Each year, KIRA welcomes six artists to Saint Andrews by-the-Sea for a multi-week residency designed to provide the time, space, and inspiration to focus deeply on their creative practice.
Recognized as one of Canada’s premier artist-in-residence programs, KIRA provides each selected artist with a private room and ensuite bathroom in the beautifully appointed historic KIRA estate, an individual freestanding studio, and two freshly prepared meals each day.
Artists also enjoy access to the award-winning 27-acre Kingsbrae Garden, located just steps from the residence and studios. With gardens, woodland trails, ponds, sculptures, and inspiring natural surroundings, Kingsbrae offers an exceptional setting for creativity and reflection.
Applications are open to a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, music and composition, writing, new media, and interdisciplinary arts. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.
As part of the residency, artists participate in up to six hours of community engagement each week. Activities vary based on each artist’s skills and interests and may include workshops, artist talks, open studios, or collaborations with Kingsbrae Garden and the surrounding community.
Artists are asked to bring the supplies and materials required for their creative practice.
Program details and support
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Studio space in a freestanding 300-square foot studio.
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Private bedroom/bathroom in a well-maintained historic property located steps away from the studio.
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Up to 6 artists living on-site.
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Two meals a day for six days a week (breakfast and dinner).
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Access to the award winning Kingsbrae Garden which is connected to the KIRA property.
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Artists will be responsible for covering costs associated with the purchase of materials, shipment of artwork/supplies, travel costs and other living expenses including supplemental food.
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Artists will participate in Open Studios where we will invite the public to meet and interact with the artist.
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Artists are responsible to pay for the application fee, travel, supplies and meals that are no provided, otherwise there is no charge to artists for the residency.
DATES: the 2027 Residency will be May 19th, 2027 - June 9th, 2027
Application Deadline is November 31st, 2027 at 11:59pm
APPLY NOW BY CLICKING HERE
Please reach out to kira@kingsbraegarden.com should you run into any difficulties submitting our applications.
Artist in Residence Program
Open calls & deadlines
Artist in Residence Program
The application process for the 2026 residency IS Now closed
Selection Process
- Artists will be selected using a panel review process. The following criteria are considered: overall merit of work, readiness to engage with the community, potential to develop creative practice, influence by the location, and statistical data including career level, and geographic location.
- References of finalists will be contacted.
- A 30-minute (max.) Zoom call between the finalists and program administrators will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Application requirements
- Artist statement (1400 character limit).
- Resume or CV (2-page maximum).
- Responses to following open-ended questions (1400 character limit for each question):
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Tell us about you and your work and why this residency would be important to you at this time in your career?
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What do you expect to accomplish during your residency?
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Artists are expected to engage with the community through open studios days. Describe how you would share your weekly progress and final artist experience with the visiting public?
- Contact info for three professional references (name, email, phone number and relationship).
- Portfolio of work (up to 4 forms of documentation).
NOTE for writers* Portfolio of work for writers (4 examples – 500-word limit per excerpt).
- $10 (CAD) + fees Application fee. The fee can be paid by visiting: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/kingsbraegarden_ca/items/408866/?full-items=yes
Application Deadline is October 31st, 2027 at 11:59pm