Dalton Highway Artist-in-Residence

The BLM Artist-in-Residence program offers opportunities for artists to promote deeper understanding of, and dialogue about, the significance of natural, cultural, and historic resources on public lands managed by the BLM.

The BLM Artist-in-Residence program is founded on the belief that artists look closely at the way the world works, notice things that others may have missed, challenge ideas, experiment, and create new opportunities to look at the world and its resources.

The term artist is defined broadly and includes traditional practices such as painting, drawing and sculpture, but also includes other types of art such as printmaking, pottery, basketry, fiber arts, writing and music.

2026 Artist-in-Residence Opportunity

The application window for the 2026 Dalton Highway Artist-in-Residence opportunity is open through March 31, 2026. The selected artist will be announced in the spring, and all applicants will be notified. If you are interested in applying in the future, look for an announcement and instructions early in the year.

This year, BLM Alaska’s Central Yukon Field Office is offering a Dalton Highway Artist-in-Residence opportunity based at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska. It will run for approximately seven to ten days during the summer months, with exact dates to be determined by the artist, based on BLM staff and housing availability. During the residency, the artist will have the opportunity to travel along the Dalton Highway and speak with land managers and visitors while pursuing their artistic discipline amid Alaska’s inspiring landscapes. A rustic cabin (no running water) is available for the duration of the residency, though artists are also encouraged to utilize campgrounds and the vast backcountry as part of their experience. 

The BLM can provide the selected artist with transportation from Fairbanks to the residency location(s). The drive from Fairbanks to Coldfoot takes six or more hours, depending on road conditions, construction and weather. Transportation to Fairbanks is the responsibility of the selected artist. 

Travel along the Dalton Highway provides a rare opportunity to traverse a remote, unpopulated part of Alaska to the very top of the continent.

The Dalton Highway is one of the most isolated roads in the United States. Built during construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in the 1970s, this mostly gravel highway travels through rolling, forested hills, across the Yukon River and Arctic Circle, through the rugged Brooks Range, and over the North Slope to the Arctic Ocean. Along most of its length, you'll see no strip malls, no gift shops, no service stations — just forest, tundra, and mountains, crossed by a ribbon of road and pipe. 

As you move north along the highway, boreal forest gives way to arctic tundra, with opportunities to see moose, caribou, Dall sheep, black and brown bears, muskox, wolves, and lynx. Every spring, migrating birds such as the arctic tern, tundra swan, and blue throat arrive for the summer nesting season. Additional highlights include the historical mining village of Wiseman and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot. The BLM manages a swath of public lands along the highway from the Yukon River to the north side of the Brooks Range. These public lands are adjacent to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Kanuti, Yukon Flats, and Arctic National Wildlife Refuges.

For inspiration, check out the BLM Dalton Highway Flickr album.

Interested in being the next artist?

Artist Expectations

Participating artists are asked to give at least one public demonstration or presentation during the course of their residency at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center. This could be a talk, demonstration, class or collaborative activity.

As part of the program, the artist is asked to donate an image of one original piece of artwork produced during or inspired by the residency (within 60 days), which can be used by the BLM and/or partner non-profit organization for educational purposes, exhibits, and for items such as posters or postcards. If the artist chooses to retain copyright and original artwork, they will have to fill out a licensing contract.

The Dalton Highway Artist in Residency is a good fit for someone who is familiar with rustic living situations and camping. The artist must be self-sufficient and comfortable in a remote environment with very few amenities and/or a person who is inspired by backcountry wilderness experiences. This residency is a good fit for someone who is adventurous and interested in exploring and promoting the multi-use mission of the BLM. Artists who don’t have their own transportation should expect to spend most of their time in and around the Coldfoot area or in the backcountry, with opportunities to go further afield dictated by BLM staff schedules.

Artists need to provide personal provisions for the duration of their residency.

What the BLM Provides

Transportation from Fairbanks to Coldfoot and back if needed; transportation to sites along the highway during the residency (based on availability of BLM staff and vehicles).

Safety briefing before departure. 

Orientation to the Arctic and the Dalton Highway Corridor by BLM staff. 

Rustic housing during the residency- there is no running water, but showers and water are available nearby. Cabins are equipped with kitchen supplies and a refrigerator.

Compensation: This is an unpaid volunteer position. A modest per diem will be paid upon completion of the residency to help cover personal expenses such as food.

Artist Selection

The BLM is committed to supporting artistic efforts from all mediums that support public lands. The selection process for this opportunity is collaborative, with a jury that reviews and ranks all complete applications, discusses rankings, and comes to a consensus on the final selection. Artists must be 18 or over.

Factors considered by the selection committee:

How well does the project embody the importance of public land? 

How strong is the artistic sample? 

Does the candidate have a sufficient level of experience and knowledge to safely complete the residency? 

Has a previous artist in residence used a similar media recently? If yes, is the proposal unique?

We aim to have a selection and notify applicants in May.

How to Apply

Application materials are due to the BLM by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Attention: Kerri Hamos
Central Yukon Field Office
222 University Ave
Fairbanks, AK 99709

Email: [email protected]

Include the following materials in application packages:  

Artwork List and Samples: Provide a one-page list of work samples submitted with title, medium, date, and other relevant information that will assist in the evaluation of your work (printed, or PDF/MS Word document format). Use your last name and image number in the file name. (For example: Smith_Image01.jpg)

• Visual Artists (photographers, painters, sculptors, weavers, etc.): Up to 5 images of work, emailed, shared on a digital drive, or mailed as prints or digital files. Digital submissions must be in JPG or TIFF format, not larger than 2 MB each.
• Videographers or Performing Artists: At least two productions or segments thereof, not to exceed to 5 minutes total.MPEG file format, emailed, or share a link to the video online such as YouTube, Vimeo, or a personal website.
• Writers or Poets: Up to 10 pages of writing samples, double-spaced. Printed and mailed, or emailed or share a link to the files. Acceptable file formats are MS Word, PDF, HTML.
• Auditory Artists (composers, sound recorders, etc.): At least two productions or segments thereof, not to exceed to 5 minutes total. Submit as WAV, MP3, WMA, or MPEG MPEG file format, emailed, or share a link to the file. 

Resume: Provide details of relevant education, experience and achievements; not to exceed two pages in length.

Project Proposal: Tell us your vision for the residency. No more than one page in length (printed, or PDF/MS Word document format). Proposal should include:

• Why you are interested in this BLM artist residency.
• A description of your potential artistic product(s) and relevance of your project to the mission of the BLM.
• Potential for development of your artistic growth/interests.
• A description of a public presentation to be delivered during the residency.
• Your experience with outdoor activities in Alaska or similar climate.
• Preferred dates (7-10 days, June-August). Keep in mind a 6+ hour drive each way between Fairbanks and Coldfoot.