Minnesota Parks Artist-in-Residence Pilot Program 

Artist-in-Residence position

Timeline: 12 months (August 2024 to August 2025) 

Time commitment: average 20 hours/week (part-time)

Stipend: $40,000 

Materials budget: $14,000

Location: A Minnesota park or a park system (full list of host sites is below)

Deadline to apply: July 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. 

Information session: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1iuDcuH9QDqJJGlIke8tDQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

This information session will be recorded and posted on this page for those not able to attend.
 

What is the program?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division, the Metropolitan Council Metropolitan Regional Parks, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission are partnering with Forecast Public Art to launch Creating Belonging in Minnesota Parks -- Artist Residency in the Parks Pilot Program in parks across Minnesota exploring community and belonging. The selected Minnesota-based artists-in-residence will research and engage with a park, trail or park system and its communities and then use that research to develop new work(s). Unlike traditional residency opportunities, this program focuses on how artists can serve as partners to and ambassadors for the parks and contribute not just art, but ideas.

The goal of the Minnesota Parks Artist-in-Residence Pilot Program is to enhance a sense of welcoming and belonging to park users. We hope that this pilot helps foster deeper community engagement and relationship-building in state and regional parks, improves access to Minnesota parks and trails, and increases collective appreciation for park uses, outdoor recreation, and natural resources, especially in underserved communities.

What is a ‘pilot’?

A pilot is a program attempted for the first time. We hope to learn from our process together. We will gather information that may help us improve future programs. To a large extent, a pilot is a learning opportunity for everyone involved.

What is the Minnesota Parks Artist-in-Residence opportunity?

This is a paid opportunity for artists that aims to address unique opportunities and challenges around creating belonging in our public parks. Unlike traditional residency opportunities, this pilot program focuses on how artists can serve as partners to and ambassadors for the parks and contribute not just art, but ideas. This residency is modeled on artist residencies in government, which embed artists into public systems. Embedding an artist in a park or a park system will allow the selected artists to apply their own creative perspectives and skills to foster a greater sense of belonging. All selected artists will be a part of a cohort of 9, and will meet with other artists regularly to foster a sense of community and to share ideas. 

Legacy funds dedicated to coordination among partner agencies will fund artists’ time, and project materials/expenses. The artwork will be determined in collaboration between the artist and the host site. Artists will also build connections in the local community and could collaborate with other parks in the region. Artistic outputs may take the form of community conversations, music/dance/theater/performance, ephemeral installations, 3D sculpture, projection/lighting projects, and other temporary works. Artists will spend an average of 20 hours each week from July 2024 – June 2025 as the Artist-in-Residence.

The parks will be involved in the following:

• Serve as host site and primary connector for the artist 
• Provide clear information re: space access and lodging (where available) 
• Provide site onboarding/orientation for the artist 
• Establish a primary contact for artist 
• Maintain dialogue with the artist around proposed ideas
• Communications around artist’s projects and/or events

Artists are expected to: 

• Engage with the park during the majority of the 12-month residency (Engagement and availability of park staff will differ by site. Artists will negotiate this with their host site.)  
• Produce artistic outputs while in the residency (Please note that this is not a traditional public art residency. Artworks can take a wide variety of forms including, but not limited to, community engagement events, performances, or sculptures)
• Participate in cohort activities including: onboarding, virtual check-ins, evaluation and feedback sessions
• Provide own transportation to/from sites
   

Guiding Values of the Project

Curiosity, Belonging, & Discovery - These are the values that guide the activities of the Creating Belonging in Minnesota Parks program. Participants in the program will be asked to commit to these values. 

• Curiosity: a genuine curiosity around both the opportunity, the sites and the systems
• Belonging: an interest in exploring the physical and abstract concepts of place and belonging 
• Discovery: a desire to investigate group and individual processes, materials, etc. as a path to the discovery of news things and ways of knowing 

Artist Qualifications

Required

• Minnesota resident 
• Have a minimum of two years of experience in at least one arts discipline and have a grasp of the principles and values that guide the project
• Experience working in and with communities 
• Communicate effectively in English
• Available to participate in residency for the entire 12 month period 
• Access to reliable transportation to access the site(s)

Desired

• Experience creating artworks/programs in public space 
• Demonstrated ability to work across ages, abilities, & cultures
   

Application Requirements

• Artist Statement (up to 200 words) 
• Artist Bio (100 words) 
• Three work samples                     
• Upload images, text, or audio files. Please only link URLs to Video sample works

1.  At least one work sample should clearly demonstrate your work in community and/or public space
2. Attach a one page Work sample list that includes titles of the works, dates created, descriptions 

Essay Questions

• How have you historically involved communities in your practice? (200 word limit)
• What is your relationship to: land, Minnesota, and parks? (200 word limit)
• What, in particular, appeals to you about this program? (200 word limit)
• How do you like to collaborate? (200 word limit)

Park Preferences 

Candidate will indicate top 3 Park sites     

When ranking, please consider your ability to access the site year-round

• Write 1-3 sentences about why each of your top 3 sites are of interest to you

FAQs

Can I partner with another artist? 

