ACE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Description
The ACE Artist in Residence Program provides an artist the opportunity to reflect, relax, and create in the inspiring mountains of Alta, Utah. We began the Artist in Residence Program in 2021. All program recipients can be viewed here.
The 2026 application for digital art & illustration residency will open July 1st!
Please review all of the below before applying.
About the program
The ACE Artist in Residence Program seeks to support an artist working in digital art & illustration whose creative practice aligns with themes of the outdoors, landscapes, environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The residency provides one digital artist with dedicated time and space to create in the inspiring mountain environment of Alta, Utah.
Applications are limited to 50 artists.
Artist eligibility
Open to artists whose primary practice is digital art & illustration.
Disciplines include, but are not limited to, digital illustration, digital painting, graphic art, and compositing.
Application requirements
Applicants must submit:
• A portfolio website link or uploaded portfolio samples
• An artist statement
Originality and AI policy
The ideas, concepts, and execution of all submitted work must be created by the applicant.
Artwork generated primarily through text-to-image, image generation, or other generative AI systems is not eligible for submission. Final portfolio samples must represent work that was directly created by the artist rather than generated from prompts.
Applicants selected as finalists may be asked to provide supporting materials that demonstrate authorship, including layered source files, sketches, work-in-progress captures, or other process documentation.
Residency award
The selected artist will receive:
• 7 consecutive nights of lodging at The Goldminer's Daughter Lodge.
• Lodging accommodations that include a full kitchen.
• A $1,000 stipend for art supplies, food, travel, and other residency-related expenses.
• Access to ACE events during their residency.
Available residency dates
• September 8–15, 2026
• September 26–October 3, 2026
The selected artist may choose 1 of the available residency periods.
Application timeline
• Applications open: July 1, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. MDT
• Applications close: August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MDT or until 50 applications are filled
August 8, 2026 Artist announced
Lodging information
The residency is intended for the selected artist only. Additional guests are not included. Pets are not permitted unless approved as an ADA accommodation.
Community participation
Artists are encouraged to share their residency experience through social media posts or stories and tag ACE during their stay.
Equal opportunity statement
The ACE Artist in Residence Program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin or any other protected characteristic.
Application:
The application fee is $20. Funds go directly to support our non-profit.
Only 50 applications will be accepted.
The application can be found here and opens on July 1st.
Wufoo does not save applications until submitted.
A pdf of the application can be found here.
Visiting Alta, Utah
The Town of Alta is a small, quiet mountain community located at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon just outside of Salt Lake City. The town itself ranges in elevation from 7,500 ft to 9,500 ft. above sea level. Expect much quiet time alone in nature to create.
While Alta is a worldwide destination, we do not have a gas station or grocery store. A car is not really needed to visit Alta, but you are welcome to drive or rent a car, we have many walking trails if you enjoy that, it is the place for you. If you are driving, please fill up your tank and obtain your groceries/ drinks before arriving in Alta. If you are flying, you will need to schedule a ride from the SLC airport to Alta (36 miles) and either stop for groceries/drinks or have them delivered from Whole Foods or Smiths Groceries. Please note alcohol can not be delivered as per state laws. There is a very small grocery store and liquor store at the Snowbird Center if items are needed (1.2 miles away) and we are always happy to help out!
The accommodations at The Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge will provide simple amenities to make your stay comfortable.
Bathroom: Towels, Soap, shampoo, moisturizer, hair dryer
Kitchen: soap, paper towels, trash bags, laundry detergent, dish washer detergent, Keurig coffee machine, ice
Room: ice bucket, glasses, extra blankets and pillows
Items we suggest bringing: hiking/trail shoes or sneakers, sunscreen, hat, and hydration system for walking, warm and cold layers- it is cold at night!
About Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) and Town of Alta
Alta Community Enrichment (ACE) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities in arts, culture, and education for the enhancement and well being of the Little Cottonwood Canyon community. Since its inception in 1997, ACE has served as the Alta Arts Council and now offers over 175-year round quality, diverse programs for free or very little cost to its attendees.
Town of Alta is a small mountain community located at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The town itself ranges in elevation from 7,500 ft to 9,500 ft. above sea level. The Town of Alta was officially incorporated in 1970 but its history ranges back into the 1800s. The town, although small, has a Mayor, Town Council, Police Department, public one-room school, post office, and community center. The town does not have any gas stations, grocery stores, etc so you must plan accordingly.
Questions?
Sara Gibbs, Executive Director, Alta Community Enrichment,
director@altaarts.org 801-647-7496
