The text below duplicates the language seen in the images above for clarity and ease of reading and hearing:

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

For June 2025

(Image Description: A Saguaro Cactus in a rocky hillside lit up by a golden sunset)

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

Saguaro National Park, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty of the American Southwest, boasting a unique blend of cultural richness and ecological diversity that captivates visitors from around the globe. Spanning two distinct districts, to the west and east of Tucson, the park showcases the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American West, against a backdrop of rugged landscapes and magical, vibrant sunsets. The park's cultural significance is deeply rooted in the history of the Akimel O'otham and Tohono O'odham, and other indigenous people who have inhabited this region for centuries, as well as the Petroglyphs of the Hohokam culture on Signal Hill.

Please Note: this is not an NPS affiliated residency this year

LOCATION:  

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

TUCSON, AZ, USA

DATES:  June 3rd-27th, 2025

DEADLINE:  October 22nd, 2024

NOTIFICATION:  February 1st, 2025

RESIDENCY TYPE:  ALL MEDIA

ARTISTS STIPEND: $3000

SINGLE ARTIST / COUPLES: YES 

GROUPS / FAMILY / HOUSEHOLD: YES                      

NATIONAL MUSEUM / ARCHIVES DONATION: 

YES, FOR CONSIDERATION

(Image Description: National Parks Arts Foundation Logo)

To apply: $60 (single artist) $120 (couple or duo) $160 group (up to 5 persons)

(Image Description: Landscape with Spiky Cactus in foreground while a desert monsoon approaches in the distance)

ICONIC BORDERLAND DESERT LANDSCAPES...

The park's landscapes range from the saguaro-studded hillsides to rugged mountain terrain, offering panoramic views that change with the shifting light of the day. Whether exploring the towering cacti forests, participating in ranger-led programs, or stargazing under the clear desert sky, visitors are enveloped in an iconic landscape that fosters appreciation for the delicate balance between nature and cultures of Southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park, with its awe-inspiring vistas and rich cultural tapestry, beckons adventurers and seekers of natural beauty alike. It stands as a sanctuary where the past and present converge, inviting all who enter to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Ecologically, Saguaro National Park is a marvel, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. The park is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, with over 1,200 plant species and a myriad of wildlife, including desert tortoises, Javelinas, Gila monsters, and a variety of bird species. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts to witness the desert's intricate ecosystems up close.

Open to Families, Single Artists, Couples, artist collectives or arts troupes (up to 5 people) 

*only one person needs to be an artist 

(Image Description: A Living Room in the residency house in Southwestern Style, with an inset photo of one of the bedrooms)

Includes $3000 Stipend 

ALL ARTISTIC MEDIA RESIDENCY

THIS RESIDENCY FEATURES:

$ 3,000 stipend + any direct donations to artists

Artists are housed outside the park in a good-sized 3 bedroom, 1 bath house. Details: Bedroom 1: 1 Queen Bed; Bedroom 2: 2 Twin Beds ; Bedroom 3: Trundle Bed with 2 Twin Beds, Sun/Yoga room, Full Kitchen, Office, Laundry, Dining, Living and outdoor patio. Plenty of parking. Air Conditioning. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is no official studio but plenty of room to make a decent workspace for most projects. Centrally located, approximately 30 minutes from each of the two Saguaro NP districts, Tucson Mountain and Rincón Mountain Districts. 

(Image Description: Mothballed warplanes at the ‘boneyard’ at Davis Monthan Air Force Base)

In 1933, President Herbert Hoover established the original park, Saguaro National Monument, in the Rincon Mountains. 30 years later, President John F. Kennedy added the Tucson Mountain District to the monument and renamed the original tract the Rincon Mountain District. The United States Congress combined the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District to form Saguaro National Park in 1994. 

An Artist Colony since the 1920s, Tucson‘s sights have drawn many artists & writers over the years, including Maynard Dixon, Georges Simenon, Frederick Sommer, Erskine Caldwell, Larry McMurtry, Ed Abbey, Charles Bowden, and Ettore DeGrazia.

(Inset image description: Early moonrise looking toward Tucson with the Santa Catalinas in the background)

In addition, Tucson also features locally: 

THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

‘BONEYARD’ AT DAVIS MONTHAN AFB

MOCA TUCSON & ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM

OLD TUCSON MOVIE STUDIOS

DAYTRIPS TO TOMBSTONE, BISBEE, and NOGALES MEXICO

COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK

(Image Description: Black and white photograph of A Saguaro stand lit up against dark sky)

Residency Commitments and Cancellation Policy:

NPAF cannot guarantee or be held responsible for Artist in Residence program changes, interruptions, cancellations, for any reason including, but not limited to: government decisions, NPS or government cancellations, changes, denial of permitting, program proposal, or natural causes. No funds, grants or stipends will be issued if the program is canceled or interrupted for any reason. If the chosen artist cancels, delays or in any way impedes the program after committing to the program, they will be held responsible for all funding and expenses devoted to any part of the program.

