About the Residency
In 2013, the Lunar Artists’ Residency was intended as an opportunity for artists to work outside the confines of their expected environment. Residency on the moon was a chance to explore the physical properties of another space, as well as the conceptual possibilities for art created off-planet.
The facilities at the residency location were minimal. In order to prevent space madness, artists occupied the space for no more than three months. Prior to departure, artists were supplied with food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Artists were responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Moon, as well as their own life-sustaining space suit. Upon completion of the residency, work was be published online and in a print publication.
About the Location
The Oceanus Procellarum, or Ocean of Storms, was chosen for practical as well as poetic reasons. Its relative accessibility was a factor; four robotic lunar probes and one manned ship have landed in the OP since 1966. The OP is also known for its high concentration of “incompatible elements”. Scientists refer to this KREEP, shorthand for the potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P) that remain as residue from an impact early in the moon’s formation. It is speculated that it was this impact that produced the OP. This forced intrusion of “incompatible elements” serves as metaphor for one of the requirements of any successful artists’ residency.
Print editions available upon request.
In 2013, the Lunar Artists’ Residency was intended as an opportunity for artists to work outside the confines of their expected environment. Residency on the moon was a chance to explore the physical properties of another space, as well as the conceptual possibilities for art created off-planet.
The facilities at the residency location were minimal. In order to prevent space madness, artists occupied the space for no more than three months. Prior to departure, artists were supplied with food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Artists were responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Moon, as well as their own life-sustaining space suit. Upon completion of the residency, work was be published online and in a print publication.
About the Location
The Oceanus Procellarum, or Ocean of Storms, was chosen for practical as well as poetic reasons. Its relative accessibility was a factor; four robotic lunar probes and one manned ship have landed in the OP since 1966. The OP is also known for its high concentration of “incompatible elements”. Scientists refer to this KREEP, shorthand for the potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P) that remain as residue from an impact early in the moon’s formation. It is speculated that it was this impact that produced the OP. This forced intrusion of “incompatible elements” serves as metaphor for one of the requirements of any successful artists’ residency.
Print editions available upon request.
How to Apply
To be considered for inclusion, please submit the following by the announced due date. Collaborative projects may apply with shared work samples, but please submit biographical materials (resume/CV/website/etc.) for each artist.
- Artist statement
- Work samples
- 10-15 images of previous work
- Links to video work also accepted; one minute of video = one image
- A proposal of no more than 1,500 words detailing your intended project
- Additional supporting documents will be considered, but are not required
When to Apply
Applications are permanently closed.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an anonymous jury of three or more working artists, including the founder of the residency. Winning applicants will be notified within 14 days of the application due date. Questions or requests for further information may be directed to lunarresidency@gmail.com.
To be considered for inclusion, please submit the following by the announced due date. Collaborative projects may apply with shared work samples, but please submit biographical materials (resume/CV/website/etc.) for each artist.
- Artist statement
- Work samples
- 10-15 images of previous work
- Links to video work also accepted; one minute of video = one image
- A proposal of no more than 1,500 words detailing your intended project
- Additional supporting documents will be considered, but are not required
When to Apply
Applications are permanently closed.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an anonymous jury of three or more working artists, including the founder of the residency. Winning applicants will be notified within 14 days of the application due date. Questions or requests for further information may be directed to lunarresidency@gmail.com.
FAQs
Q: Why do I have to find my own way to the moon?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to fund artist transport to the Moon at this time. As with many terrestrial residencies, artists will be expected to find their own way to the residency site.
Q: What type of supplies are available? Will I be provided with a spacesuit? Oxygen? Food and water?
A: We cannot provide enough space suits to accommodate the unique physiology and personal preferences of each artist. For that reason, artists must provide their own space suit. Oxygen is supplied, but artists should plan to provide their own food and water.
Q: What happens to work I make during the residency?
A: Your work will return to Earth with you, but we do ask for a selection of files for our archives. Reproductions of your work will be printed in an annual publication, as well as published online. You will receive copies of the print catalog for your own records.
Q: What kind of financial support can I expect?
A: We are currently seeking donations in order to offer financial support to our artists. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact us at lunarresidency[at]gmail.com.
Q: What if I don’t make anything, go crazy, or die in space?
A: Should it become necessary, we will publish a statement or obituary (as appropriate) in our annual publication in place of (or in addition to) your work.
Q: Why do I have to find my own way to the moon?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to fund artist transport to the Moon at this time. As with many terrestrial residencies, artists will be expected to find their own way to the residency site.
Q: What type of supplies are available? Will I be provided with a spacesuit? Oxygen? Food and water?
A: We cannot provide enough space suits to accommodate the unique physiology and personal preferences of each artist. For that reason, artists must provide their own space suit. Oxygen is supplied, but artists should plan to provide their own food and water.
Q: What happens to work I make during the residency?
A: Your work will return to Earth with you, but we do ask for a selection of files for our archives. Reproductions of your work will be printed in an annual publication, as well as published online. You will receive copies of the print catalog for your own records.
Q: What kind of financial support can I expect?
A: We are currently seeking donations in order to offer financial support to our artists. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact us at lunarresidency[at]gmail.com.
Q: What if I don’t make anything, go crazy, or die in space?
A: Should it become necessary, we will publish a statement or obituary (as appropriate) in our annual publication in place of (or in addition to) your work.