OPEN CALL:The Islands Arts Writing Residency

FogoIslandArtsArt Metropole and Fogo Island Arts are seeking applications for The Islands, a two-part residency that aims to encourage arts writing and criticism in Contemporary Art. Open to Canadian and international applicants, The Islands will take place on Fogo Island and at Artscape Gibraltar Point on Toronto Island, Canada, from 1/11 to 15/1217.

The Islands invites emerging and established arts writers and artists with a writing practice to think about writing, remoteness, isolation and time across two unique locations. The successful candidate will spend a month on Fogo Island as part of Fogo Island Arts’ residency program, followed by two weeks on Toronto Island at Artscape Gibraltar Point. The project will culminate in a small publication funded, published, and distributed by Art Metropole.

The Islands is a residency partnership conceived and organized by Art Metropole and Fogo Island Arts, with support from Artscape. This is the second iteration of The Islands, following the inaugural residency in Spring 2017 undertaken by curator, writer and publisher Joseph del Pesco.

Application Criteria: Arts writing practices may range in structure, content, and medium, addressing various forms and disciplines that may include poetry, art criticism, and experimental writing, and periodical production (journals, art books, magazines). Applications should directly consider the role of writing and criticism in contemporary art, and take into consideration the unique circumstances of the residencies.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

  1. Have published a minimum of two arts writing texts or critical essays on contemporary art
  2. Hold a valid driver’s license, and be responsible for acquiring the necessary visa if coming from a foreign country

The successful candidate will be required to give a public presentation on Fogo Island and at Artscape Gibraltar Point, and to present their work at Art Metropole, Toronto.

How to Apply: Please carefully read the application guidelines below, and then click HERE to begin your application.

Applications are online only, and include the following:

  1. Project proposal (4500 characters including spaces, approx. 600 words)
  2. A description of your proposed project and how it fits into your larger practice. Include a description about what you hope to accomplish during the residency.
  3. Short biography and artist statement (1500 characters including spaces, approx. 200 words)
  4. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (3 pages maximum)
  5. 1 letter of recommendation from a professional in your field. Your referee should be able to address your professional qualifications and artistic merit, as well as the possible benefit of your participation in the residency
  6. If applicable, up to 5 images (maximum) in JPEG format, with relevant caption information
  7. 2 samples of your published work (each 6000 characters including spaces, approx. 750 words)

Accomodation, Travel and Workspace: The successful candidate will be provided with private accommodation and studio space on both Fogo and Toronto islands, as well as a weekly stipend to offset the costs of materials and day-to-day living expenses. Travel expenses are also covered.

Applicants should keep in mind that this residency takes place in two locations, and requires significant travel. Fogo Island is a remote island with limited amenities. A vehicle will be provided for the duration of the residency. Toronto Island is North America’s largest urban car-free community. Bicycles will be provided as well as a Ferry Pass for the duration of the residency. Toronto Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Toronto’s harbour.

Selection Process: The successful candidate will be selected by a jury which includes writer and organizer Amy Fung; Alexandra McIntosh, Director of Programs and Exhibitions, Fogo Island Arts; Nicolaus Schafhausen, Strategic Director, Fogo Island Arts; Danielle St-Amour, Director of Art Metropole and curator, cultural worker and writer cheyanne turions.

Application deadline: 20/8/17

Residency period:  1/11-15/12/17