One-Week Artist Retreat at Howe Island (Summer 2024)
Posted: Apr 19th, 2024 | News

This is a unique opportunity for one emerging or mid-career textile artist to make space for their practice, explore new artistic directions in a natural environment, and have the opportunity for guidance by textile artist and educator, Leisa Rich.

This retreat is made possible by the Rich Foundation and will be during the week of Aug 23 - 30

The retreat includes:
  • Complimentary use of a guest house. This includes a private bathroom, air conditioning, microwave, outdoor shower, indoor and outdoor studio spaces. In inclement weather, an indoor shower is available.
  • Use of equipment. This includes sewing machine, scissors, iron, ironing board, heat press, photocopier, and basic supplies for sketching, drawing and watercolour, and more.
  • A mentorship opportunity. You can work with Leisa Rich for a day in her studio and learn some of the techniques she implements in her work.
  • Opportunity to enjoy island life.  You may swim in the St. Lawrence River or a heated swimming pool, enjoy a hot tub, electric bicycle, Thousand Island sight-seeing, fresh garden vegetables and more!
  • Three vegan home-cooked dinners.
The artist covers:
  • Transportation to and from Howe Island. Please note that the residency is on a remote island and accessed by ferry (5 minutes to cross), with no retail stores or gas station. The nearest town is Gananoque, which is 5 minutes away from the ferry dock. Kingston is a 15-minute drive from the mainland dock.
  • Meals – other than the three dinners supplied. You may shop for groceries in town. There will be a small fridge, and coffee and tea makers in the cottage.
  • Materials other than what is specified above. The selected artist should bring a variety of materials they would like to explore or incorporate in their work while in the residency.

Exhibit at the Textile Museum of Canada:

  • The artist will have an opportunity to display their work in the Learning Hub in the Textile Museum of Canada. The Learning Hub is free and open to the public.
  • This is an opportunity for someone finding it challenging to obtain funding or affordable exhibition space to create and present their work for the public and to build a resume.

How to apply:

Submission Deadline: May 19, 2024 (5 PM)

Successful applicants will be notified in June 2024

Artists can apply by completing this form

All applicants are required to submit support material that shows their recent work, illustrates the quality and nature of their practice, and demonstrates their capacity to engage with different audiences.
Please include a link to your online work or portfolio in the form above.

The Textile Museum of Canada maintains a Board of Trustees approved Anti-Racism, Access, and Equity Policy. Respect, accountability, and a courteous manner towards staff, volunteers, and the public are requirements for all staff, volunteers and visiting experts and artists.
We invite all candidates who meet the eligibility criteria to apply, however in keeping with the Museum’s equity goals; we encourage applications from candidates who have lived experience of disability, BIPOC candidates, and/or 2SLGBTQIAP+ candidates. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their cover letters. 
Successful candidates will be required to sign a code of conduct form.