residence, Amy will be working on an experimental novel and collage project about historic Grand Canyon photographers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb. 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. 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.

Residency Program

Artist in Residence

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.

Image: Taking a film photo with an old film camera by Artist in Residence 2024, Janelle VanderKelen. Photo: Megan Ford Fyffe

About the Program

The Artist in Residence Program at Grand Canyon National Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the land, cultures, and histories of the region through emotional, spiritual, and intellectually stimulating contemporary art – including exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and unique participatory projects.

Artists are selected annually for residence through a competitive application process. A review panel of local arts leaders select artists who can provide world-class educational and interpretive experiences to the community while enjoying the opportunity to work in a location that inspires pure awe.

The Artist in Residence program serves the priorities of the National Park Service’s Department of Interpretation and Resource Education including inclusive storytelling and climate change and aims to highlight differing perspectives on this precious natural resource.

Applications for 2026 will be accepted from May 15 - July 15, 2025.
Artist in Residence Application

Arts Program Images

Videos

2025 Residencies

March 19 - May 1

sTo Len

sTo is an interdisciplinary artist whose work has centered on place-based collaborations with diverse landscapes and co-creations with communities and municipal agencies. Inspired by onsite historical research, community interviews, and park operations, sTo will develop a new iteration of his “Office of In Visibility,” an interactive and site-specific installation.

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May 15 - June 30

Dani Kwan

Dani is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose work revolves around identity, ecology, and communication, focusing on classification systems. During their residency, Dani will be working on an installation and participatory project that combines textiles with geologic systems and processes that explore the idea of softness, play, and new ways of understanding and connecting with the Earth.

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July 5 - August 15

Nayda Collazo-Llorens

Nayda Collazo-Llorens is an interdisciplinary artist that explores concepts of dislocation and mapping through various media, including drawing, video, installations, and site-specific works. During their time in residency, Nayda and Patricia will be working on participatory mapmaking with guests.

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July 5 - August 15

Patricia Villalobos Echeverria

Patricia has a hybrid practice of prints, photos, video, installations, and participatory projects that pivot around issues of migration, navigation, displacement, and transformation. During their time in residency, Nayda and Patricia will be working on participatory mapmaking with guests.

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Support this Program

The Artist in Residence Program is made possible because of support and grants to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations of any amount help fund future artists, innovators, and visionaries whose work will grow the cultural and historical legacy of Grand Canyon National Park.

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