Allerton’s In-Residence Program offers individuals the opportunity to live on the Allerton estate and create work inspired by their experience. Residencies encourage creative exploration and focused experiences with art and nature while contributing to our goals of community engagement through education and research. The In-Residence Program not only supports and highlights the meaningful work of artists and naturalists but brings awareness to the unique characteristics of the Park and continues the legacy of Robert Allerton.
Apply for the Fall 2025 Joan and Peter Hood residency here. The application deadline is April 30, 2025.
Find information on our past residents here.
“Establishing this new program provided us the opportunity to blend our support of educational activities with the programming objectives of Allerton. It strengthens the academic mission while creating support for a naturalist, visual or performing artist, all of whom are important to us.”
-Joan and Peter Hood, inaugural program donors
THE HISTORY
Guided by his philosophy to live life as art and his love of nature, Robert Allerton created an extraordinary vision that was shared with the public when he donated his private estate to the University of Illinois in 1946. During his life, Robert hosted composers, painters, sculptors, journalists, and others associated with the cultural pursuits he enjoyed, allowing them to experience the tranquility, energy, and natural beauty of his home. Robert would often commission a piece of artwork, or an artist would gift a project created during their stay. Great thinkers, creators, and artists found inspiration at Allerton.
Allerton Park is a work of art in itself, reflecting Robert’s sensitivity to the total environment as he brought together a combination of wooded areas, formal gardens, meadows, buildings, and sculpture to interact with and enhance each other. Today, we remain committed to utilizing this unique cultural space to inspire creation, connection, and appreciation for the arts and our natural world.
THE PROGRAM
Our In-Residence Program continues Robert’s generosity by offering artists and naturalists the opportunity to live on the property and create site-specific work. As we strive to fulfill our mission by engaging and enriching our community in nature and art, this program allows us to uplift the voices of a variety of professionals, while making their work more accessible to the public. Find information on our past residents here.
Learn more about specific programs by visiting the following pages:
Artist-in-Residence
Naturalist-in-Residence
THE SPACE
Learn more about the living and working space available here.
“Allerton is a very special place that can provide an alternate venue for education and learning outside the university campus and in the community. We are looking forward to seeing this incredible new program come to life, and watching it evolve over time.”
-Dana Brehm & Larry Baumann, facility donors
