Artist-In-Residence Program
Our application process has closed for our 2025 program and notifications were distributed in December. Please check back here in the Fall for our 2026 application!
The Artist-In-Residence program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of park lodging to selected participants for one week. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.
In return, participating artists in both programs will deliver an original artwork representative of their stay at the park within 90 days of their residency. The original work will be displayed in the cabins and other facilities throughout the park, as deemed appropriate by the park manager.
Collaborative proposals will be considered for both programs. These programs are open to South Carolina residents and non-residents.
Artist-In-Residence program
The Artist-In-Residence (AIR) program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a cabin, camper cabin, or campsite to the selected participants for a one-week period.
Cabins and Villas
Cabin amenities include a kitchen, bathroom, basic cooking equipment, electricity, water and all linens. Cabins sleep up to four people. Pets are not allowed. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the selected artist. The artist should bring all personal gear, food, and art supplies. All applicants will be considered for placement in traditional lodging.
Parks hosting artists in traditional lodging include:
Carolina Camper Cabins
Camper Cabins and campsites provide artists with an exciting opportunity to connect with the outdoors on a deeper level and gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina state parks.
The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a Carolina Camper Cabin for a one-week period to selected participants. Camper Cabins are one-room cabins that sleep four and include beds, a front porch, heating and air conditioning, indoor lights, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi service.
To add to the camping experience, there is no running water or restroom provided inside the camper cabins and cooking is not permitted inside the cabins. A water spigot, fire ring and grill are available outside of the cabins, and they are located only a short walk from restrooms and comfort stations.
To enjoy your camper cabin experience, please bring the following:
- Bed linens, pillows and sleeping bags
- Cooking and eating essentials
- Food and grocery items
- Cooler
- Outdoor chairs
- Health and hygiene essentials
Applicants must select if they would like to be considered for placement in a camper cabin. Opting in to Camper Cabin placement does not disqualify an artist for placement in other lodging.
Pets are not allowed in camper cabins. Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist. Artists may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.
Parks hosting artists in camper cabins include:
Campsites
The South Carolina state parks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the state, with over 3,000 campsites statewide. We offer tent and RV camping experiences from the mountains to the sea and on most every major reservoir lake in between.
Artists placed in a cabin or camper cabin may also choose to stay in their own camper or RV at the selected park.
We have several new parks participating in the Artist in Residence program by hosting artists in their campgrounds. The South Carolina State Park Service will provide the use of a campsite for a one-week period to selected participants. Standard RV sites are equipped with water and 30-amp or 50-amp electric service. Many sites accommodate different size RVs. Some parks also offer full hookups.
To enjoy your camping experience, please bring the following:
- Camper, RV, or tent
- Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags
- Cooking and eating essentials
- Food and grocery items
- Cooler
- Outdoor chairs
- Health and hygiene essentials
Applicants must select if they would like to be considered for placement in a campground. Opting in to placement in a campground does not disqualify an artist for placement in other lodging types.
Transportation to and from the selected park will be the responsibility of the artist.
Parks hosting artists in campgrounds include:
Application Process
Applying is easy: The South Carolina State Parks Artist-In-Residence program is proud to join other major art events in ZAPP™, an online digital application system. Once an artist creates a profile and uploads images, an application to multiple shows is just a click away. No printed applications will be mailed. The program will no longer accept paper applications and slides.
The Artist-In-Residence program is open to many art forms, but those that manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.
Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age or national origin. All artists’ work must be original. SCPRT employees are not eligible to apply.
The following must be included in your application:
- The application form
- Four (4) images of artwork
- $25.00 application fee
Selection Process
A panel of state park representatives will review submitted images. Acceptance will be determined by score. A minimum score-based waiting list will be maintained with cancellations filled from the waiting list. Artists that are not selected will also be notified.
The Artist-In-Residence program is open to many art forms, but those who manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.
Placement Process
After being selected, the residency date will be determined by the availability of facilities for their assigned park. Artists will be responsible for contacting their assigned park for their reservation.
Each park is hosting only one or two artists for the 2025 season. Placement at parks will be determined by the medium that each park is interested in displaying.
Rules and Regulations
All work must be original, designed, and made by the artist(s). This will be strictly enforced. All works must be attributable solely to the artist(s). Unacceptable items for selection include, but are not limited to: kits, manufactured items, records, tapes, CDs, polished rocks, poetry, writing, drama, and movies. AIR programs are open to many art forms, but those that manipulate or disturb the park’s resources or use materials from endangered or threatened species will be excluded. Collecting materials from state park property is not permitted.
Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, marital status, sex, age, or national origin. All artists’ work must be original. SCPRT employees are not eligible to apply.
Apply here
Questions?
Please email Mikaela Groomes at mgroomes@scprt.com
Related articles:
2022 Meet the Artists-In-Residence
2021 Meet the Artists-In-Residence
Other Artist Opportunities:
Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival in September at Huntington Beach. Applications open in the Spring.
Sesquicentennial Artisan's Market in November. Applications open in the Summer.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Use #SCStateParks and your content could be featured here! You can also upload your photos for us to use across South Carolina State Parks' Marketing by using the Public Uploader and agreeing to the Terms & Conditions.