Artist Information & FAQ
Do I have to be in Denver to apply?
No. Artists outside of Colorado and/or the Denver Metro area can conduct the majority of their residency remotely, but will be required to visit in person at least once to talk with staff and explore gardens and collections. The artist is responsible for travel arrangements and expenses, which are supported by the honorarium.
Is there an honorarium?
Yes, resident artists will receive a $3,500 honorarium to support their work and visit(s) to the Gardens.
How many artists are accepted?
The total number of artists various each year based on submissions and available funds.
Do I have to finish everything within the allotted timeframe?
Specific details and limitations vary, but the goal is to have work completed by the end of the residency year.
I have a full-time job; can I still be an artist in residence?
Yes, we understand that art making is one of many priorities in an artist’s life.
How many applications do you typically receive?
In 2023 we received more than 415 applications. The number of accepted artists changes annually based on funding.
How much does the application cost?
Nothing. It is free to apply!
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via Call for Entry (CaFE). All applicants must create a free online account on the CaFE website. The application for 2023 is now closed and applications are not currently being accepted.
I applied, when can I expect to hear back?
It takes about three weeks to go through all the applications. Expect to hear back about a month after the deadline.
Are there facilities at the Gardens available for use during the residency?
Not permanently. We have classroom, meeting and library spaces available; these can be reserved depending on the time and frequency. If you need a specific facility for a project, you’ll speak to your Gardens liaison about it first.
Does my artwork have to depict nature to be chosen?
No, you don’t have to be a landscape artist to be selected. Our only requirement is that your work must involve the natural world or humans’ relationships to the natural world in some way. This can be in any visual media.
What kind of access will I have to the Gardens resources?
Fairly unlimited access to the public garden spaces during open hours. Schedule and staff permitting, we will provide access to the Gardens’ collections, including pressed plants, preserved fungi and other herbaria collections, living plant collections, rare books, archival materials, art collections, and books and periodicals in the Helen Fowler Library.
What do you mean by “Denver Botanic Gardens seeks to support and strengthen diverse perspectives”?
We at Denver Botanic Gardens believe that nature is for everyone, regardless of background, orientation or race. Our gardens and art spaces exist for everyone’s enjoyment. For this reason, people in the LGBTQ community and from various racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Our goal is for our artist cohort to reflect the diversity in our community.