Mountain Air (Artist in Residency)

About the Open Call

The Mountain AIR Program is an artist residency designed to engage creatives with the rich environmental archival materials housed within the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC). The program aims to support contemporary artists with an honorarium, travel support, and a meaningful residency experience, fostering engagement with WVU students, faculty, staff, and the broader community through dynamic creative programming related to environmental history and activism. Participants are expected to delve into these collections—ranging from the papers of grassroots activists to the records of advocacy organizations and state agencies—and create visual works, installations, publications, performances, or other interpretive expressions. The program also seeks to promote and build upon the environmental collections at WVRHC by enhancing public understanding, enriching teaching, learning, and research, and expanding awareness of West Virginia’s environmental history. Artists will commit to a five-day residency in Morgantown, spending at least two days examining archives, creating a work in response to their research (e.g., an exhibition, original artworks, or a publication), and presenting their process and creation to the community. The program encourages discovery, innovation, and sustainability through interdisciplinary artistic practices, modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion in artistic endeavors focused on environmental and social themes.

What is Offered

Artists will receive $1,000 for materials and supplies upon contract agreement. Up to $3,500 will be provided for transportation, lodging, and per diem meal expenses (reimbursement). A $1,000 honorarium will be awarded after program completion.

Requirements

The program is open to U.S.-based artists, curators, and creators aged 18 or older. A preference is given to WVU alumni and those working in fields such as visual art, dance, writing, and cultural heritage, including curators and community-based practitioners. Artists working in 2D or 3D media, mixed media, interdisciplinary work, and curatorial practice are all welcome. Applicants must commit to the residency for five working days, spend at least two days in the WVRHC examining the Environmental History Archives, and follow all guidelines and open hours for using WVRHC collections. Artists are required to create a work in response to their research and present to the community about their process and creation (a 20-minute talk). Participation in a lunch or dinner with WVRHC stakeholders is optional. Artists must provide digital copies of select works for promotional use, links to their website or social media, a description of their project, and support with marketing. A completed W-9 form and signed contract are also required. Ownership of the final artwork/project remains with the artist.

How to Apply

Submit the following by November 28, 2025: A statement of interest (500 words) describing the proposed project, archival collections to be used, public programming idea, and how the residency will contribute to artistic development. An estimated timeline and budget (500 words max). An artist statement (200 words). A 2-page resume or CV. 5–10 digital images or work samples (300dpi or links). All materials must be submitted as a single PDF with subheadings to sally.brown1@mail.wvu.edu.