New Mexico Arts Artist Residency Program

The 2026 New Mexico Arts Artist Residency is a program designed to support the creation of new work that responds to the natural, cultural, and historical context of Cedar Crest, New Mexico. Hosted by the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC), the residency provides artists a six-week immersive experience during which they are expected to engage with the surrounding land, community, and public through creative works and activities. Two residency periods are available: March 6 to April 17, 2026, and April 24 to June 5, 2026. This initiative is administered by the Art in Public Places program, with daily operations supported by the SMNHC’s Executive Director and staff. Artists selected for the residency will reside in the Caretaker’s Casita, a one-bedroom adobe facility that is furnished and includes a kitchen and bathroom. While the casita offers easy access to natural trails within the Sandia Mountain range, it lacks internet access, though artists can use the main building’s connectivity. Artists are responsible for their own transportation and meals. Proximity to amenities includes a grocery store one mile away and big box retailers approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car. Each residency culminates in a public engagement component, such as an exhibition, artist talk, performance, workshop, or temporary installation. Artists are encouraged to produce work that is suitable for diverse audiences including children, is ADA-compliant, and does not result in permanent environmental alteration. All public engagement activities must adhere to these guidelines. Participants receive a $14,000 stipend, which includes payment for materials, travel, insurance, and all applicable taxes. This stipend is distributed in two equal installments: $7,000 upon signing the contract and approval of the purchase order, and $7,000 upon successful completion of the public engagement event at the end of the residency period. Lodging is provided at no additional cost. Applications are currently being accepted, with a submission deadline of October 10, 2025. Notification of selection will occur in late October. Selection is competitive, with evaluation criteria including the quality of the proposal, strength of past work, and alignment with the cultural and environmental context of the residency site. The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is a collaborative initiative between the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and Albuquerque Public Schools. It provides environmental education to fifth-grade students and the general public. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, based in Albuquerque, engages visitors in learning about the origins of the universe and the history of New Mexico through exhibits, programs, and scientific collections.

Artists are encouraged to align their work with the site’s natural, cultural, and historical context. Engagement activities must be ADA-compliant and environmentally reversible.