The Pear
Creative Residency
A month of time and space on a five acre farm, gallery and studio, a ten minute walk from Ganges. Self directed, host run, one artist at a time in each space.
Not a vacation rental, and not a programme you are moved through. A place to make the work you came to make, and to leave something behind.
Time and space
A self contained suite inside the studio building, with the 700 square foot gallery next door and a large covered shed for loud, dusty, oversize or outdoor work. Kilns, welding, spray, solvents and resin can all be discussed.
The island
Salt Spring holds an unusually deep roster of working artists for a place its size, with a short hop to Victoria and Vancouver. Invite anyone from the local roster for a one to one studio visit.
Giving something back
Every resident offers one thing to the community during the month: a workshop, a talk, a tour or a showing, held here on the property and ticketed. There is no requirement to finish or to donate work.
Three places to live and work, on five acres of heritage orchard beside Mouat's Park.
Studio Suite
500 square feet, self contained, inside the 1100 square foot studio building that also holds the gallery. Heated concrete floors, a Murphy bed, kitchenette, rain shower and a covered south facing deck.
Casita
A small cabin with a queen bed under a skylight, a basic kitchen, a covered porch and a propane heated outdoor shower looking over the pasture. The bathroom is a short walk outside.
Third space, 2027
A third unit is being built for spring 2027. Applications that would suit it are welcome now, and we will confirm the space with your offer.
2027 sessions
Residencies run as one month blocks. Arrive from noon on the first day, leave by 11am on the last. Autumn, winter and spring dates are fixed. Summer dates can be shaped around you, and one or two week stays are considered in July and August. The 2028 calendar opens in autumn 2027.
The residency is self funded. We keep the price plain and say exactly what it covers.
We will write invitation and support letters for grant applications, and help where we can with the writing. Artists who arrive with funding pay the same rate as everyone else. One month each year is held for an Indigenous artist, with the application fee waived.
The deposit is due within 14 days of acceptance. Full refund up to three months before arrival, after that the deposit is kept. There are no deferrals: you are welcome to apply again. Work sold through the gallery carries a 30% commission. Four sauna sessions are included and further sessions are discounted.
One rolling call for the year. Applications are read monthly.
Open to artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, curators and researchers at any stage, from anywhere. No degree is needed, students are welcome, and English is not required. Pairs and collaborators can apply together where the space suits two people.
Apply
A short bio or mission statement, a 300 word project proposal, your community offering, a few works, and references. Tell us which months and which space.
A call
If your application is of interest you will hear from us, and we will book a short call to talk through the project and the space.
An offer
An offer names your month and space. The deposit is due within 14 days. Dates not taken up pass to the next artist.
Arrive
Noon on the first day. We will already have met on the call, so arrival is a walk of the property and a handing over of keys.
Is the residency self directed?
Yes. There is no programme to move through and no set outcome. Annika lives on the property, shares some of the studio, and will engage as little or as much as you want. You are expected to weave your practice into the island while you are here.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes, international artists are welcome and visas are your own responsibility. We are glad to write an invitation or support letter for a visa or a grant application. Applications can be written in any language, and English is not required.
What kind of work can the space take?
More than most residencies. Kilns, welding, spray, solvents, resin, heavy dust and loud work in stretches are all possible, and oversize pieces can live outdoors under a large covered shed. Tell us what you are planning in your proposal and we will talk it through.
Can I bring a partner, or a dog?
A second person in the same space is a 25% surcharge. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, as there are farm animals and neighbouring trails to consider. Ask us about anything else and we will give you a straight answer.
What does the community offering involve?
One thing, once, during your month: a workshop, an artist talk, a studio tour or a showing of what you have been making. It happens here in the gallery or on the property and it is ticketed, with the terms agreed with you before the date. It does not have to be polished and it does not have to be finished work.
Can I sell work made here?
Yes. Work sold through the gallery, during or after your residency, carries a 30% commission. You are under no obligation to sell, to finish, or to leave a piece behind.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes. Previous residents are welcome to apply again. There are no deferrals: if your dates no longer work, apply for a later round rather than moving an existing offer.
How do I get here without a car?
Salt Spring is reached by ferry, and the property is a seven to ten minute walk from Ganges along forest paths, so you can live here on foot. [[ confirm ferry routes, float plane and water taxi details before launch ]]
Island artist directory
A roster of Salt Spring artists open to studio visits, one card each with a portrait, a discipline and a line. Best built as a Squarespace gallery or blog collection so you can add an artist without touching this page.
Past residents
After the first season: a quote and a photo from each resident, and what they gave back to the island. Nothing invented until there is something real to show.