The application for 2022 has closed. Please see this page for the latest information on open artist residencies.
Kasahara Gabriola Trust Artist Residency
Residency Period: September 2, 2022 – December 23, 2022
Application due June 24, 2022 by 5pm PST
Applicants notified July 22, 2022
Kasahara Gabriola Trust and the Gabriola Arts Council is seeking applications for the third residency program, from artists working in a wide range of disciplines. Residencies are four months in length and take place on Gabriola Island, BC, the Isle of the Arts. Gabriola Island is a Gulf Island located in the Salish Sea and is a 20 minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island.
Toshiko Kasahara came upon Gabriola Island almost by accident, acquiring the oceanfront property as repayment for a loan over 50 years ago. She and her husband dreamed of building on the property, but he died before they could realize it. Undaunted (at 80) Toshiko built the house on the beach.
Her love of the island was matched by her love of the arts. She was curious, passionate, fearless and determined – in almost everything she did.
“She wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted,” says Peter Baker, manager of the Kasahara Gabriola Trust and Toshiko’s neighbour on the island. “And no wasn’t her favorite answer.”
That translated into impromptu and insistent invitations to concerts, from guitar instrumentals at house concerts, to “bitch ass folk music” at the Haven.
“At the intermission of the Bitch Ass Folk Music, we asked if she wanted to go home early,” recalls Baker. “Her response was simply ‘oh no! I like loud noise music!’”
Throughout her life, Toshiko held a strong spirit of adventure. She loved everything the island had to offer – the ocean, the arts and the people. She loved to entertain and – more than anything to connect. The Kasahara Gabriola Trust that she left is a tremendous legacy to this singular, indomitable person who wanted the best for her island home and community.
About the residency
The Kasahara Gabriola Trust Residency is accepting applications from artists at all stages of their career emerging artists (artists pursuing education within arts field) or established, practicing artist with a demonstrated body of work in a professional artistic environment. Artists within a variety of artistic disciplines will be accepted. The residency provides a live/workspace on an inspirational and intimate island setting, allowing artists the opportunity to imagine, create, experiment, develop new ideas, and ultimately a new body of work. The Kasahara Gabriola Trust Residency is a self-directed retreat, with opportunity for professional development, while giving the local community access to a diverse range of arts practices, theories and experiences.
Gabriola Arts Council is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our organization and art community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of arts on Gabriola Island including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
If you require any form of accommodation throughout the residency application process, please contact directly Carol Fergusson at carol@artsgabriola.ca or 250-247-7409, so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our application process.
Selected artists will reside in a beautiful 1700 square foot, 3 bedroom, ocean front home with hardwood floors and large picture windows. You can walk right onto the beach and trails are across the street. The home does not have a formal studio space, but the extra bedroom or the front room are suitable areas for studio work. The grounds are large enough to erect a tent for outdoor work. The house is equipped with a table/desk looking out at the ocean, a folding work table, long extension cord, and printer. A residency fee of $750 per month is required in advance of arrival. The residency fee is $750 per month and goes to the operation of the home and the residency itself. There are opportunities for residents to reduce their rate, on a per case basis, through offering workshops and classes during the residency. An example would be a two hour interactive workshop with 10+ community members would be valued at $350 plus materials, where the resident would be responsible for programming and delivering the workshop, set up, take down, and gathering any materials in excess of what is readily available. The Gabriola Arts Council will create the promotional material, advertise the workshop and provide the space. It is a great opportunity to reduce your costs and engage with community. If this is prohibitive, please contact Carol Fergusson, Executive Director to discuss at residency@artsgabriola.ca. A damage deposit of $250 is required upon arrival and will be returned to you at the end of the residency if the house is left in good order.
At the end of the residency the artist is expected to present a gallery show, performance piece, reading, or appropriate sharing of the body of work completed during the residency, to the community. Gallery space/outdoor space/performance space will be provided, and all promotional activities will be provided by the Gabriola Arts Council.
Expenses paid by the artists
- Travel
- Short term moving costs
- Food
- Supplies
- Housing (residency fee $750 per month, includes utilities)
What practical facilities does the residency offer?
- Master bedroom with en suite
- 2 Private bedrooms
- Additional full bath
- Kitchen and living space
- Deck facing the ocean
- Outdoor area large enough for a 10×10 tent
- Internet
- Work table
- Desk
- Printer
- Free Exhibition or performance space at Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre
- Promotional Services
- Networking
Application Criteria
Applications are welcome from Canadian artists working in a wide range of disciplines including, but not limited to, visual art, film, literary arts, performance arts or music/sound.
Applicants should keep in mind the unique environment of Gabriola Island and familiarize themselves with the amenities and services available. Nanaimo is a 20 minute ferry ride away and has additional services, such as a fully stocked art store, large music store, galleries, etc. Gabriola also has a bus system called Gertie.
As noted above the house is only suitable for two people, but we do not accept joint applications. The successful artist may choose to bring their partner, child or art companion.
How to Apply
Please fill out the Google form and submit any image/video files to DropBox at info@artsgabriola.ca
Form: Kasahara Gabriola Trust Residency Application Form
Diversity enriches community. Gabriola Arts Council is committed to appreciating and celebrating diversity in arts. We strive to increase understanding and acceptance of each other, thereby making us more compassionate human beings and strengthening the fabric of our communities. Please indicate in your application self-identities you identify with.
- Women
- Men
- Visible minorities
- Persons with disabilities
- Indigenous Peoples
- Non-binary
- I do not identify as one of the designated groups listed above
- I prefer not to self-identify
Selection Process
A jury of arts professionals, the KGT Trustee and Gabriola Arts Council Board members will review all applications and one candidate will be selected and notified by July 22, 2022.
We will be not be able to provide feedback on individual applications.
