Outer Banks Forever, Dare Arts, National Park Service call for artists for ‘Artist in Community’ Earth Day event

Outer Banks Forever, Dare Arts, and the Outer Banks Group of the National Park Service have partnered to create and launch a new “Artist in Community” program that will give three local artists the opportunity to share their works with the public at a family-friendly Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, on the grounds of the Bodie Island Lighthouse from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The works completed as part of the program will serve, through the creativity of the selected artists, to deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Outer Banks national parks.

“‘Artist in Community’ honors the fact that our Outer Banks national parks have long inspired artists from around the world with their beauty and stories,” said Jessica Barnes, Director of Outer Banks Forever. “With the creation of this new program, the Outer Banks Group of the National Park Service will join more than 50 national parks around the country that offer a unique artist engagement opportunity like this one.”

This event will provide three selected artists with the opportunity to perform their craft in a beautiful national park setting and to engage with and inspire local community members and visitors of all ages. Artists will have the opportunity to create a work or works en plein air that promote an understanding of the need to protect and enhance the Outer Banks national parks for future generations. In so doing, artists will have the opportunity to discuss their craft and artistic vision with park visitors. Artists will be compensated for their time with a modest stipend.

The call for artists is open to artists who are current residents of Dare County and are 18 years of age and older. Writers, composers, craftspeople, painters, photographers, sculptors, storytellers, musicians, videographers, poets, dancers and all visual and performing artists are encouraged to apply. Artists must have their own transportation to and from the event and be prepared to bring their own supplies. Artists must be comfortable working in front of and engaging with the public. Please click here to learn more and to apply to participate. 

Important Dates  

• Call for artists opens: March 7
• Call for artists closes: March 14
• Selected artists notified: March 22
• “Artist in Community” Earth Day event held: April 22

This program is generously supported by Outer Banks Forever donors and grants from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and the Manteo Rotary Club.