Call for Applications: The Islands Arts Writing Residency
photos © Joseph del Pesco, The Islands spring 2017 recipient
Application deadline: April 29, 2018
Residency period: July 23 to September 4, 2018
Through a partnership with Fogo Island Arts and Art Metropole, Artscape is pleased to announce the call for applications for the third iteration of The Islands, a two-part artist residency that aims to encourage arts writing and criticism in contemporary art.
Open to Canadian and international applicants, The Islands will take place on Fogo Island Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador and at Artscape Gibraltar Point, July 23 to September 4, 2018.
The Islands invites emerging and established arts writers and artists with a writing practice to propose a project to be executed across these two unique locations. The successful candidate will spend a month on Fogo Island as part of Fogo Island Arts’ residency program, followed by two weeks on Toronto Island at Artscape Gibraltar Point. The project will culminate in a small publication funded, published, and distributed by Art Metropole.
The Islands is a residency partnership was conceived and organized by Art Metropole and Fogo Island Arts, with support from Artscape. This is the third iteration of The Islands, following a spring 2017 residency with curator, writer and publisher Joseph del Pesco, and a fall 2017 residency with visual artist Merve Ünsal.
Application Criteria
Arts writing practices may range in structure, content, and medium, addressing various forms and disciplines that may include poetry, art criticism, and experimental writing, and periodical production (journals, art books, magazines).
Applications should directly consider the role of writing and criticism in contemporary art, and take into consideration the unique circumstances of the residencies.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:
- Have published a minimum of two arts writing texts or critical essays on contemporary art
- Hold a valid driver’s license, and be responsible for acquiring the necessary visa if coming from a foreign country
The successful candidate will be required to give a public presentation on Fogo Island and at Artscape Gibraltar Point, and to present their work at Art Metropole, Toronto.
How to apply
Applications will be accepted online and should include the following:
- Project proposal (4500 characters including spaces, approx. 600 words)
- Short biography and artist statement (1500 characters including spaces, approx. 200 words)
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum in PDF format)
- If applicable, 5 images (maximum) in JPEG format, with relevant caption information
- 1 letter of recommendation from a professional in your field in PDF format. Your referee should be able to address your professional qualifications and artistic merit, as well as the possible benefit of your participation in the residency
- Up to 3 samples of your published work (3 pages maximum, inPDF format)
The application form and program guidelines are available online at Art Metropole.
Accommodation, Travel and Workspace
The successful candidate will be provided with private accommodation and studio space on both Fogo and Toronto Island, as well as a weekly stipend to offset the costs of materials and day-to-day living expenses. Travel expenses are also covered.
Applicants should keep in mind that this residency takes place in two locations, and requires significant travel.
Fogo Island is a remote island with limited amenities. A vehicle will be provided for the duration of the residency.
Toronto Island is North America’s largest urban car-free community – an island oasis just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. A bicycle will be available as well as ferry tickets for four return trips and shuttle pick-up and drop off island side to transport you to and from the ferry docks and Artscape Gibraltar Point.
Selection Process
The successful candidate will be selected by a jury that includes artist Nadia Belerique; Michael Maranda, ex-artist and Assistant Curator, Art Gallery of York University, Toronto; Alexandra McIntosh, Director of Programs and Exhibitions, Fogo Island Arts; Nicolaus Schafhausen, Director, Kunsthalle Wien and Strategic Director, Fogo Island Arts; and Danielle St-Amour, Director of Art Metropole.
About Art Metropole
Art Metropole is a not-for-profit organization with a focus on the production, dissemination and contextualization of artist-initiated publication in any media, especially those formats and practices predisposed to sharing and circulation. Art Metropole was founded in Toronto in 1974 by the artists’ group General Idea. Art Metropole is incorporated under the laws of the province of Ontario and a registered charitable organization.
About Fogo Island Arts
Fogo Island Arts is a residency-based contemporary art venue for artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, curators, designers, and thinkers from around the world, located on Fogo Island, Newfoundland.
About Artscape
Artscape is a not-for-profit urban development organization that makes space for creativity and transforms communities. Artscape Gibraltar Point is Artscape’s secluded artist retreat nestled against the magnificent natural backdrop of Toronto Island, the largest urban car-free community in North America just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Gibraltar Point hosts programmed artist residencies and provides studio rentals year-round and offers the opportunity to engage with the vibrant arts and events of the larger Artscape community.