Entries open for Artist in Residence Program (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The ArtsNB Artist in Residence Program supports professional artists and host organizations by funding artist residencies that enable creative development, skills building, and community engagement. The program offers up to $10,000 to support residencies in New Brunswick, elsewhere in Canada, or internationally, while strengthening collaboration and public access to the arts.

Programme Overview

The ArtsNB Artist in Residence Program is designed to support professional artists and host organizations through structured residency opportunities that encourage artistic creation, professional growth, and community connection.

The programme recognises artist residencies as a vital mechanism for artistic development, cultural exchange, and public engagement. It provides artists with dedicated time and space to focus on creative work while enabling organizations to host artists and integrate artistic practice into their environments.

Core Objectives of the Programme

The Artist in Residence Program aims to:

• Support the creation or development of new or in-progress artistic work

• Enable artists to engage in mentorship or acquire new professional skills

• Expand professional networks and audiences for artists

• Encourage community engagement through artistic interaction

• Enhance the promotion, appreciation, and understanding of the arts

• Foster meaningful collaboration between artists and host organizations

Programme Components

The programme consists of two complementary funding components.

Artist in Residence – Artists

This component supports professional artists to participate in residency opportunities.

Eligible Residency Locations

Artists may undertake residencies:

• In New Brunswick

• Elsewhere in Canada

• Abroad

• In Quebec, through an agreement with the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

What This Component Supports

• Dedicated time and space for artistic creation

• Professional development and skills acquisition

• Mentorship opportunities

• Networking with other artists, institutions, and communities

Artist in Residence – Host Organizations

This component enables organizations to host professional artists and support creative projects.

Eligible Host Organizations

• Not-for-profit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Institutional organizations

Purpose of Hosting an Artist

Host organizations benefit by:

• Collaborating directly with professional artists

• Offering artists access to facilities, audiences, or expertise

• Supporting cultural exchange and innovation

• Integrating artistic practice into organizational or community settings

What Is an Artist Residency?

An artist residency is a structured period during which an artist is provided with:

• Dedicated time to focus on creative work

• Dedicated space or resources for artistic practice

• Opportunities to engage with communities, professionals, or audiences

Residencies may include public activities, workshops, mentorship, or presentations, depending on the project and host setting.

Funding Amount

• Maximum funding available: up to $10,000

• Funding supports costs related to achieving residency goals

• Grant amounts are based on project scope and eligibility

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen,
  or a person affiliated with a First Nation on Turtle Island,
  or a permanent resident or applicant for permanent residency

• Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline

• Qualify as a professional artist under ArtsNB guidelines

• Have submitted all required final reports from previous ArtsNB funding, if applicable

Definition of a Professional Artist

Under ArtsNB guidelines, a professional artist is someone who:

• Has specialized training or equivalent professional experience

• Is recognized by peers as a professional

• Has a history of public presentation or publication of work

• Actively practices their art as a professional pursuit

Why This Programme Matters

Artist residencies play a critical role in the arts ecosystem by:

• Providing artists with focused time for creative exploration

• Supporting artistic risk-taking and innovation

• Strengthening connections between artists and communities

• Increasing public access to professional artistic practice

• Building sustainable careers in the arts

The ArtsNB Artist in Residence Program strengthens both individual artists and the organizations that support them.

How the Programme Works

1. Artists or host organizations identify a suitable residency opportunity

2. Applicants design a residency plan aligned with programme objectives

3. An application is submitted under the appropriate component

4. Applications are assessed based on eligibility, artistic merit, and impact

5. Successful applicants complete the residency and meet reporting requirements

How to Apply

To prepare a strong application:

1. Clearly define the creative goals of the residency

2. Explain how the residency supports professional development

3. Describe any community or audience engagement activities

4. Provide a realistic budget within the $10,000 maximum

5. Demonstrate alignment with ArtsNB priorities and guidelines

Host organizations should clearly outline their role, resources, and collaboration plan with the artist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting the 12-month New Brunswick residency requirement

• Submitting applications without confirming professional artist status

• Failing to explain the value of the residency to artistic development

• Missing required documentation or final reports

• Proposing activities that do not align with residency objectives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ArtsNB Artist in Residence Program?

It is a funding programme that supports artist residencies for professional artists and host organizations.

2. How much funding is available?

Applicants may receive up to $10,000, depending on project scope and eligibility.

3. Can residencies take place outside New Brunswick?

Yes. Residencies may take place elsewhere in Canada, abroad, or in Quebec through a CALQ agreement.

4. Who can apply as an artist?

Professional artists who meet citizenship or residency status requirements and have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months.

5. Can organizations apply to host artists?

Yes. Not-for-profit, for-profit, and institutional organizations may apply under the Host Organizations component.

6. Is community engagement required?

Community engagement is encouraged and aligns strongly with programme objectives.

7. What happens if final reports from previous funding are missing?

Applicants must submit all outstanding final reports before applying to be eligible.

Conclusion

The ArtsNB Artist in Residence Program provides meaningful support for professional artists and host organizations by funding residencies that foster creativity, collaboration, and community connection. By offering up to $10,000 per project and supporting residencies locally and internationally, the programme strengthens artistic practice and enhances public engagement with the arts.

For more information, visit artsnb.