Artist-In-Residence

Congaree National Park is seeking an Artist-In-Residence for Fall 2026! First established as Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976, Congaree preserves the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. This unique landscape has inspired artists in the past, including some whose work may be viewed inside the Harry Hampton Visitor Center today.

AiR programs offer opportunities for engagement between parks, artists, and visitors. Congaree welcomes artists of different mediums including (but not limited to) painters, sculptors, photographers, videographers, illustrators, musicians, writers. If interested in applying, please see the requirements below.

Application Requirements

A Volunteer Service Application must be submitted first through Volunteer.gov. Once this application is received, park staff will reach out for further materials including -

• A current resume or CV
• Samples of work
  • for visual artists (photographers, sculptors, painters, etc.): 4 images
  • for writers: a brief manuscript excerpt, short story, essay, poem, or other work
  • for performing artists: a demonstration in an audio or video file
  • for musicians/composers: 2 brief samples
  • for multi-discipline: sample combinations based on above

The entire application package will be reviewed by a panel of park staff. Once selected, the artist must complete a Volunteer Service Agreement as well as an Artist-in-Residence Agreement, which outlines expectations and restrictions (e.g. sale of art while in Residence is prohibited).

Residency:

September-November 2026, though the residency window is flexible and may be extended.

During residence, the artist is expected to offer for the public at least one program or workshop per week, day and time determined after selection. At the end of the residency, the rights to at least one piece must be donated to the park, but the artist shall retain their work. This may be changed/modified depending on art type.

Housing:

The artist will have access to rent-free, furnished, dorm-style housing within Congaree National Park. Since the artist will be living in government housing, a background investigation will be required.

Supplies:

The artist must provide their own supplies and equipment. Reimbursement may be available. Supplies including paints, colored pencils, sketch pads, paper, canvas, and easels may be provided by the park for public programs.