Artist in Residence Program

The SURF AiR program provides opportunities for artists to create work inspired by the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), which is set in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. SURF’s unique location and history make it an ideal place for creative work. At 4,850 feet deep, SURF is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States and is located in the former Homestake Gold Mine. The facility houses experiments in physics, biology, geology, and engineering. The SURF AiR program leverages the unique characteristics of SURF and the science experiments it hosts to create awareness and encourage interdisciplinary work. This residency is modeled after various programs offered by government, science and industry including the National Park Service, CERN, and Fermilab.

The SURF AiR includes a four-week on-site visit in the summer and a one-week art installation/guest lecture visit in the fall. Timeframes for the visits will be determined by each artist’s schedule in coordination with SURF (please note, available dates for the summer visit are between May 22-July 31 and the fall installation/guest lecture visit is scheduled for October). 

The SURF AiR Program includes the following for the artist: transportation in the form of airfare, rental car or mileage, housing and per diem for both visits; access to a studio space; and  tours of the surfaces and underground facilities. Artists must undergo safety training at SURF and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, which will be on loan while the artist is on site. SURF provides a guide for all onsite activities at and artists must be accompanied by their designated guide at all times. A stipend of $5,000 will be paid in two installments over the course of the residency. The artist may apply for up to $5,000 in additional funds to be used for the creation of the artwork.

In the fall, the artist will install an art exhibition and give up to two lectures based on the artist’s proposal. In addition to the lectures, each artist will provide promotional or outreach events within the local community. SURF will work with the artist to establish and schedule these events and make arrangements for the exhibition location. This may include working with local schools and universities, interviews and/or documentation of the residency. Each artist will donate at least one piece of artwork to SURF for inclusion in SURF’s permanent art collection; the artwork will be selected by a representative of SURF. The artist will be responsible for installation and de-installation of the artwork (in coordination with SURF and the exhibition space). SURF will cover the cost of return shipping up to $7,000.

Working underground requires the artist to be comfortable in dark spaces and follow all safety protocols. The artist must also be able to walk on uneven surfaces for at least a mile at a time. Travel underground entails taking an elevator ride in the dark as well as negotiating wet conditions and slippery surfaces. A guide is required and will accompany the artist at all times while at SURF.

A timeline and expectations will be agreed upon before the residency begins. An MOU will be drafted and signed by the artist and SURF.

• There is no fee to apply. 
• Artists and creatives from any discipline are welcome to apply. Teams may apply but please note, award amounts are only available for one individual per year. SURF does not provide visa sponsorship or supporting documents for selected international artists or cover visa or petition fees.

The itinerary will be based on the artist’s interests in SURF as determined by the artist’s application and in coordination with SURF. Please note the expectation is for a four-week onsite visit in the summer and an art exhibition/guest lecture in October. All arrangements will be made through SURF and agreed upon through an MOU.

1. Week 1 - Meet with the SURF Lab Director. General safety training, underground visits, tour of Lead and Sanford Homestake Visitors Center. Gallery visit. Studio time.
2. Week 2 - Underground visits, tour of Black Hills Mining Museum, tour of historic water treatment plant, dinner with scientists. Studio Time.
3. Week 3 - Underground visits, visit to historic Homestake Opera House. Studio time.
4. Week 4 - Underground visits, community outreach event (which may include an area K-12 school, university, or guest lecture). Studio time.  

When is the application deadline?
Applications close November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Applications cannot be accepted after the deadline. If you miss this year’s deadline, please keep an eye out for next year’s Call to Artists. Following SURF on social media is a great way to learn when the application period opens each year.

Are international artists welcome to apply?
Yes! We welcome applications from international artists. Please note that SURF is unable to provide visa sponsorship or supporting documents or cover visa or petition fees.

Are teams or collaborators welcome to apply?
Yes. Teams and collaborators are welcome to apply. Please keep in mind that award amounts are for one residency and do not increase based on the number of participating artists.

Are artists from any field permitted to apply?
Yes. We welcome artists from a wide range of fields and creative backgrounds, including visual artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, performers, and interdisciplinary artists. Preference is given to professional artists with at least five years of experience in their field.

Do I need a science background, or does my proposed project need to focus on science?
No. A background in science is not required. Projects that engage directly with SURF’s scientific research are welcome, as are projects that explore its history, environment, infrastructure, or other aspects of the facility. We encourage artists to approach SURF through the interests and questions that connect most meaningfully with their creative practice.

Can previous applicants apply again?
Absolutely. Previous applicants are welcome to apply again.

Can I submit more than one application?
Yes. Applicants are welcome to submit more than one application.

What should I submit for work samples?
Applicants should provide a PDF of work samples appropriate to their creative discipline. The type and number of samples may vary by field. The PDF may include images, brief descriptions, and links to audio, video, writing, performances, or other creative work.

Could you review my application materials before I apply?
We are unable to review individual application materials or provide feedback prior to submission. We encourage applicants to carefully review the application guidelines and FAQs before submitting.

Does SURF provide feedback after applications are reviewed?
Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback during or after the review process.

Do you accept applications by email?
No. To ensure that all applications are received and reviewed consistently, applications must be submitted through the official SURF AiR application portal on the SURF website.

What housing accommodations are provided?
Housing is provided during the residency, with specific accommodations determined on a case-by-case basis according to the needs of the selected artist and available housing options.

What studio or workspace is available during the residency?
Studio and workspace arrangements vary depending on the artist, the nature of the proposed project, and available facilities. We work with the selected artist to identify appropriate options whenever possible. Applicants should describe any specific workspace, equipment, or facility needs in their letter of intent so these can be considered as part of the application and residency planning process.

Where will the final exhibition take place?
The location and format of the final exhibition are determined by the Sanford Underground Research Facility. We consider the nature of the work, available exhibition spaces, and the needs of the project when determining the best setting for the exhibition.

Are all residency expenses covered?
The residency includes a $5,000 artist stipend, up to $5,000 in additional project and travel support, housing, and other specified residency expenses. Please review the full call for details about residency support and covered expenses.

How are the final details of the residency determined?
Because every artist and project is different, we work with the selected artist to determine the specific details of the residency. Applicants should use the letter of intent to clearly describe any important needs or requirements related to their proposed project, such as studio or workspace needs, equipment, facilities, access, housing accommodations, or other significant logistical considerations. While we may not be able to accommodate every request, sharing this information with us during the application process helps us better understand the needs of the proposed project. Final residency arrangements, responsibilities, funding, scheduling, access, and other details will be established with the selected artist prior to the residency and documented in a formal agreement.

Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to apply!