Canyons of the Ancients seeks 2015 Artists-in-Residence applications

Organization

BLM

Media Contact:

Shannon Borders

DOLORES, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is encouraging interested artists to grab a camera, sketch pad, paints or any other artistic tool and prepare to capture the beautiful landscapes found at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument for the Artists-in-Residence program. Proposals for the 2015 residency must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Winning proposals should promote an appreciation of the landscape, raise awareness of its unique value and inspire conduct that helps preserve its fragile resources.

The talented people selected for the residency will spend at least one week developing artwork inspired by and representative of the monument. At the conclusion of the residency, each artist will lead a  public presentation about their artwork and the value of public lands. The artists will also donate at least one digital image of their completed artwork to the BLM. The copyright will remain with the artists with permission granted to the BLM for promotional and educational reproduction.

Resident artists must provide their own lodging or shelter. Applicants with vehicles such as campers or RVs are welcome. No developed campgrounds, water, or electricity are available within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, although dispersed camping is allowed in most locations. The staff can assist artists with finding a suitable location for a base camp.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is filled with both scenic beauty and unique human stories that serve as inspiration for artists. The Monument encompasses as many as 30,000 archaeological sites including 13 Ancestral Puebloan sites.

The Artist-in-Residence program promotes awareness of the exceptional natural and cultural treasures protected by the BLM’s National Conservation Lands through art. The program provides quality, uninterrupted time for artists to pursue their work. Informal interaction with Monument visitors and the artists' public presentation at the end of the residency provide opportunities for learning and dialogue about the value of public lands resources.

Further information, guidelines and applications are available at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm/artist_in_residence.html. For more information, contact the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator at 970-882-5600.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.