Yes, you are able to apply as a collective or team. To do so, please select the option for team in Submittable.

When will cohort meetings take place? 

We will poll the group of selected artists to see what days/times work best. We will try to work with everyone’s schedules to find the most convenient time for all.

Will transportation be covered?

 No. You should expect to cover transportation costs from your artist stipend. 

Can I stay overnight at the park?

Possibly. Some sites have camping and/or lodging available.  In their descriptions in this call, parks have indicated whether they have lodging accommodations. You may speak further with your selected park or site about this.

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For additional questions, please email hawona@forecastpublicart.org

Participating Host Sites

Below is the list of the individual parks, trails, and park systems participating as host sites. Please note any host site marked with an asterisk is within a park or trail system, and provides the artist the opportunity to engage with multiple host sites.

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Sites (GMRPTC)

Host Site GMRPTC-1

*Granite Falls Memorial Park + Lake Brophy County Park

Grante Falls + Alexandria, MN 

Granite Falls Memorial Park is 141 acres of designated land within the city limits of Granite Falls. It serves as the largest and second oldest park in the city and features many natural and recreational opportunities. The park offers camping for both tents and RVs, picnic areas, playground equipment, as well as a large shelter primarily made of granite that can be rented for gatherings or celebrations.

Lake Brophy County Park offers excellent views of Alexandria and the surrounding area. The tops of the hills are 140 feet above Lake Brophy. Multi-use trails wandering through the upland prairie lead you to the best views in the county. In 2019 the park welcomed a new swimming beach and fishing pier along the north shore of Lake Brophy.

Host Site GMRPTC-2

*Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo + Chester Woods Park + Cascade Lake Park /Quarry Hill Nature Center

Olmsted County, MN 

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo (Byron) are a campground and zoo located in Olmsted County, Minnesota, north of the city of Byron, and about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) west of Rochester. It houses over 30 species of animals, most of which have injuries that would prevent them from surviving in the wild. All of the animals are native to Minnesota. The zoo is named after veterinarian, Dr. Paul E. Zollman. The most popular animals include a wolf, bald eagle, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcat, river otters, bison and cougar. Oxbow Park is open most of the year, as is Zollman Zoo, with a majority of the animals being visible year round.

Chester Woods Park  (Eyota) is located on the headwaters of Bear Creek in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota. Populated by wild turkey and deer, there are approximately 15 miles of primitive trails  winding through a variety of  natural habitats in the undeveloped areas of the park. A mile long hard surfaced trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Motor vehicles and bicycles are restricted to improved roads and designated trails only. Created in 1994, the land for the park was purchased from private developers to assist in the flood control project for the City of Rochester. 

Cascade Lake Park (Rochester) features landscaped areas, bike and walking paths, nature playgrounds, beach and lake, amphitheater and much more.  Many of these amenities have been added in the last 5 years including the Cascade Lakeside Building.

The Quarry Hill Regional Park and Nature Center (Rochester) 329 acre park features 8+ miles of paved and hiking trails, a pond, and a historical sandstone cave carved in 1882. In the winter months, cross country skis and snowshoes are available for rent to use in the park. The Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center staff the nature center building which houses live animals and  an admission free Exploration Hall. Year-round classes, day camps, trips, and recreation activities are  offered by the Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center professional staff.

Host Site GMRPTC-3

*Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park + Robert Ney Park

Sherburne County and Wright County

Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park (Clear Lake) is becoming an in-progress brand new park. Since acquiring this significant landscape, Sherburne County has been working with a committee of stakeholders that includes representation from Palmer Township Board of Supervisors, the Brigg’s Lake Chain Association, the Sherburne Soil & Water Conservation District,County Board of Commissioners, the Tribal Historic Preservation Offices of three Sovereign Tribal Nations: the Upper Sioux Community, the Lower Sioux Indian Community, and the Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe; important voices in discussions to guide the work of preparing the landscape for public access. In 2024 the first trail opened. Work continues. 

Robert Ney Park (Maple Lake) A combination of marsh and forest occupies the 846 acres of this park, and provides varied wildlife habitats. The site includes a memorial chapel, a picnic area, access to Lake Mary with a dock, nine total miles of trails, including designated trails for hiking, skiing, skijoring, and horseback riding. It is home to the Wright County Parks Environmental Education Center.

Metropolitan Regional Parks System Sites (MRPS)

(Minneapolis, St. Paul/Maplewood, & Dakota County, MN)

Host Site MRPS -1

North Mississippi Regional Park (Minneapolis) This 67 acre green oasis in north Minneapolis is located just 10 minutes drive from the bustling downtown yet encompasses peaceful woodland, prairie, and Mississippi riverfront. Park amenities include 1) Carl W. Kroening Nature Center - for environmental education, naturalist programs, room rental, and the permanent exhibit "Nature in the City"; 2) wading pool; 3) playground and nature play; 4) picnic pavilions; 5) boat dock and fishing pier; 6) walking/snowshoeing and biking paths; and 7) Paddle Share kayak rental. The park is located on the Mississippi Flyway - a significant bird migration route in North America.

