Sanford Underground Research Facilityresidency
Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Artist-in-Residence Program
Travel coveredHousing: Housing and per diem provided for both visits.
- Who Can Apply: Artists in all media (visual artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians) with a strong professional record including major regional, national, or international exhibitions or similarly documented experience.
- The Focus: A residency and exhibition opportunity to create work inspired by SURF, the deepest U.S. underground laboratory in the former Homestake Gold Mine, supporting interdisciplinary, science-inspired art and community outreach.
- The Funding: $5,000 stipend (paid in two installments) plus transportation, housing, per diem, studio access, and up to $5,000 in additional material funds.
- Key Requirements: Letter of intent/statement noting how you will contribute to SURF, a 2–5 page CV, 15–20 examples of artwork completed in the last five years (with image list), anticipated materials budget if known, and contact information for three professional references — submitted as PDFs by November 1, 2026.
DeadlineSunday, November 1, 2026
Stipend$5,000 stipend paid in two installments over the course of the residency.
DurationFour-week on-site summer visit plus a one-week fall installation/guest lecture visit.
Program dates2027: four-week on-site summer visit (available dates May 22–July 31) plus a one-week fall art installation/guest lecture visit in October.
LocationLead, SD
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesMid-Career, Established
Disciplinesvisual arts, film, writing, music
Application notesSelected artists must complete SURF safety training, wear loaned personal protective equipment while on site, and be accompanied by a designated guide at all times. Working underground requires comfort in dark spaces, the ability to walk on uneven surfaces for at least a mile at a time, and negotiating wet conditions and slippery surfaces. The artist is responsible for installation and de-installation of the artwork in coordination with SURF and the exhibition space. Each artist will provide up to two lectures and promotional or outreach events in the local community, donate at least one artwork to SURF's permanent collection, and sign an MOU with SURF.
ContactSURF_AiR@Sanfordlab.org
Sanford Underground Research Facility
Organization based in Lead