Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The City of Kelowna Artist in Residence Program invites artists or collectives to develop community-engaged, temporary public artworks focused on “Arts on Prescription” and wellbeing. The 10-week residency offers CA$12,000 in total funding and requires approximately 20 hours per week of creative and community engagement work. The program supports arts-based exploration of mental health, storytelling, and community connection.
The City of Kelowna Artist in Residence Program supports community-engaged artistic practice that explores the relationship between arts, wellbeing, and public space.
The residency focuses on developing temporary public artworks that respond to community needs and contribute to cultural dialogue.
Core Purpose
The program aims to:
- Strengthen community engagement through arts and culture
- Explore the concept of “Arts on Prescription”
- Support mental health and wellbeing through creative practice
- Produce temporary public-facing artworks
- Encourage storytelling and community dialogue
- Expand access to arts in public spaces
Key Theme: Arts on Prescription
The residency explores how artistic practice can:
- Support mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Encourage social connection
- Provide non-clinical wellbeing interventions
- Strengthen community resilience through creativity
This theme aligns with:
- Cultural Plan Goal #8: “Share their Story”
- Cultural Plan Goal #9: “Broaden the Reach”
Residency Structure
Time Commitment
- Approximately 20 hours per week
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Or equivalent arrangement agreed with the City
Work Arrangement
- Independent contractor role
- No live-in accommodation provided
Funding and Budget
Total Funding
- CA$12,000 (all-inclusive)
Covered Costs
Funding includes:
- Artist fees
- Materials and supplies
- Workspace needs
- Insurance
- Installation costs
- Deinstallation costs (if applicable)
Suggested Allocation
- CA$8,000 recommended for artist remuneration
Project Expectations
Artistic Output
Selected artists are expected to:
- Create temporary public artworks
- Develop community-engaged creative work
- Respond to the theme of arts and wellbeing
Community Engagement
Projects should include:
- Direct engagement with local communities
- Dialogue around wellbeing and creativity
- Participatory or interactive elements where appropriate
Eligible Applicants
Who Can Apply
- Individual artists
- Collaborative artist groups
Eligible Disciplines
Open to all creative fields, including:
Required Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience in community engagement
- Ability to produce temporary public artworks
- Strong artistic practice
Assessment Criteria
Applications are typically assessed on:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Strength of community engagement approach
- Relevance to “Arts on Prescription” theme
- Feasibility within 10-week timeframe
- Capacity to deliver public-facing work
Why This Program Matters
- Connects arts practice with public wellbeing
- Encourages mental health awareness through creativity
- Strengthens local cultural engagement
- Expands access to public art
- Supports socially engaged artistic practice
- Encourages dialogue between artists and communities
How It Works
Step 1: Prepare Expression of Interest
- Outline artistic concept
- Describe community engagement approach
- Align with wellbeing theme
Step 2: Submit Application
- Provide artistic background
- Include project proposal and approach
Step 3: Selection Process
- City evaluates artistic merit and feasibility
- Community engagement potential assessed
Step 4: Residency Delivery
- 10-week creative development period
- Community engagement activities
- Creation of temporary public artwork
Step 5: Installation and Completion
- Artwork installed in public space
- Final deinstallation if required
- Project wrap-up and reporting
Common Mistakes
- Weak connection to wellbeing or “Arts on Prescription” theme
- Lack of clear community engagement plan
- Overly complex projects for 10-week timeline
- Insufficient experience in public art
- Budget not aligned with all-inclusive funding model
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link art practice to wellbeing outcomes
- Include meaningful community interaction strategies
- Design feasible temporary public artwork
- Show experience in participatory or public art
- Keep concept focused and achievable within timeline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the City of Kelowna Artist in Residence Program?
- A residency supporting artists to create public artworks focused on arts, wellbeing, and community engagement
How long is the residency?
- Approximately 10 weeks
How much funding is provided?
- CA$12,000 total (all-inclusive)
What is the main theme?
- “Arts on Prescription” focusing on arts and wellbeing
Who can apply?
- Individual artists or groups
- Across multiple artistic disciplines
Is accommodation provided?
- No
- The residency does not include live-in housing
What kind of work is expected?
- Temporary public artwork
- Community-engaged creative practice
Conclusion
The City of Kelowna Artist in Residence Program supports artists in developing community-focused public artworks that explore the connection between creativity and wellbeing. With funding of CA$12,000 over a 10-week residency, it provides a platform for socially engaged artistic practice rooted in mental health awareness, storytelling, and public engagement.
For more information, visit City of Kelowna.