Organizer Information:

The Sable Island Institute (SII), in partnership with Parks Canada, provides artists with a rare opportunity to live and work on Sable Island—a remote, ecologically sensitive National Park Reserve in Atlantic Canada. The program is designed to bring the environmental, historical, and cultural qualities of this highly restricted island to life through artistic interpretation.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026-27 Sable Island Artist in Residence Program.

Due to the ecological sensitivity of the island, very few visitors can directly experience it. This unique residency selects three artists for a 1-to-2-week stay to explore, observe, document, and reflect on the island's dynamic environment and visible wildlife.

Because aircraft payload is strictly limited, artists must "travel light" and focus on conceptual/research-based work, sketching, or documentation, leaving heavy production for the mainland. Artists are expected to post on social media twice a week while on the island, deliver a public presentation within six months of returning, and document a piece of art for the Institute's online archive.

Category:

Multidisciplinary.

(Open to visual arts, literary arts, and time-based/performative practices).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Professionally recognized artists with a history of public presentation.
  • Scope: Currently open only to artists living in the four Atlantic Provinces of Canada.
  • Requirements: Applicants must be comfortable with remote locations, highly variable weather, basic shared accommodation, and travel via small aircraft.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Funding: A stipend of $500 CAD/week while on the island, up to $500 CAD for off-island production costs, and up to $500 CAD for exhibition/presentation fees.
  • Travel & Stay: Return travel from Halifax International Airport to Sable Island, plus on-island food and accommodation.
  • Support: Access to archives and logistical/technical support from SII and Parks Canada.

Application Fee:

Selected artists must pay a $250 registration fee, which is fully reimbursed upon completion of the residency

Application Requirements:

This is a two-part application process. Part 1 requires completing an online form with a brief proposal (max 250 words), an explanation of relevant remote-work experience, a short CV, and supporting portfolio materials. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed Part 2 application.

How to Apply?

Submit your Part 1 application via the official Sable Island Institute online portal.

Key Dates:

  • Part 1 Application Deadline: March 17, 2026 (11:59 PM).
  • Residency Dates: Fall (October–November 2026) or Spring (April–May 2027).

Location:

Sable Island National Park Reserve, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Contact Information:

Email: artsresidency@sableislandinstitute.org

Website: Sable Island Institute Open Call