A secluded island for art!

“It made me think of the island as an important place over time where lives are changed in many ways, migrants, shipwrecks etc. A speck in the ocean that has attracted many creatures both human and animal.” — Anna Glynn, NPAF’s Emeritus Artist

In 2015, NPAF in association with Dry Tortugas National Park established the most exciting Artist-in-Residence opportunity ever available, in the world…and we mean EVER!

Where else in the world are you going to experience paradise, swim in turquoise water, witness rare and beautiful Green Sea Turtles & Loggerheads, weather dramatic tropical storms, appreciate an ancient lighthouse and experience the romance of pirate history...?

But first let us ask you… would you like to arrive by seaplane or boat...? Dry Tortugas National Park at Loggerhead Key is like no other little paradise in the world. Because of its fragile ecosystem, very few people are allowed to step foot -- much less live there -- as an Artist-in-Residence. This is an unique opportunity for a wide range of visual artists, filmmakers, performers and dancers who want to get serious work done without disruptions.

This one-month residency offers:

$2000 Stipend
A residency for two on a beautiful, remote Florida islet complete with it’s own lighthouse.
A venue for a workshop or public lecture about the artwork or process at Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas NP, and selected venues in Key West.
A chance to donate Artwork to the National Parks Collection and to become a part of America’s National Heritage.
No residency fee.
This residency is open to Artist couples or teams of 2 only.
DESCRIPTION OF RESIDENCY LOCATION
Dry Tortugas National Park, Loggerhead Key, Florida: United States. Stats: Loggerhead Key, with Dry Tortugas lighthouse (46 meters high), 250 by 1200 meters in size, with an area of 260,000 square meters. This island has the highest elevation in the Dry Tortugas, at 10 feet (3.0 m). Loggerhead Key is located in Dry Tortugas National Park, and is the Westernmost of 7 islets of the Dry Tortugas. The total area of the islets (some of which are little more than sand bars just above sea level) is about 580,000 square meters (143 acres). Over many years, some have vanished underwater entirely and their land mass changes over time as wind and waves reshape them.

The Dry Tortugas are a legendary group of islets, located at the end of the Florida Keys, USA, about 67 miles (108 km) west of Key West, and 37 miles (60 km) west of the Marquesas Keys, the closest islands. The first Europeans to discover the islands were the Spanish in 1513, led by explorer Juan Ponce de León. The keys were a pirate hideout and way station for centuries during the golden age of Caribbean piracy. The Carnegie Institute ran an historic Marine Biology Laboratory at Loggerhead Key from the turn of the 20th century to 1939.

Duration of residency
This is a one month residency runs from Sept 1st - Sep. 28th, 2019

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
There are no special facilities available to the artists. The Artists are free to roam and create in the park at their leisure.

ACCOMODATION
The Housing is part of a historic lighthouse complex, and may be temporarily shared on occasion with Park Personnel or visiting naturalists. It is a spacious location, however.

STUDIO/WORKSPACE
There is no separate studio or workspace, but room in the house to set up a workspace.

Fees and support
A $2000 stipend/reimbursement is available.

Expectations towards the artist
Application Fee $110; Cost of Travel to and from the Florida Keys; Hotel Stay in Key West; Food for a month’s stay in this unique but isolated location; Insurance and a Satellite Phone is highly desirable. The Artist is expected to make at least one public presentation, reading or performance while in residency, and some events in Key West. The presentation should focus on either their past art process or the work they are doing at the park.

The artist must follow all park rules and regulations, and historical and cultural resources. The Artists will receive a briefing about the park, its cultural heritage, and its regulations at the beginning of the residency.

The artist may be expected to evacuate the park at short notice due to Hurricane, Closure, fire or other unexpected events.

Because NPS Rangers and other staff have extremely busy work days, the Artists may not burden or beleaguer park staff with unusual requests or extraordinary demands. Our artists should plan to be completely self-sufficient for the whole month of their stay. There are no convenience stores on or delivery to Loggerhead Key.