Organizer Information
Medalta — Historic Clay District is a renowned creative hub located in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Operated by the Friends of Medalta Society, Medalta preserves one of Canada’s most significant clay production sites while fostering contemporary ceramic arts practice, community engagement, and arts education. The organization hosts artists from all over the world through its Medalta International Artists in Residence (MIAIR) program, providing studio space, workshop facilities, kiln access, and collaborative learning within a vibrant cultural environment.
Title & Description
Medalta International Artists in Residence (MIAIR) – Ceramic Residency Opportunities
The MIAIR program is an international artist residency designed to support ceramic artists at all career stages — from emerging practitioners to established professionals. Artists are invited to immerse themselves in a dynamic creative community, taking advantage of 24/7 access to Medalta’s fully equipped studio facilities, mentorship, and opportunities for material research and experimentation. Residencies include flexible options ranging from one-month, FLEX (2–8 months), year-long, and fellowship terms, enabling participants to advance their practice through sustained studio work, collaboration, and community engagement.
Categories
Ceramic, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Craft, Research, Interdisciplinary Arts
(Note: While Medalta’s primary focus is ceramics, the residency environment often supports cross-disciplinary work that intersects with expanded Visual Arts practices and material-based research.)
Eligibility
- Open to international artists working with ceramics and related practices.
- Artists at all stages of their careers may apply — emerging, mid-career, established, and interdisciplinary practitioners.
- No specific requirement for formal degrees; selection is based on artistic merit and proposal strength.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency Duration: 1 month, FLEX (2–8 months), Year-Long (11 months), or Fellowship.
- Gwen Strojich Fellowship: Fully funded (studio and lodging) plus $1000 stipend.
- 24/7 Studio Access with semi-private workspaces, shelves, worktables, and pottery wheels.
- Access to all kiln types and technical support.
- Mentorship from Medalta staff, visiting artists, and technicians.
- On-site or nearby accommodation at BMO Artist Lodge (optional communal living).
- Exhibition opportunities (Year-Long residents receive a solo exhibition in the Yuill Family Gallery).
- Networking, workshops, and engagement with Medalta’s arts community.
- Maximum 10 artists per month, overall 30–40 per year.
Application Fee
Non-refundable $40 CAD application fee.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form.
- Portfolio or work samples.
- Proposal outlining residency goals and project focus.
- Additional supporting documents as requested (varies by track).
- Ten images of recent work. Size images to approximately 800 pixels wide at 72 dpi. In a
separate document, please include the following details in the same order as the images: title,
medium, dimensions, and year. - Bio (maximum 100 words).
- Artist statement (maximum 100 words).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Two references with names and contact information with their email and/or phone number.
- Residency proposal letter outlining your planned direction and goals for the residency
(maximum 700 words).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Primary Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: within 3 weeks after the application closing date.
Location
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Additional Details
- Artists work in a collaborative environment surrounded by fellow residents, workshops, classes, and community education programs.
- The program is supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Government of Canada.
- On-site lodging is available through BMO Artist Lodge and other arrangements.
- The range of residency durations accommodates flexibility for diverse needs and career stages.