Artist in Residence Program

Artist in Residence Program

Funder: Lakewood Heritage Foundation (Lakewood Cemetery)

Geographic Scope: Minnesota, US (Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis)

Program Overview: The Artist in Residence program supports artists in creating unique deliverable products, programs, or events at Lakewood Cemetery. The grant must result in a tangible outcome that will be presented to the public. All projects become temporary exhibitions or performances; art will not remain permanently at Lakewood.

Key Details

• Award Amount: $500 – $10,000 per artist/group
• Number of Awards: 2 – 4 artists selected annually
• Residency Period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
• Next Application Cycle: Opens October 20, 2025; Closes December 15, 2025
• Award Notifications: Between January 22 – 31, 2026

Funding Structure

• 50% of award upon acceptance
• 50% upon completion of residency

Eligible Project Types

• Physical art (paintings, sculptures) – displayed temporarily in Welcome Center gallery
• Performances or readings – presented in approved buildings or outdoor areas
• Collaborative projects (pairs, groups, collectives welcome – submit single application)

Constraints & Requirements

• Must not interfere with family services (funerals, burials, grave visits, receptions, etc.)
• Must not impact, alter, or affect Lakewood's plant collections, monuments, buildings, waters, wildlife, landscaping, or grounds
• No permanent installations or art at graves/markers
• Non-physical experiences cannot be presented at graves/markers
• Artists must coordinate with Lakewood staff
• No office or studio space provided by Lakewood
• Art cannot remain permanently at the cemetery

What Lakewood Will Cover

• Use of site and buildings (with staff permission)
• Installation materials for framed artworks
• Rentals for performances/receptions: tables, chairs, 3-10×10' pop-up tents, 8×12' stage
• Refreshments for receptions/events
• AV equipment (mics, speakers; note: limited capacity for extensive AV needs)
• Photography by house photographer (for artist use with proper credit)

Artist Stipend Should Cover

• Artist's time
• Travel and accommodations (if not local)
• Materials and supplies for art creation/performance
• Materials for workshops
• Costs for additional performers, musicians, collaborators
• Framing or printing costs

Selection Criteria

A cross-departmental Lakewood staff jury selects artists based on:
• Strength of project proposals
• Positive impact for the community

Contact

Website: lakewoodcemetery.org/air-application/