artist in residence program 2027
Know before you apply
- Professional visual artists of any medium
- Artists engaging with nature and ecology
- Kentucky or Southern Indiana based artists
- Undergraduate students and past residents ineligible
- Artwork must be gifted to Bernheim
- Public program participation required
Established in 1980, this internationally renowned program has awarded visual artists of all media the opportunity to live and create works inspired by Bernheim’s wondrous natural environment. The work created through this program connects visitors to new and exciting experiences that spark curiosity and ignite wonder while expressing the artistic side of Bernheim.
Up to 4 artists are selected for residencies at Bernheim annually. One residency is always dedicated to an artist currently living in Kentucky or nearby counties in Southern Indiana, and one residency is dedicated to an artist whose work addresses environmental issues and the climate crisis.
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.
The duration is between 6 and 8 weeks. Selected artists will work with Bernheim to arrange residency dates based on their desired time and availability within the months of 2027.
EXPECTATIONS
A mutually agreed-upon work of art is to be gifted to Bernheim, designed to inspire visitors to form deeper connections with nature.
All Artists-in-Residence are required to participate in at least one public program, either onsite or offsite, during their residency. These community engagement programs help extend Bernheim’s mission and core values beyond its physical boundaries.
- The type and scope of the programs will be collaboratively designed and agreed upon by the artist and Bernheim staff. Engagement activities may include community projects, lectures, demonstrations, youth-learning experiences, workshops, or other special programming.