In partnership with the University of Illinois Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OVCDEI) and with support from Joan and Peter Hood, the Spring 2022 residency highlights and celebrates the arts and study of nature within Black and Latinx communities. By focusing on artistic and environmental innovation within the Black and Latinx communities, Allerton intends to connect more deeply with visitors, guests and stakeholders within these communities. This program is one of many steps toward deepening and growing the connection between Allerton and the whole community it serves.
Allerton Park hosts a wealth of artistic and natural inspiration. The In-Residence Program offers artists and naturalists the opportunity to immerse themselves in these resources and derive meaning from the experience, which they will use to create a piece of work to be donated to Allerton for future generations to learn from and appreciate. Examples of donated work include tangible art pieces, research findings or outreach offerings, music compositions, poetry books, recorded performances, etc. Residents will have the opportunity to live on the Allerton estate for three weeks and create work inspired by their experience. Housing is also available on the University of Illinois campus. By combining an Artist-In-Residence and a Naturalist-In-Residence, it is our hope that the residents may find connections between their two disciplines and inspire each other. The residents will take part in an outreach activity of their own envisioning, either individually or in collaboration. Our goal is to make both disciples more accessible to the public.
Naturalist-In-residence
Our Naturalist-In-Residence Program ensures that Robert Allerton’s legacy of conservation is alive. Today, Robert’s gift to the state of Illinois serves as a resource for the study of humans’ impact on nature and likewise, the impact nature has on humans. Residencies of three weeks will allow uninterrupted time for naturalists to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Park, and engage with our Central Illinois communities.
Researchers, scientists, educators, authors, environmental activists, and more are invited to apply to live onsite, explore our diverse natural areas, and create accessible opportunities to demonstrate their work and share significant themes, activities, or findings.
Artist-In-residence
Inviting artists to live and create at Allerton Park and Retreat Center will recreate the intimate experience Robert Allerton provided his guests. Residencies of three weeks will allow uninterrupted time for artists to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Park, and engage with our Central Illinois communities.
Sculptors, photographers, painters, printmakers, installation artists, videographers, sound artists, writers and poets, performing artists, and more are invited to apply to live onsite and create site-inspired artwork, temporary installations, or performance projects.
Applications will be accepted September 7th – October 4th, 2021 for Spring 2022 residents.
Interested applicants should follow the application link below starting September 7th to complete and submit their application. Final decisions about Spring 2022 residencies will be made in late November. The 3-week residencies will take place between mid-March and early-May. Final dates will be confirmed when residency is offered.
Allerton/OVCDEI will provide:
- $5,000 stipend
- Comfortable living accommodations for a three week residency (Residents can choose to reside at Allerton or on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. Find details on the Rooting a Deeper Connection: Space page.)
- Small indoor studio space, and full access to outdoor space at Allerton (Find details on the Rooting a Deeper Connection: Space page.)
- Marketing to promote work and engagement activities
- Limited assistance from staff
Resident will be responsible for:
- All needed materials, tools, equipment, etc.
- All food and drink
- Donating a mutually agreed upon piece of work (art, public program, written research, exhibit, etc.) intended to further engage visitors once the residency is done
- Participation in a minimum of one mutually agreed upon public engagement program that involves the public in their work and process (i.e., community projects, lectures, demonstrations, learning experiences, workshops, etc.)
For both Artist and Naturalist applicants, a committee of Allerton leadership, community members, and University of Illinois staff will evaluate:
- Excellence, innovation and originality in work and project proposal
- How strongly the Artist/Naturalist and their work is related to Allerton’s mission and vision
- Evidence of a current and ongoing professional practice
Resident selection will be based on merit and will be free from discrimination in all its forms. To review the University’s nondiscrimination statement and policy, visit the University of Illinois’ Nondiscrimination Statement.
To be considered for the Spring 2022 In-Residence, applicants must include the following information:
Naturalist
- Professional bio. A successful bio will include naturalist accomplishments, goals, passions, and experience.
- Detailed description of proposed project/study
- Concept or plan for public engagement and community involvement during residency
- At least three (3) Professional references
Artist
- Professional bio. A successful bio will include artistic accomplishments, goals, passions, and experience.
- Portfolio of artwork and list of exhibitions, awards, etc. Videos/audio should be linked in a PDF document to be uploaded. Please limit video/audio submission to 2 pieces at 5 minutes or less.
- Detailed description of proposed project/study
- Concept or plan for public engagement and community involvement during residency
- At least three (3) Professional references
Allerton Park & Retreat Center aims to provide a healthy, safe, and welcoming space where people with different cognitive and physical abilities, ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, and religious backgrounds can thrive. We are committed to the University of Illinois Inclusive Illinois initiative of “cultivating a community at Illinois where everyone is welcomed, celebrated and respected.” Read our full statement about Diversity, Inclusion, and Access by visiting our DIA webpage.
Questions?
View our Spring 2022 In-Residence FAQ. Or contact Mindy at brand@illinois.edu or 217-333-3287
Apply
Applications will be accepted September 7th – October 4th, 2021.