Artist in Residence Program

Geographic Scope: Minnesota, United States (Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN)

Number of Awards: 2 – 4 artists selected

Program Duration: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027

Program Overview

The Artist in Residence program supports artists working across all disciplines to create deliverable products, programs, or events that are unique to Lakewood Cemetery. All projects will be presented to the public, with presentation format and timing determined collaboratively by the artist and Lakewood.

Key Requirements

• Grant must result in a deliverable product, program, or event unique to Lakewood Cemetery
• All projects must be presented to the public
• Artists must communicate and coordinate with Lakewood staff to avoid interfering with family needs and cemetery services
• Art must not impact, alter, or affect Lakewood's plant collections, monuments, buildings, waters, wildlife, landscaping, or grounds maintenance
• Art will not remain permanently at Lakewood
• No studio or office space provided — artists work from their own homes or studios

Project Parameters

• Physical artwork (paintings, sculptures): Displayed as temporary exhibition in Welcome Center gallery space only
• Non-physical experiences (performances, readings): Cannot occur at graves or markers; must take place in buildings or open outdoor areas approved by Lakewood staff
• Collaborative submissions: Artists working as pairs, groups, or collectives may submit a single application

Stipend Coverage

Artists should request stipend for:

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

What Lakewood Provides

• Use of site and buildings (with permission)
• Installation materials for framed artworks
• Rentals for performances/receptions including tables, chairs, pop-up tents, stage
• Refreshments for events
• Audio-visual support (mics and speakers; limited capacity for extensive AV needs)
• Photography services by house photographer

Selection Criteria

Artists selected based on:

• Strength of project proposals
• Positive impact for the community

Funding Disbursement

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

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Opens: October 20, 2025
• Deadline: December 15, 2025
• Award Notifications: Between January 22 – 31, 2026
• Residency Start: May 1, 2026

Application Steps:

1. Complete the online application form available on the Artist in Residence Application page
2. Submit completed application through the online portal
3. Wait for award notification (January 22-31, 2026)
4. Upon acceptance, receive 50% of award
5. Complete residency and present project (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027)
6. Receive remaining 50% of award upon completion

Required Application Materials:

• Project proposal describing the deliverable product, program, or event
• Details on how the project is unique to Lakewood Cemetery
• Plan for public presentation (format and timing)
• Stipend request with itemized budget
• Information about any collaborators or additional performers

Technical Note:
If you receive a submission error message saying "unable to send to backend" or "reCAPTCHA was not entered correctly," your application may have still gone through. Email amandal@lakewoodcemetery.org to confirm receipt.