Philip L .Wright Zoological Museum
at the University of Montana

The Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum (UMZM) at the University of Montana is committed to the collection and preservation of zoological specimens for the purposes of research, education, and community outreach. The UMZM works for both current and future generations, sustaining these irreplaceable resources representing our natural heritage in Montana and beyond.

The UMZM is a researching and teaching museum that holds over 24,000 preserved vertebrate specimens documenting 150 years of natural history across our planet. This collection represents a broad area of biological diversity and provides physical material and high-quality data to researchers, students, and artists from across disciplines. Montana biodiversity is the primary strength of this collection and allows for studies of the past natural world, current changes and challenges posed to wildlife, and the future of ecosystems in this region.

Artists will have access to the following:

1. The primary research collection - dozens of state-of-the-art museum cabinets hold the majority of the specimens that may be examined. This is is a space where one can immerse themselves in the full catalog of specimens available for use. This space is limited to certain "dry" media, i.e. there are no sinks or fume hoods. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment.

2. The curator's office/lab - this is the space where the curator works. It is an office and lab space with tons of natural light, large work benches, and a sink. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment.

3. The specimen preparation lab - this is where specimens are dissected and prepared. There are two large utility sinks, a fume hood, large lab tables, and a full suite of dissection tools. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment and power tools.

All UMZM spaces are ADA accessible.

Artists coming from out of town will be provided accommodations in Missoula. Each year our housing changes based on the needs of incoming residents and changing housing options in Missoula. Generally, residents are housed together in a centrally located furnished home or apartment with a private bedroom in Missoula. Applicants will have the opportunity to share their housing needs in the Artist-In-Residence application.

The UMZM is located at the University of Montana Campus and spreads across two sites - Integrated Science Building and the Health Sciences Building.

Parking on-site requires a UMT parking pass, although the housing accomodations for this site are less than a .5 mile walk to UMT campus.

The artist will primarily be engaging with the university community at this site.

Faculty, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students all utilize the museum in a variety of ways. This includes (but is not limited to), university classes, research, and undergraduate volunteers gaining experience in a natural history collection. Opportunities to engage with the broader community may be available.