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2027 Artist in Residence Program

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Desert Laboratory 2027 Artist in Residence Program

Applications due:  November 6, 2026

Program Overview

The Artist-in-Residence Program at the Desert Laboratory at Tumamoc Hill—offers artists an immersive experience in natural and ecological resources of the Sonoran Desert. Open to artists with post-secondary training or equivalent professional experience, the program supports creative practices that align with our mission to “support research and outreach that provides insight into the cultural and natural history of the Sonoran Desert region, informing our responsible stewardship of Tumamoc Hill and inspiring our support of community connections to place and people,” fostering work that inspires appreciation of our natural environment through direct engagement with its landscapes, plants, wildlife and people.

Residency Commitments

  • Work on the hill at least once a week with public interactions at least twice a month
  • Facilitate a two-hour workshop for adults and/or youth that reflects your creative practice
  • Connect with at least one Tumamoc researcher to assist in expanding outreach of scientific findings to the public
  • Donate one piece of art to the Desert Laboratory which will be permanently displayed in one of the buildings

Residency Support

  • Work and storage space at the Desert Laboratory
  • $1000 artist stipend
  • Shared exhibition space during or immediately following residency to display existing or newly created work
  • One year membership to the Tucson Botanical Garden
  • Studio visit with MOCA Curator
  • Opportunity to provide talk at MOCA art talk

How to Apply

Please email the following documents and/or links to Desert Laboratory Director, Elise Gornish: egornish@arizona.edu

Required Application Materials

  • Residency Proposal (300-500 words):

Describe how this residency fits into your creative practice and what you hope to explore or accomplish during your time at the Desert Laboratory. This is your chance to share your artistic intentions, research interests, and connection to the Desert Laboratory’s mission.

  • Portfolio of Artwork 

You may either:

  • Share a link to your professional website or online portfolio where work is clearly represented
    OR
  • Attach 5 JPEG images of your work (labeled with title, medium, size, and date)
  • Teaching/Workshop Proposal (300-500 words):
    Describe an idea for a two-hour workshop you could offer during your residency, including the core mediums or techniques participants would explore and how the activity reflects your practice. 
  • Résumé or CV:
    You may either:
  • Provide a link to a CV hosted on your website or professional profile
    OR
  • Attach a PDF (2-page max)

 

Finalists may be interviewed via Zoom

Notifications will be sent by November 30