Overview and Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

 Onsite Duration & Dates

• March 2026
• April 2026
• May 2026

Support

• L+A+N+D award and promotion of your work on website, social media platforms, and in digital and print colleterial
• Tier 1 proposals: $10,000 honorarium and up to $20,000 material and production budget
• Tier 2 proposals: $5,000 honorarium and up to $10,000 materials and production budget
• Furnished rustic housing for duration of installation period with full kitchen, bath, and Wi-Fi
• Access to basic hand and power tools upon request
• Limited staff and volunteer assistance as needed
• High profile public and private events promote awareness of your work, L+A+N+D and the Arts in Nature program at Bernheim
• Ambassadorship to the forest and the region at large

Application Fees

There are no fees to apply, but selected finalists are responsible for all travel and other living expenses at Bernheim.

Notification

Applicants will be notified of their application status in June 2025, or as soon as possible, depending on the availability of the reviewing panelists.

Community, Geography, and Climate

Bernheim is located in rural Clermont, Ky., conveniently accessible from I-65, 25 miles south of Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky and 20 minutes from historic Bardstown. Bernheim is located directly across from the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and this area is the official start of the Bourbon Trail. The surrounding areas offer numerous opportunities for arts and cultural engagement through a variety of museums, galleries, microbreweries, parks, and farm to table dining experiences. Additionally, the state is known for horse racing, college basketball, bluegrass music, and the world’s longest cave system.

Due to its location, Kentucky has a moderate humid subtropical climate, with abundant rainfall. It has four distinct seasons, but rarely experiences the extreme cold as far northern states, nor the high heat of the states in the Deep South. Temperatures seldom drop below 0 degrees or rise above 100 degrees, but one can often experience a 30-degree shift in temperatures within a 24-hour period.

The nearest major grocery is located 8 miles away and the area offers very little in terms of public transportation.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Bernheim is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other personal trait or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Bernheim seeks to support and strengthen diverse perspectives and encourages individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as people from all gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds to apply. Our aim is to establish a vibrant, creative, and safe sanctuary while striving to provide an environment that accommodates applicants from a multiplicity of backgrounds and circumstances.

Accessibility

All buildings and main roads in Bernheim’s Arboretum meet the standards of ADA compliance. Rustic lodging facilities are currently not wheelchair accessible and can be difficult for those with mobility challenges.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application and notification timeline?

• March 24, 2025: Deadline to submit application proposals
• April 2025: Narrowing of applications
• May – June 2025: Selection Committee meets, finalists selected, proposals finalized, all applicants notified of their status
• June – July 2025: Scheduling of finalists, contracts complete, installation needs identified
• March – May 2026: Selected finalists on-site / Installation phase

 

Is there a fee to apply?

No, there is no fee to apply for L+A+N+D

 

Can we apply as a team or collective?

Yes! While not required, applicants are encouraged to form multidisciplinary teams with (but not limited to) other artists, architects, ecologists, scientists, and/or engineers.

 

Can I include my travel expenses in my budget?

Currently, Bernheim does not allow travel expenses to be included in the proposed L+A+N+D project budget proposal. Should funding become available for travel expenses, Bernheim will let selected finalists know as contracts are being finalized.

 

Do I need a car at Bernheim during the onsite installation period?

Yes. A car is strongly suggested while onsite at Bernheim. It will offer greater flexibility for transport to and from your installation site while enabling you to be self-sufficient for personal needs and exploration of the region.

 

If selected, am I tied to my initial L+A+N+D proposal?

Yes. Due to the scale and coordination needed for L+A+N+D installations, Bernheim must approve all budgets and installation designs before finalizing selected projects.

 

Does L+A+N+D require that I am on-site for the entire time period for onsite installation?

Bernheim requires that selected finalists complete their installations during the mutually agreed upon timeframe documented in their contract; an estimated two to four week period that takes inclement weather into account.*

Selected finalists that complete their installations ahead of schedule can either stay for the duration at Bernheim or leave early if all contractual obligations are met in advance. If you are a selected finalist and live in the region, you are welcome to stay in dedicated onsite lodging or commute to Bernheim during your committed installation timeframe.

Applicants that foresee needing more than 4 weeks for installation must indicate this in their application.

 

Do you accept international artists in your program?

Yes! L+A+N+D is an international program and Bernheim has hosted many artists from around the world! Please note, international artists are responsible for obtaining the proper visas and all temporary immigration requirements if applicable. A working knowledge of English is essential as we do not have the capacity to provide an interpreter for applicants who speak little or none.