AFC's Flag Expeditions program fosters collaborative art and science field work to study and promote the preservation of endangered species and their vanishing habitats. The program uniquely supports artists seeking to explore the world's remaining true wildernesses and to observe the rare or endangered species that live in those places. It fosters a broader representation of the world's biodiversity in art by some of today's most talented artists, and empowers them as effective ambassadors for the environment.
Program Details & Deadlines for AFC Artists
AFC provides special fellowship grants to artists in support of their expeditions to study, understand and then communicate important conservation issues around the world. The program catalyzes art-science collaboration among leading artists and field scientists. Through the eyes of an artist and guided by science, the program gives an added voice to a range of environmental challenges that require greater attention.
Each AFC Flag Expedition involves an important educational component, whether it is in the field with local youth, or through lectures, workshops, slide presentations or exhibits. AFC is now collaborating with leading environmental education institutions to integrate directly with their curricula.
Upon return from the expedition, participating artists are required to submit to AFC, a written journal and sketchbook of their journey, photos with the AFC flag in situ, a signed flag and video footage when possible. One or two fellowships grants are offered every year - each worth up to $5,000.
The Flag Expedition Program fellowships are open only to AFC Signature Members (artists) only, who may apply to obtain financial support and the privilege of carrying the AFC flag on their journey.
NOTICE: The next deadline for applying to the program is June 21, 2018. Please direct inquiries and to obtain the latest Flag Expeditions Guidelines to Yasaman Whiting ywhiting@artistsforconservation.org.
Flag Expedition Blogs
Rea a blog article by Sharon K. Schafer, AFC's 2017 Flag Expedition receipient. Sharon traveled to India THAR: The Great Indian Desert: Promoting Global Environment Education through Fine Art, Photography and Science. Read the article.
Read a blog article by Alison Nicholls, past AFC Flag Expedition artist. She spent 6 weeks in Zimbabwe painting the Painted Dogs. Alison shares her story, knowledge and insight for preparing an impactful field expedition. Read the article.