Call for Applications: Woodhaven Artist in Residence 2025

Woodhaven residency detached purpose-built art studio (left) and retreat space (right) across from the main house

Woodhaven Artist in Residence
UBC Okanagan, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

The FCCS Woodhaven Artist in Residence Program provides a paid residency opportunity for a diverse variety of visiting artists including writers, visual artists, digital media artists and performance artists.

This residency includes accommodation in a large two-bedroom home located at the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre as well as full use of a dedicated studio on the property. The Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre is an unstaffed retreat committed to supporting artists and students working in creative and critical practices that explore more sustainable and just ways of being in relationship with natural and non-human worlds, in a time of escalating climate change and mass extinction. It regularly hosts public events and visiting artists will develop community engagement activities that can attract local participation. The program offers a contemplative experience in a natural setting.

Artist Responsibilities:

Visiting Artists should be prepared to execute their project independently. Minimal equipment is available at Woodhaven. Each artist is expected to do at least one public outreach event in the form of a workshop or talk or demonstration that includes wider communities – from UBCO, and Kelowna, etc. We ask candidates to propose their own initiatives for community engagement in their letter of application. We will work with artists to help coordinate communications around such events or workshops to get a wider audience. This residency is designed to engage primarily with the space at Woodhaven (which includes forested trails and a creek), although UBC’s Okanagan Campus (a 30-minute drive away from the residence location) features a staffed woodshop and metal shop, which can be booked ahead of time. Transportation is the responsibility of the artist.

Main house at the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre for the residency

Selection Criteria:

We invite applications from artists or writers who are engaged in visual arts, digital arts, performance, social and community-based artistic practices. We particularly encourage applications from BIPOC artists and those from marginalized groups that are traditionally underrepresented in ecologically-focused creative practice. Preference will be given to emerging and early-career artists and writers who have a demonstrated record of professional activity.

Compensation:

The Artist in Residence will be paid $7000. This fee includes travel (artist to book to and from Kelowna), travel within the area, average per diem and incidentals, and any materials the artist requires. Payment is in Canadian dollars.

Residency Period and Access:

Applications are being accepted for a 2 to 4 week stay between July 1 and August 15, 2025. The Artist in Residence has access to a purpose-built studio, small retreat space and main floor of the house on the property during their stay.

Eligibility:

This residency is open to Canadian and international artist. International applicants are limited to less than 30 days (including travel). Domestic applicants may stay up to six consecutive weeks.

How to Apply:

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, March 15, 2025. Please attach the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this residency, a description of the site-specific work you plan to carry out during your residency, the expected duration of the residency, your capacity to work independently, and plans for community engagement. (Please include dates of desired length of stay)
• A CV which documents your professional artistic practice, your community engagement experience, and contact information (including telephone and email address)
• Contact information for 2 referees who can speak to your artistic practice and your interest in eco culture
• Samples of your art, performance, or writing or appropriate links to samples of produced work
• If you have contacts in the local region that could act as a supporter/sponsor during the residence, please include in the application – this is not a determining factor for approval.

All application materials must be received by the application deadline. Please send one PDF document that includes all of the above requirements via email to: fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Chantel Snyder
fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, UBC Okanagan
1148 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7
fccs.ok.ubc.ca/about/events-workshops/artist-in-residence
fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

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