This application has now closed.
Explore your Art Within the Gabriola Island Community
Kasahara Gabriola Trust and the Gabriola Arts Council are seeking applications from artists working in a wide range of disciplines for this two month residency which takes place on Gabriola Island, BC, the Isle of the Arts. Gabriola Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Salish Sea and is a 20 minute ferry ride from Nanaimo located on Vancouver Island. Learn more about the artist residency, application criteria and the life of Toshiko Kasahara.
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 her husband died before they could realize it. Undaunted (at age 80) Toshiko built her house on the beach.
Her love of the island was matched by her love of the arts – all forms of art – from poetry to loud music. Throughout her life, Toshiko held a strong spirit of adventure. She was curious, passionate, fearless and determined – in almost everything she did. 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.
Residency Period: May 1 – June 30, 2023 Application due March 1st, 2023 by 5pm PST


How to apply
Applications must be completed through the Gabriola Arts Council’s online form. Applications should explain why the artist wishes to participate in the program and describe the project to be undertaken during the proposed residency. The proposal must provide a plan for how the applicant will engage the community of Gabriola during their residency. Applications consist of the following components:- Kasahara Gabriola Trust Residency Application Form (including biography, project description, community involvement proposal and references)
- Curriculum vitae
- Portfolio: please submit up to fifteen image/video files to DropBox at info@artsgabriola.ca