The artist in residence program may be canceled or interrupted due to a government shutdown, for unforeseen circumstances or during any hazardous weather conditions including, but not limited to: fires, floods, hurricanes, and other freak weather events.

NOTICE TO INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

We have hosted a number of international artists successfully in the past. We encourage you to apply. However, depending on the visa that is required of you for your stay by the relevant federal agency, NPAF may not be allowed, by law, to admit entry to the U.S. or to convey donated, travel, or other funds to you for the residency. We may be able to reimburse you up to the total amount (if any) stated in the application. All stipends and/or reimbursements are governed by US and your country of origin, NPAF abides by these laws. So if this is crucial, please check with the U.S. embassy/ consulate in your country.

(Image Description: Springtime Flowers in a meadow with Saguaros with rocky peaks in the distance)

For ease of coordination and communication with NPAF, Residents must schedule their arrival between 10-3 on Federal Work Days, and must have their own transportation for the month of the residency. Reliable transportation is strongly recommended.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE. NPAF may also be partnering with the National Park Service, NPS Friends groups, recognized museums, galleries, schools and underserved peoples organizations to support and expand the reach of the Saguaro National Park Artist-in-Residence Program.

The artist(s)-in-residence program may be canceled or interrupted due to a government shutdown, artist non participation, or during any hazardous weather conditions, including, but not limited to, volcanic activity, environmental concerns, or any unforeseen circumstances, natural or otherwise, to which NPAF and any affiliates will not be held accountable or responsible, no refunds will be issued. All questions regarding this residency are to be directed to NPAF, not NPS, as this is a non-profit residency, not a government program.

PLEASE NOTE: Only selected artists will be contacted. It is the artists' own initiative to check the status of their proposal submission through accessing their proposal submission through the URL for which they applied. At request, through the URL, we will allow edits and additions up to ten days before the deadline. If you are contacted as a Resident, Finalist or Alternate & if our panelists feel that further detail is needed for the application — applicants will be asked to submit the required materials (such as a detailed proposal, etc) IN A PROMPT MANNER.

(Image Description: A Close up of a Harris Hawk on a branch in front of a saguaro)

THE FINE PRINT:

NPAF is NOT responsible for and will not return any application donation fees, contributions, monies spent, monies owed or any funding if there is a natural occurrence, or any thing that interrupts, changes, delays or cancels the program in any way. NPAF cannot guarantee or be held responsible for AIR interruptions, nonacceptance of AIR program, artist non participation, artist non- response, artists, artwork or cancellations or delays because of Government decisions or natural causes, unforeseen circumstances, for any reason at all. The accepted artist will owe any funds spent or owed by/to NPAF as it pertains to the program if they (the artist(s)) cancels, delays or changes any part of the program. If the AiR program is terminated or interrupted, the artist(s) in residence may be directed to relocate from the park or hazardous area. The remainder residency term may be made up at a later date at the discretion of the NPAF.

All insurance is required of the selected artist(s) including automobile, health, accidental and insurance to cover all art, supplies, personal items and is the sole responsibility of the artist as any and all insurance will not be provided by NPAF or park Friends groups. Proof of insurances must be provided. Artist(s) will be responsible for all costs affiliated with the program if they are the selected artists(s) to the program, and then cancel, change or delay the program in any way, prior, during or post the residency term. Applicants grant use to NPAF of any and all pieces of their submitted application proposal materials to further the purpose of the program (and/or promoting the selected artist(s)) through television, radio, interviews, magazines, books, internet, newspapers, grants or endowment applications, presentations and any and all media.

Any terms herein may change without notice and are subject to the approval of the NPAF, or any governing entity. All AiR participants may be required to accept further conditions and contracts including but not limited to; Background checks, codes of conduct, Gift and/or donation agreements, images releases for their person and/or artwork, codes of conduct, special use permits, rules and regulations, housing agreements, volunteer in the parks contracts, J-1 visa application or other Visa application and acceptance (for international artists) and any other apparent and unforeseen agreements required of any governing entity, namely the NPAF, and all pertaining laws. All funding and acceptance to programs are subject to U.S and international laws. Any terms herein may change without notice and are subject to the approval of the NPAF or any lawful governing entity.

Carefully read the full policies of the Saguaro National Park Residency found at: 

https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/saguaro-policies-1