Host Site MRPS -2

Battle Creek Park (St. Paul and Maplewood) Located less than 5 miles from downtown St. Paul, the Battle Creek Regional Park is a great place for birders and nature enthusiasts. The park has more than 750 acres of oak woods, old fields, creek and second-growth woodlands provide habitat for a variety of wildlife including: warblers, horned owls, pileated woodpeckers, white-tail deer, red foxes, and raccoons. The park is home to swimming in summer and cross country skiing in the winter.

Host Site MRPS -3

*Dakota County Parks includes the following regional parks: Lake Byllesby, Lebanon Hills, Miesville Ravine, Spring Lake, Whitetail Woods, and 6+ greenways including Mississippi River Greenway and MN River Greenway.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources System Sites (MDNR)

Host Site MDNR -1

Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji) offers visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and year-round naturalist-led activities. Hikers can explore the beauty of a tamarack bog carpeted with showy lady's slippers, pitcher plants, dragon's mouth, grass pink, and insect-eating sundews. Most flowers are blooming in the bog during late spring and early summer.

Host Site MDNR -2

Tettegouche State Park (Silver Bay) Tettegouche offers a great sense of the North Shore: the spectacular overlooks at Shovel Point; rocky, steep cliffs and inland bluffs; the cascading 60 ft. High Falls of the Baptism River; and the historic Tettegouche Camp where visitors can stay the night. This is a hiker's paradise with miles of trails that overlook the Sawtooth Mountains and wind down to inland lakes accessible only by foot. The Palisade Valley Unit features broad scenic vistas coupled with an expanse of multi-use, four-season trails. Two more trout lakes complement the fishing opportunities within the rest of the park.

The park is also known for rock climbing opportunities and quality birdwatching in the spring, summer, and especially the fall.

Host Site MDNR -3

Wild River State Park (Center City) the park’s name comes from its location on the St Croix River, one of the eight original National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Eagles, woodcock, ruffed grouse, bluebirds, beaver and otter are just a few of the species that abound in the park. The visitor center highlights the natural resources and cultural history of the area. An all-season trail center is the focal point for the park's 35 mile trail system. Semi modern and rustic camping available. Naturalist programs available year-round. A visitor center with exhibits and environmental education programs is open year-round.

The Utah Division on Arts and Museums, the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Boise City Department of Arts and History are pleased to invite artists, nonprofit organizations, local and regional arts councils, arts & entertainment districts, and units of government (town, city, county) in Utah and Idaho to participate in Making It Public, a free, 5-week virtual training series. The partners urge artists and administrators in Utah and Idaho to utilize this free training opportunity.

This workshop series, comprised of five 90-minute virtual workshop sessions, covers practical and tactical subject matters for administrators at all stages of their careers facilitating public art, such as stakeholder considerations, community engagement, preparing a call‐for‐artists, equitable selection processes, contracting, and more. Sessions include guest public art professionals, both local and national, adding a depth of knowledge about the field of public art, the profession, and its contemporary issues. An additional pre-recorded video session will be emailed prior to each meeting. 

Workshop Registration Deadline
         August 7, 2024 @ 3pm MT

August 15 (12-1:30pm MT) Welcome and Introduction

August 22 (12-1:30pm MT) Community Engagement

August 29 (12-1:30pm MT) RFQ/RFP

September 5 (12-1:30pm MT) Artist Selection and Administration

September 12 (12-1:30pm MT) Conclusion
 

The Utah Division on Arts and Museums, the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the Boise City Department of Arts and History are pleased to invite artists, nonprofit organizations, local and regional arts councils, arts & entertainment districts, and units of government (town, city, county) in Utah and Idaho to participate in Making It Public, a free, 5-week virtual training series. The partners urge artists and administrators in Utah and Idaho to utilize this free training opportunity.

This workshop series, comprised of five 90-minute virtual workshop sessions, covers practical and tactical subject matters for administrators at all stages of their careers facilitating public art, such as stakeholder considerations, community engagement, preparing a call‐for‐artists, equitable selection processes, contracting, and more. Sessions include guest public art professionals, both local and national, adding a depth of knowledge about the field of public art, the profession, and its contemporary issues. An additional pre-recorded video session will be emailed prior to each meeting. 

Workshop Registration Deadline

     August 7, 2024 @ 3pm MT

August 14 (6:30-8pm MT) Welcome and Introduction

August 21 (6:30-8pm MT) Community Engagement

August 28 (6:30-8pm MT) RFQ/RFP

September 4 (6:30-8pm MT) Artist Selection and Administration

September 11 (6:30-8pm MT) Conclusion