Sable island Artist in Residence

Short Description

The Sable Island Institute and Sable Island National Park Reserve (SINPR) invite proposals from professional artists in the four Atlantic Provinces for the first Sable Island artist residency. This unique program will offer two weeks on the island for an artist to research and engage with its unique environment, history and characteristics in October 2025. This will lead to the creation of an original work of art that embodies and interprets Sable’s cultural and natural features. Applications are welcome from artists in all disciplines.

Eligibility

Eligible artists must be professionally recognized as described in the Status of Artist Act, https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-19.6/ including but not limited to the following criteria:

• Have peer recognition.
• Have a history of public presentation.
• Have training appropriate to the artist’s chosen discipline (including mentorship and/or apprenticeship).
• Earn income, fully or in part, from artistic activity.
• Demonstrate serious intent and devotion of energy to practicing.

Submission Requirements

1. A cover letter (PDF format).
2. Current contact information loaded directly onto the portal application site.
3. A description of the proposed residency project (750 words max in PDF format) including:
   1. Goals and Process.
   2. Expected outcome from the residency.
   3. Future public dissemination or distribution of outcomes
      Note: The statement should include reflections on how the work could expand the public perception of the Island culturally, environmentally or in other ways. It is recognized that once the artist has had direct experience on the island, the scope and focus of the concept may change.
4. Relevant, extra-curricular experience that will aid in the applicant’s successful tenure in the unique life/work conditions of Sable Island (250 words max in PDF format).
5. A current CV (or list of most recent relevant projects and exhibitions) in chronological point form. It should not exceed 2 pages in PDF format OR 750 words if written as narrative biography.
6. Examples of creative practice to support the proposal :
   1. 10 images of visual art (max 500kb per image)
   2. 3 samples of literary works (1000 words per sample)
   3. 3 video samples/excerpts of time-based, and visual and performative art (2 minutes max per sample, file size and format TBD) including:
      1. Music/sound/audio projects
      2. Dance/movement-based projects
      3. Dramatic/theatrical projects
      4. Poetic/spoken word projects
      5. Time-based visual performance or digital art
      6. Other
7. Support for examples of creative practice (in PDF format):
   1. Visual art captions, suggested format
   2. Title/year/medium/dimensions
   3. Video submissions for time-based practices:
   4. Title/year/duration of full project
   5. 250 word narrative description of each project
8. A 100-word bio and a head shot that can be used for publicity materials.
9. Letters of recommendation or support (2 to 5) in PDF format.
10. An indication of the materials and equipment that the applicant will want to bring to the island and the facilities that will be required (e.g., storage, bench space, wash-up facilities) in order to undertake the work.
11. Any limitations in the time availability of the applicant in October owing to other commitments (e.g., teaching) should be noted.
    1. NB. Proposals for formal collaborations with scientists and historians on and off the Island are welcomed.

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards:

During the first year of the program (2025) one artist will be selected for on-island work in October. In subsequent years there may be one or two residencies a year – most likely in the fall but possibly also in spring if compatible with other demands for space.

The residency will include travel to and from the island, up to two weeks of on-island accommodation, and technical and logistical support as needed. On and off the island the artist will be helped to access archival materials and encouraged to engage with other island researchers so that their art is informed by this broader context.

The experience the residency offers is extraordinary: extended time in a uniquely beautiful, remote island within an exposed and dynamic natural environment; and relatively visible wildlife little affected by human contact or interference. It also offers an opportunity to learn about the impact of human interaction with a remote place, and how climate change affects the marine environment.

Background research will also reveal a dramatic past closely tied to the history and development of Nova Scotia, and provide opportunities to learn from other researchers on and off the island. This can then support the integration of art with science and conservation.

There will be a private room in a house for sleeping but otherwise the accommodation is shared with SII personnel. Food prep and kitchen duties are cooperative. Food is provided by SII but the menu options are limited so advance notice is required of any dietary preferences or allergies. Very specific needs must be met by the participants themselves.

Internet connectivity is through Starlink satellite service. Cell phones must be wifi capable. Calls can only be made at the Sable Island Station.

Bursary

The selected artist will be eligible to apply for a bursary of $500/wk while on island. This is intended for self-supporting/unwaged artists. A further sum of up to $500 is available for off-island production costs and up to $500 for exhibition fees upon submission of receipts.

Artist Responsibilities/Expectations

Off-island Preparation:
It will be an advantage to participants to have

• Outdoors experience.
• Remote location experience.
• Comfort with flying in small aircraft (see relevant websites, links provided above).

Participants are responsible for:

• Providing all personal medications for the duration of the residency, including extra for an additional 10 days in case of travel delays.
• Clothing and footwear suitable for inclement weather and rough terrain.
• The cost of all travel from their home to and from Stanfield Airport, and accommodation while on the mainland – including that arising from last minute weather delays.
• All art supplies and equipment needed for the on-island work (including protective gear against sand and sea salt).
• Providing advance notice of general dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, non-dairy foods) and also dietary allergies.
• Providing any very specific foods/supplements required to meet dietary needs and/or allergies.
• First Aid training (recommended).
• Review of all SINPR briefing materials including guidelines and regulations.
• Acquisition of Parks Canada permits (if required) before the start of the residency.
• Application to other funders if additional support is needed to complete the residency.

On-Island Responsibilities:

• Participants are expected to take all reasonable steps to protect their own safety and comfort and the safety and comfort of others.
• Participants are expected to adhere to SINPR regulations regarding interactions with terrain, wildlife, fauna and flora.
• Comply with SII’s operational guidelines, including a daily safety check-in schedule.

Public Outreach and Engagement during and after the Residency

• The participant must make a minimum of 2 public posts/week on SII’s social media while on island. SII will assist and provide guidance..
• A public presentation/artist’s talk or workshop within six months following the residency.
• A piece of art documented for future exhibition and inclusion in Sable Island Institute’s on-line archive within 12 months. SII would seek the right to show/exhibit/display the artwork on occasion as part of the promotion of the program or, potentially, to promote a fundraiser, for a 2-year period following the residency.
• The artist may wish to donate a piece of their work to the Institute that can be used for future fundraising. This would be voluntary.

Entry Fee:

• A registration fee of $250 will be required from the selected artist. This fee will be reimbursed if the residency is completed or if the artist withdraws within three months of the departure date.

Location:

Sable Island, Canada

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 30 March 2025

Website Link: https://sableislandinstitute.org/artist-in-residence/terms/

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