What does it mean to create affirming space in the outdoors? And how can creativity be a catalyst for creating social and environmental change?
Artists have always found themselves at the forefront of social and environmental change, using their creativity to speak up and make a difference within our society. They have used their skills to document and communicate the complexities of the world around us. In recent years, AIRIE has asked artists to critically analyze and approach the concept of the “Outdoors as a place of belonging.” and their role as “innovative storytellers.” We now look to see how future fellows see their creativity as a catalyst to develop the dialogue their work is creating into tangible change and action.
Artists can inspire, educate, and engage their communities. We are interested in how they do that within their practice and how they envision the residency helping them develop their ideas into active engagement to make a difference in society. We see the importance of overlooked and underserved communities and their stories, the urgency of protecting our natural spaces, and the important role artists have played as educators, communicators, and truth-tellers to larger communities. We are curious about how art can change policy, how art can engage communities, and how art shapes the future of our society.
At AIRIE, we believe in creating an affirming space within the outdoors, and we see artists as vital contributors who can lead society to a more inclusive and just future. We ask you, the artist, to engage with this theme of creating affirming space and see how you see it reflected in your practice, histories, and landscapes in dialogue with and actively engaged with the community. AIRIE’s mission, in partnership with the Everglades National Park, is to empower artists to think creatively and critically about their relationship to the environment with a mission of revealing new paths forward. Over the past 20 years, Artists in Residence in Everglades has welcomed over 200 artists, writers, curators, designers, choreographers, musicians, and other creatives to its residency program, permeating the national and international art landscape with unique interpretations and stories of the Everglades.
AIRIE invites yearlong participation and connection between the selected Fellows, giving them opportunities to connect, share research, and incubate ideas amongst each other. Each Fellow is offered a $4000 research grant, institutional support from AIRIE’s network and partners, a month-long residency in the Everglades National Park, and $1500 in additional financial support for travel and food. In return, the artists share their work and experience in the Everglades through public conversations, digital platforms, writing, and/or public viewing of artwork created during or resulting from their residency.
Artists are provided a single-room AIRIE Cabin with a private kitchen and bathroom. We also have an option for an ADA-accessible private room in a shared dorm-style unit with a shared kitchen and zero-entry shower in Everglades National Park. Both options are air-conditioned, furnished apartments with a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and WiFi connection. Everglades National Park (ENP) welcomes AIRIE Fellows as Park Volunteers during their residency, providing the same liability and insurance that all National Park Service volunteers receive. The ENP will facilitate introductions to rangers and scientists working inside the park and provide residents with resources for exploring the various habitats and wildlife. In addition, AIRIE facilitates other varied experiences for residents throughout the Everglades with local partner organizations.
The AIRIE Residency program is a fully immersive experience that revolves around the core principles of process, experimentation, and expanding one's artistic practice. AIRIE requires participants to commit to the full month to encourage these principles. Participants are encouraged to embark on this journey without a preconceived agenda or rigid schedule, discouraging any focus on preparing for upcoming exhibitions. Instead, the program advocates for an open mindset, fostering meaningful conversations and connections. The program thrives on openness and responsiveness to the vibrant community of artists and the captivating Everglades environment and staff. While providing many local resources, AIRIE values each participant's autonomy, allowing individuals to shape their creative path during their stay.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an emerging or professional artist in any artistic discipline, including (but not limited to) visual, performing, or literary arts pursuing research & development in their practice.
- Must be 21+ Years of Age
- Must provide their transportation options to, from, and while in the Everglades
- Must be eligible to travel to the United States. AIRIE is not responsible for procuring or sponsoring visas to the United States.
- Each participant must commit to being in residence for the full month assigned to them
- Must comply with contractual residency requirements
- You are responsible for all your transportation needs
Please visit airie.org/applicationandresidencyinfo for requirements, more information, and our FAQ.
If you are in need of a Fee Waiver via refund, please proceed with your application payment and submission, then email us at hello@airie.org by no later than January 15, 2025 @ 11:59pm (est) to request Fee Waiver.
Refunds will be processed before end February. Thank you.