Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts (KIRA) Artist in Residence Program

About the Open Call

Every year KIRA awards 6 artists with a multi-week residency. Artists are provided with individual studio space, comfortable housing, two meals each day and live on a historic property in a beautiful seaside town. Artists should bring all supplies and materials needed for their creative process, to ensure availability of required supplies and provisions. As part of the residency, artists will be asked to engage with the community for up to six hours a week. These engagements will vary based on skills and interest and can include a partnership with Kingsbrae Garden which is located just steps away from the residence and studios. Applications are open to a range of disciplines and types of artists including but not limited to the visual arts, music/composition, writing, new media, and interdisciplinary arts. Artists from all levels in their career who exhibit a strong professional work ethic and a collaborative attitude are encouraged to apply. Program details and support: Studio space in a freestanding 300-square foot studio. Private bedroom/bathroom in a well-maintained historic property located steps away from the studio. Up to 6 artists living on-site. Two meals a day for six days a week (breakfast and dinner). Artists are required to host public teaching sessions with students or seniors. Access to Kingsbrae Garden and KIRA's public amphitheater events. Artists will be responsible for covering costs associated with the purchase of materials, shipment of artwork/supplies, travel costs and other living expenses including supplemental food. Artists will participate in Open Studios for the public each Saturday on top of one public engagement session. DATES: the 2026 Residency will be May 8th, 2026 - May 29th, 2026.

What is Offered

Individual studio space, comfortable private bedroom/bathroom, two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) for six days a week, access to Kingsbrae Garden and KIRA's public amphitheater events.

Requirements

Artists are expected to engage with the community for up to six hours a week, including hosting public teaching sessions with students or seniors and participating in Open Studios for the public each Saturday. Application requirements include: Artist statement (1400 character limit), Resume or CV (2-page maximum), responses to open-ended questions (1400 character limit for each), contact info for three professional references, and a portfolio of work (up to 4 forms of documentation; for writers, 4 examples – 500-word limit per excerpt). Artists are responsible for covering costs associated with the purchase of materials, shipment of artwork/supplies, travel costs, and other living expenses including supplemental food.

How to Apply

Submit your application online. The application process includes: an artist statement (1400 character limit), a resume or CV (2-page maximum), responses to open-ended questions (1400 character limit for each), contact information for three professional references, and a portfolio of work (up to 4 forms of documentation; for writers, 4 examples with a 500-word limit per excerpt). An application fee of $10 CAD + fees is required. Applications are reviewed by a panel considering overall merit of work, readiness to engage with the community, potential to develop creative practice, influence by the location, career level, and geographic location. Finalists will have their references contacted and participate in a 30-minute Zoom call with program administrators. To submit your application, please click here: https://forms.wix.com/r/7379161126694551723.