bernheim’s artist in residence program

Up to 4 artists are selected for residencies at Bernheim on an annual basis, each with a stipend of $2500. One residency is always dedicated to a regional artist currently living in Kentucky or in Clark and Floyd counties of Southern Indiana. One residency is dedicated to an artist whose work addresses environmental issues and climate change.

For over four decades, the Artist in Residence program has attracted artists from around the world who seek to use Bernheim as their inspiration. Established in 1980, this internationally renowned program annually awards artists the opportunity to live and create site specific work inspired by their total immersion experience in the natural environment. The work created through this program allows our visitors to experience nature in new and exciting ways while enhancing awareness of Bernheim’s mission of connecting people to nature. In 2021, we expanded the program to include an Environmental Artist in Residence that encourages artists to examine environmental issues and severity of the climate crisis to promote dialogue and positive change for the natural environment and world at large.

In exchange for comfortable rustic housing, access to studio space, financial and staff support for the development of new work, artists will create a site-inspired artwork, temporary installation or project as a donation to the Bernheim Foundation. Recipients are also asked to engage the public with their work and/or process while in residence.

Artists are encouraged to explore ideas that reinforce Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature and to use their residency to take risks, experiment, and explore new avenues in their own work.

We encourage visual artists of all mediums, with the broadest range of diverse perspectives and experiences, to submit work for consideration.