Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program

The Art in the Parks Artist-in-Residence Program, in collaboration with The Rooms, has nurtured artistic expression since 1998. Offering up to five residencies each year, it immerses artists in the natural beauty of Newfoundland’s parks and local communities. Over the years, the program has produced a wide range of works and publications that have been showcased globally, fostering a deeper connection between art, landscape, and the public.

Residencies at Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks, in partnership with Parks Canada, and with The Landfall Trust (Brigus, NL), provide professional visual artists 4-6 weeks of focused time to develop new or ongoing projects. Artists are encouraged to engage with the public while working in peaceful, natural surroundings. The program spans mediums including painting, sculpture, film, photography, ceramics, textiles, and digital installations, with notable artists like Tara Nicholson, Sarah Maloney, Svava Thordis Juliusson, Sydney Lancaster, Michael Young, Robert Clarke-Davis, Lyndall Osbourne, Cecil Day, Lisa Lipton, Sarah Wendt, and Pascal Dufaux contributing to its rich legacy.

Applications are juried annually by staff from The Rooms and Parks Canada, ensuring a diverse selection of participants. While the primary application language is English, French-speaking artists are welcome, with support available. The program typically runs from May to October, with some flexibility in scheduling.

Applications for AIR Residencies are due the first Friday in November of every year. Applications for the 2024 AIR Residencies must be delivered or postmarked on the first Friday in November.

New for 2024!

Online Submission Option: Avoid the hassle of thumbdrives and snail mail! Starting in 2024, artists can submit applications for consideration directly online through The Rooms SharePoint Website. To obtain a custom link for your submission, please email artgallery@therooms.ca.

Eligibility

Open to professional provincial, Canadian and international artists with an established exhibition history.
Open to artists working in any medium.

Gros Morne National Park

Located on Newfoundland’s West Coast at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gros Morne National Park features incredibly varied landscapes, including coastal cliffs and beaches, forested hills, glacially-carved fjord-lakes, and arctic-alpine highlands. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its geological features and natural beauty, Gros Morne also offers opportunities to experience rural Newfoundland culture in the enclave communities of the park area. (Closest airport: Deer Lake, NL). Two artists may be selected annually for this location.

Residency includes:

Artist-in-residence fee, provided by The Rooms.
Accommodation and workspace (two-bedroom townhouse) located in Woody Point, NL, provided by Parks Canada. Note: these may be shared accommodations depending on the time of year selected.
Artists may apply to stay for 4-6 weeks. Artists should indicate two choices for their preferred time frame of stay (May-October).
Some form of public event must be offered during the residency, in consultation with Parks Canada (ex: “open studio”, presentation, workshop).
Artists are responsible for their own transportation. A vehicle is highly desirable.
More about Gros Morne National Park

Terra Nova National Park

Located on Newfoundland’s Northeast Coast at Terra Nova National Park, approximately 2.5 hours from St. John’s. Easternmost of Canada’s National Parks, Terra Nova represents an Eastern Island Boreal Landscape - known for its long fingers of the Atlantic Ocean reaching deep into the heart of the forest. During the summer, whales, seals and icebergs enter the deep glacier-carved fjords which indent the coastline. The rich cultural ties to boatbuilding, and fishing are alive and well in the adjacent communities. Two artists may be selected annually for this location.

Residency includes:

Artist-in-residence fee, provided by The Rooms.
Accommodation provided by Parks Canada. Note there is no formal workspace provided, but may be available at the Interpretation Centre depending on the time of year.
Artists may apply to stay for 4-6 weeks. Artists should indicate two choices for their preferred time frame of stay (May-October).
Some form of public event must be offered during the residency, in consultation with Parks Canada (ex: “open studio”, presentation, workshop).
Artists are responsible for their own transportation. A vehicle is highly desirable.
More about Terra Nova National Park

Landfall Trust, Brigus

Located in the small community of Brigus, Conception Bay, Newfoundland (about 45 minutes from St. John’s), and offered in partnership with The Landfall Trust, a non-profit organization that operates the historic property where American artist Rockwell Kent resided during the First World War. A provincial heritage site, the 200-year-old Kent Cottage is nestled on a cliff overlooking beautiful Brigus Bay and surrounded by 11 acres of untamed coastline. Landfall Trust’s mission is to preserve the cottage and pristine natural environment and offer opportunities for artists to create in this inspiring setting. One artist may be selected annually for this location.

Residency includes:

Artist-in-residence fee, provided by The Rooms.
Accommodation provided by The Landfall Trust. Note there is no formal workspace provided.
Artists may apply to stay for 3 weeks (mid-June to mid-July).
Some form of public event must be offered during the residency, in consultation with The Landfall Trust (ex: “open studio”, presentation, workshop).
Artists are responsible for their own transportation. A vehicle is highly desirable.
More about The Landfall Trust

Application Checklist

Current CV, including up-to-date exhibition record.
10-15 image/video files of current artwork: 300 DPI, jpg for images; on USB datastick or uploaded to our digital portal.
Statement of interest (500-700 words), including a description of work to be carried out during the residency, what the residency will bring to your practice, and what your perspective will bring to the program.
Description of suggested public event(s) to be offered during the residency.
Preferred location and length of stay (as per above).
Two artists may make a joint application, each submitting visuals and other information, if they are prepared to share the fee and living/working space. These are working residencies; family and friends cannot accompany artists (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for equal access opportunities).

The Rooms strives to recognize and undo structural inequities, to be inclusive, and to support diversity in programming. We welcome and encourage applications from artists who may come from communities that are historically on the margins or are traditionally underrepresented in cultural institutions.

Send your application, by the deadline, to:

Mailing Address:
The Rooms
Art Gallery, Museums and Visitor Experience
Re: AiR Residency
P.O. Box 1800, Station C
St. John's, NL A1C 5P9

Courier Address:
The Rooms
Art Gallery, Museums and Visitor Experience
Re: AiR Residency
9 Bonaventure Avenue
St. John's, NL A1C 3Y9

Online Applications:
Ask for a link to our AiR Residency digital portal by emailing: artgallery@therooms.ca

IMPORTANT NOTE: For an online application, please email us with your request a minimum of several days prior to the deadline to ensure you receive your link on time. Applications sent by fax will not be accepted.

We are here to help. For further information on the program, your submission or the online application process please call: 709-757-8040 or email artgallery@therooms.ca