Overview

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, in collaboration with New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council, as well as UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts, is pleased to announce the open application period for the 2026 Artist-in-Residence program. This initiative, now entering its ninth year, aims to foster creative exploration and community engagement through the arts.

This residency challenges artists to view New Bedford as a source of inspiration, exploring themes such as history, heritage, ecology, identity, and historic preservation. Click here to view more information about past artists.

We are seeking artists who wish to engage deeply with the city’s collective stories—its community, visitors, staff, and volunteers. The program embraces the belief that art should be accessible to all, and positions the artist as a catalyst for inspiration and broad participation. Many past participants have been active in socially engaged practice, creating work that sparks dialogue and fosters connection.

This is a highly public-facing residency. Artists must be prepared to interact meaningfully with visitors in ways that go beyond a traditional studio residency. Programs may include workshops, talks, demonstrations, or other free, public experiences. In addition, Artists in Residence are encouraged to collaborate with local artists and connect with other residency programs in the region.

Project Description

This call is for Artist Residencies that will take place in 2026. We will select up to three artists to complete residencies during the following times in 2026: April-June; July-September; October-December. 

This program is distinguished by the opportunities we offer participants: a $2,500 stipend, both studio and exhibition space, promotional support and some supplies.

Applications are competitive, and only one resident will be selected per session. Artists should clearly outline in their proposals:

•  The scope of their previous work 
•  How the residency will advance their artistic practice
•  How New Bedford will serve as a source of inspiration
•  A plan for meaningful public engagement

Strongest consideration will be given to artists who embrace all components of the program. Graduate-level and professional artists living in New Bedford are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note: Housing is not provided. Artists must secure their own accommodations for the three-month term. Teams of artists may apply, but the $2,500 stipend is shared among collaborators. All artists—emerging, mid-career, and established—are welcome to apply. Artists who are self-starters and able to work independently are encouraged to apply. Access to the provided studio space is limited to the open hours of the park. 

Requirements: to apply, artists will provide the following: 

• 500-word letter of interest
• 300-word artist statement
• Biography 
• One page resume
• Five to ten artwork submissions
• Contact information for three references
• Optional: two-minute video

Guidelines: Applicants must provide a clear description of how they will draw inspiration from New Bedford and how they plan to engage the public through their project or artwork. Proposals that do not address both of these elements in the letter of interest may be deemed ineligible for consideration. 

Selection Process and Criteria

Selections will be made in January 2026; all artists will be contacted via Submittable.com no later than February 1, 2026. The applications will be rated and evaluated by a panel that includes former Artists-in-Residence and local art professionals. Highest consideration will be given to proposals from New England-based artists, those that contain clearly articulated public engagement, and those that respond directly to this call.

Proposals will be judged on the following:

• Uniqueness - Based on initial concepts, is there evidence that the proposed work is likely to be unique to the residency?
• Appropriate Residency - Can the artist work within the limitations of the site, building, and program?
• Artistic Merit - Does the proposal demonstrate artistic excellence, quality, and technical ability?
• Public Engagement - How does the artist plan to engage our visitors and our community at large?

For examples of artists' work from previous years visit: https://www.nps.gov/nebe/getinvolved/air-archives.htm.

Deadline: Proposals are due Monday, December 1, 2025 by 11:59PM EST.

History
  National Parks have a legacy of inspiring artists, long before they became a part of the national park system. Since October 2017, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has continued in the tradition of working with artists to create and share new perspectives on the park’s stories. Throughout the years, they have posed this challenge to artists: look at New Bedford as a source of inspiration for your work. This residency is designed for artists that wish to engage with the National Historical Park's visitors, staff, and volunteers. Selected artists have had access to a 300-square-foot studio, and an array of equipment. Since 2024, New Bedford Creative at the New Bedford Economic Development Council, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, have worked in collaboration with the National Historical Park to support the Artist-in-Residence Program.