Organizer Information
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is a scientific research facility located in Lead, South Dakota, USA, within the former Homestake Gold Mine in the Black Hills. Situated approximately 4,850 feet underground, SURF hosts scientific experiments in physics, biology, geology, and engineering. Through its Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program, the facility connects contemporary artistic practice with scientific research, industrial heritage, and the unique underground environment. The program aims to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and increase public awareness of scientific research through art.
Title & Description
SURF Artist-in-Residence Program 2027 Open Call for Artists
The SURF Artist-in-Residence Program 2027 invites artists to develop new work inspired by the Sanford Underground Research Facility, its scientific experiments, underground landscape, and mining history. The residency offers an opportunity to engage with researchers, explore the facility, and investigate connections between art, science, technology, geology, and the environment.
Selected artists will participate in a four-week, on-site residency during summer 2027, followed by a return visit in October to install an exhibition and deliver guest lectures. The artistic project should reflect the applicant’s interests and proposed approach to the facility. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration and public engagement rather than prescribing a specific artistic theme or medium.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Sculpture and Installation
- Photography
- Painting and Drawing
- Video and New Media Art
- Interdisciplinary Art
- Conceptual Art
- Other artistic practices suited to the proposed project
The official announcement does not specify a mandatory medium or restrict applications to particular disciplines. Applicants should explain how their proposed work relates to SURF and its research environment.
Eligibility
The call invites artists to apply for the 2027 residency. The supplied announcement does not specify nationality restrictions, an age limit, or a requirement to identify as an emerging or established artist. International eligibility should be confirmed with the program coordinator before applying.
Applicants must be comfortable working in dark underground spaces, following safety procedures, and walking on uneven surfaces for at least one mile at a time. Underground visits may involve elevators, wet conditions, and slippery surfaces. Artists must complete SURF safety training, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and remain accompanied by an assigned guide during on-site activities.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist will receive the following support:
- $5,000 stipend, paid in two installments during the residency.
- Up to $5,000 in additional project funding, available upon application for artwork creation.
- Transportation support, including airfare, rental car, or mileage, for both visits.
- Housing and per diem during the summer residency and fall exhibition visit.
- Access to studio space.
- Guided tours of the surface and underground facilities.
- Opportunities to interact with scientists and explore the area's cultural and industrial heritage.
- An exhibition opportunity and up to two guest lectures in October.
- Support from SURF in coordinating community outreach, exhibition arrangements, and related promotional activities.
- Return artwork shipping covered up to $7,000.
The artist must donate at least one artwork to SURF's permanent art collection. A SURF representative will select the work. The artist is responsible for installation and de-installation in coordination with SURF and the exhibition venue.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Summer residency: Four weeks between May 22 and July 31, 2027, with exact dates arranged with SURF.
- Fall exhibition and guest lecture visit: October 2027.
- Notification date: Not specified in the supplied announcement.
Location
Lead, South Dakota, United States
Additional Details
The program combines artistic research, studio practice, scientific engagement, and community outreach. A sample itinerary includes safety training, underground visits, meetings with the lab director and scientists, visits to local museums and historical sites, and dedicated studio time. Community engagement may involve local schools, universities, or public lectures.
Artists should carefully consider the physical and environmental conditions of underground work before applying. All underground activities require an assigned guide, and safety protocols must be followed throughout the residency. The selected artist will also be expected to participate in the October exhibition and public engagement activities.
Previous residents include Rachel Berg (2026), Chris Combs (2025), Marty Two Bulls Jr. (2024), Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick (2023), Gary Sczerbaniewicz (2022), Leekyung Kang (2021), and Gina Gibson (2020).