Sageland Collaborative’s Sci-Art Initiative is a program to provide opportunities for artists interested in the intersection of science-art to visit Great Salt Lake and create works highlighting their unique experiences with shorebirds and conservation.

In particular, we aim to amplify artists with connections to Salt Lake City’s West Side communities. Participation in this program will include a field day at the Great Salt Lake where folks will learn about the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey, one of Sageland’s ongoing efforts to document shorebird populations. This field day will include guided birding and time to collect sketches and/or references which will inform the artists’ creation of 1-3 pieces. The creation of artwork will be self-directed, with optional days to convene as a group to co-work and attend professional development workshops. Participants' work will be displayed at a group exhibition in late summer/early fall.

Artist Compensation

• $500 artist stipend

• Transportation to/from Great Salt Lake field site provided, loan of birding equipment during the trip

• Professional headshots

• Sageland Collaborative t-shirt

• Optional: Group co-work days, scientific illustration career exploration day

Program Timeline

Submission Deadline: March 25, 2026, 5pm

Acceptance Emails Sent: April 6

Virtual Q&A Session: April 13, 6pm-7pm (recording will be available)

Shorebird Field Day + Artist Headshots: April 17, 8am-1pm (Mandatory)

First Half of Stipend Payment: April 17

Optional:

• Knowledge share day: Intro to Scientific Illustration

• Cohort work days at Sageland Office (dates determined by group)

Second Half of Stipend Payment: July 1

Drop Off & Installation of Group Exhibit: TBD, late summer/early fall

Opening Reception: TBD, late summer/early fall

Submission Criteria

• Any Utah-based artists with connections to West Side communities can apply (Rose Park, Glendale, Westpointe, Fairpark, Poplar Grove, Ballpark/People’s Freeway, West Valley City, Kearns, Magna). Four total artists will be selected.

• All skill levels are welcome; we especially encourage students or artists who haven’t had previous experience in science/conservation to apply. Applicants must be 16 years or older.

• Accepted categories include:

  • 2D visual arts (drawing, painting, graphic design, etc)

  • 3D artworks (sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, mixed media, etc)

  • This year we are not seeking photography/videography or performance based art (dance, theatre, music, etc).

• By participating in this program, artists will commit to:

  • Attending the Shorebird Field Day on April 17th, 8am-1pm

  • Providing 1-3 pieces of art created during this program for the group art exhibition

  • Optional: donate one piece of art to be auctioned at a 50/50 cost split for the artist and Sageland Collaborative (either an original or print)

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of Sageland Collaborative staff and board members.

Reach out to Frances at frances@sagelandcollaborative.org with any questions!

This program is supported in partnership with Sour Honey Art Collective, Plumas Colectiva, and Utah Presents.