Creative Climate Action Residency at Gibraltar Point

Organizer Information:

OCAD University (Toronto, Canada) is Canada’s largest and oldest art and design institution, known for fostering inclusive, forward-thinking approaches to creativity, research, and global collaboration. OCAD U’s International Programs & Collaborations Office supports initiatives that connect students, faculty, and partners through meaningful international exchanges and events. The Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA) is a research centre at OCAD University that draws on creative vision, sustainable design, and artistic practice to imagine new approaches to sustainability, climate justice, and decolonization.

Hosting Organization:

Housed in a former school surrounded by 46 acres of parkland, Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts is operated by Arthubs as an arts and cultural facility, open year-round. Over the years Gibraltar Point has hosted thousands of artists both local and international, who have taken advantage of the facility’s quiet and natural setting to focus on their practices and projects through short-term residencies and long-term studio rentals.

Call for Proposals – Creative Climate Action Residency at Gibraltar Point

OCAD University and the Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA) invites artists, designers, and media practitioners from Toronto and around the world to apply for the inaugural Creative Climate Action Residency at Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts. This two-week residency is dedicated to advancing climate action through innovative creative practice, fostering collaboration, and building a global community of changemakers.

Eligibility:

Who can apply? We welcome applications from emerging and established creators working in any medium whose practice engages with themes of climate action, sustainability, climate justice, decolonization, or regenerative relationships between people and the land. International as well as local applications are encouraged.

Location: Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, Toronto Island, Toronto, Canada

Key Dates:

Deadline: June 23, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT)

Notification: July 4, 2025

Residency Duration: September 8–22, 2025

Application Fee: None

What’s Provided:

Accommodation, shared studio space, mentorship, workshops, public presentation opportunity, and a $500 CAD honorarium

Travel: Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Toronto Island via Toronto Island ferries. Bike rentals are available on the island through third-party providers for additional fees. We are happy to provide letters of support for funding applications or travel permissions upon request.

Food & Groceries: Participants will need to purchase their own groceries for the duration of the residency. Please note that while there are some local options on the island, they may be limited—many residents choose to shop for groceries on the mainland before arriving.

How to Apply

Please submit all materials in a single PDF no larger than 10MB to internationalprograms@ocadu.ca with the subject line: Creative Climate Action Residency Application – [Your Name].

Application Requirements

Your submission should include the following:

1. Artist Statement

(500 words max)

Describe your overall artistic practice, interests, and motivations. Share how your work relates to climate action or environmental themes.

2. Project Proposal

(500 words max)

Outline the project you wish to develop during the residency. Please address:

The concept and goals of your project
How your project aligns with the residency’s climate action focus
Your intended approach, methods, and any anticipated outcomes
How you envision engaging with the residency community and the public showcase (onsite at residency location)

3. Documentation of Past Work

Up to 10 images, video/audio links, or other relevant documentation
Include a list describing each work (title, date, materials, dimensions/duration, and a brief description if needed)

4. CV or Resume

For more information about this particular opportunity, contact us at the email above.

For more information about the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts please review their website: https://gibraltarpointcentre.ca/

Please note that the space is not fully accessible. For further questions about accessibility, it is recommended to contact Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements and to arrange a tour if needed.

We apologize, but hybrid/virtual participation in this program cannot be supported at this time.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to inspire creative solutions for our climate future!