Rooting a Deeper Connection (RDC) 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.
Residents will live on the Allerton estate, allowing uninterrupted time to explore their ideas, immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the park, and create work inspired by their experience.
Residents are asked to donate an item for future generations to learn from and appreciate. Examples of donated work include tangible art pieces, research findings, outreach offerings, music compositions, poetry books, recorded performances, etc. Residents will also take part in a community outreach activity of their own envisioning.
Apply here by April 15 for the Summer 2024 RDC In-Residence program.
Learn about our past Residents here.
Naturalist-In-Residence
Hosting a Naturalist-in-Residence 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.
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.
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.
Allerton will provide:
- $1,200 stipend
- Comfortable living accommodations (Find details here)
- Small indoor studio space, and full access to outdoor space at Allerton (Find details here)
- 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.)
SELECTION CRITERIA
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 Naturalist/Artist 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.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, 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 In-Residence FAQ. Or contact Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu or 217-333-3287
