For hundreds of years, creatives have immersed themselves in their environment for inspiration. Artist in Residence (AiR) programs in parks continue that tradition by opening opportunities for artists to live and create while surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural significance of public lands.
Deception Pass State Park’s awe-inspiring beauty has caught the imagination of many over the years. With its rocky cliffs, sweeping ocean views, dense old-growth forests, and rich cultural history, Deception Pass captures the eye and challenges the mind.
Each year, selected artists are invited to live in a small, modern cabin on Ben Ure Island (located within Deception Pass Sate Park) and spend a four-week residency practicing their medium.
In exchange for residency the following is asked of the artist:
Project plan: During the selection process, finalist candidates (with the support of park staff) will create a project plan for their residency. The plan will articulate the vision for their creative project and include a proposal for their public program and service.
Public program or artwork donation: Park staff and the resident artist will collaboratively decide (negotiated in the selection process, dependent on medium) whether an artwork donation, workshop, performance, or an alternative are the best way to share the artist’s work with the public. When applicable and appropriate, artists are asked to share a digital portfolio no later than 6 months after the residency ends.
Service & Outreach: During their stay, artists are asked to interact with visitors in the park for:
- A public program, workshop, or demonstration in the park during the final week of the residency, to be created in collaboration with Interpretive Staff.
- 8 hours each week (wearing Artist in Residence vest) representing the AiR program while exploring the park, practicing creative medium, or engaging with visitors about their medium in a public setting within the park.
- 3 hours each week assisting at interpretive events such as Game Night, American Roots Concert Series, and environmental education programs.
- The artist will be asked to share their experience with Washington State Parks and the Deception Pass Park Foundation. The narrative medium is flexible based on resident artist’s preference (written article, short video, interview for an article, etc.).
For their time and dedication, artists are provided with a $2000 stipend. The stipend can be structured to support up-front costs, to be determined with input from the finalist candidate.
Please note, Ben Ure Island is only accessible by non-motorized boat. Scholarships to attend swim courses, water safety training, and non-motorized boat access are available to resident artist by scholarship.
For more information, please download the “Artist Compensation and Other Information” document, and watch the recording of our informational webinar.
The AiR program is open to a wide range of artistic and creative mediums and offered in partnership with the Deception Pass Park Foundation, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s (WSPRC) Folk & Traditional Arts Program, and Golden Bricks Events.
Meet our previously selected artists.
The deadline to apply for the 2023 program is end of day Sunday, April 23, 2023.
- Optional information webinar: Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 PM
- Finalist interviews: Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3
- Start of residency: mid-July
Applicants are welcome from a wide variety of disciplines including visual art (two and three-dimensional, photography, sculpture, painting, textiles, drawing, collage, among others), film, writing, music, performance art, dance, theater, new media, folk and traditional arts, and many other disciplines.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Statement of Interest
- 3-5 digital samples of work
- Artist biography
- Most recent CV/resume
- One professional and one personal reference
Representatives from Deception Pass State Park, Deception Pass Park Foundation, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Folk & Traditional Arts Program, and Golden Bricks Events will review the submissions and select top candidates to interview. Finalist candidates will submit a project plan (with support from State Park staff) for review. Selections will be made based on artistic merit, understanding of the mission of the agency, and alignment with program goals. Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age. Interviews will be scheduled for Tuesday, May 2nd and Wednesday, 3rd with plans to start in mid-July. The exact start date will be negotiated between artist and park staff upon acceptance of position.
Residency will be contingent on passing the volunteer program’s background check and proof of COVID vaccination.
There is no fee to apply.
For more information, read our Artist Compensation and Other Information document, or watch our informational webinar recording both of which cover more information in depth.
Questions, please contact by email at DeceptionPass.Interpreter@parks.wa.gov or by phone at 360-228-5758