The Territory Wildlife Park is inviting artists to submit proposals for the 2017 Artists-in-the-Park (AiP) residency program.

The AiP program is designed to give artists opportunities to access the Park’s amazing collection of flora, fauna and naturalistic style exhibits.

AiP Program Manager from the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) Jasmine Jan said the program gives artists the chance to interact with, and tap into the knowledge and experience of our highly skilled zookeepers and guides.

“The AiP program is open to a range of creative practices and platforms such as sculpture, painting & drawing, textiles and fibre, jewellery, photography, dance, theatre, text (writers and poets), new and mixed media,” she said.

“Artists are able to interact with Park Visitors and showcase their arts practice or even get staff and visitors to participate in workshops or community arts projects,” said Ms Jan.

Artists are provided with a 12 month Territorian Pass and behind the scenes access to animals, exhibits and staff.

2015 AiP textile artist Kylie Frewen-Lord said it has allowed her to gain further knowledge on the behaviour and physicality of a range of animals.

“Visiting the park over the course of my residency allowed me to view changes in the environment across our northern seasons and interact with the ever changing display of flora and fauna,” she said.

“The interaction with guides and keepers, in the park, will challenge, and potentially change the way you engage with your subject,” said Ms Frewen-Lord.

The AiP program first started in 2011 and since then the Park has had a diverse array of artists who have participated in the program from sculptors, textile artists, en plein air artists, wildlife artists, photographers, digital media artists, dancer/choreographers, writers and even a shoe designer.

Artists must be 18 years or over. Emerging and indigenous artists are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on Friday 17th February 2017. Program runs from March-December 2017.

To register visit http://www.territorywildlifepark.com.au/

Media interviews AiP program Manager Jasmine Jan: 8988 7228

Media contact Department of Tourism and Culture – Parks and Wildlife I Media Manager:  0476 844 832