Applicant FAQs

  • Yes, we welcome emerging and established artists from around the world. You must procure your own visa (when required) and insurance.

  • We offer discounted rates for BIPOC artists and are improving this model in 2028 so that more artists can access funding.

    Upon acceptance we will gladly provide a letter to use in any grant applications. Previous AiRs have received funding from the Canada Council, scholarships and bursaries from their colleges and universities.

  • Up to four artists or writers attend at one time.

    Two AiRs will share a kitchen and bathroom.

    Your bedroom is private to you.

  • AiRs are responsible for their own supplies. That being said, There is a large area with shared supplies and extra furniture including lights, easels, tables and chairs. More information and images are included in our Handbook.

    Art supplies can be mailed ahead or purchased locally at Excellent Frameworks.

    We also have a small photography darkroom with a Durst color enlarger.

  • Yes! We welcome friends and collaborators. Please indicated that you’re applying together in your application. One application per artist is required.

  • Unfortunately we cannot welcome pets, so please find alternative accommodation for your fur/less friends.

    We have loved hosting families and partners in the past, but are taking a pause to consider how to facilitate a better experience for all.

  • We are not.

    Our goal is to create a safe and private container for our AiRs with limited distractions.

Incoming AiR FAQs

By no means a comprehensive list! More information and images are provided in our AiR Handbook.

  • A car rental is recommended if you would like to explore more of the island with ease.

    That being said, often artists will car-share for a duration of the stay.

    Rental cars are available in central Duncan and at the Nanaimo and Victoria airpots. If you rent a car in Vancouver, note that you will need to pay for the additional cost on the ferry, and have that much more travel time ahead of you (the drive to ferry from airport, then a two-hour ferry, then the drive to residency).

  • Yes!

    We are a 10 min walk down a forested trail to grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, and 20 min walk to our cute downtown where you’ll find art supplies at the lovely Excellent Frameworks and the year-round Saturday farmer’s market.

    The nearest bus stop is a 3 min walk away and will take you downtown and to nearby towns or Victoria.

    We also have a couple of bicycles available.

  • The Quwuts’un or Cowichan Valley is also called the Warmland! We live in a temperate rainforest so our temperatures are generally mild (not very cold or very hot). Plan for rainy days and time by the fire.

    In winter, the forests have gone quiet as they drink up the rains, but the air is fresh with evergreen cedar boughs, pine and fir. A clearer view of the creek opens with the falling leaves, and the waterfall below the studios amplifies in strength. A great time of year to stay focussed in the studio, spot heron and eagles fishing around the creek.

    Bring a warm coat, weather proof footwear and slippers for inside.

    Anticipate these average temperatures: highs of 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C) and low of 33°F to 41°F (1°C to 5°C)

  • Yes! Your bedroom is private. You will share a kitchen and bathroom with one other artist.

    We also include:

    • WIFI (fast enough for video calls and streaming)

    • Hot water + heat

    • Bedding

    • Bathroom supplies: towels, shampoo, conditioner

    • Dishwasher, stove, microwave, washer and dryer

  • Overnight guests are not permitted in order to prioritize everyone’s comfort and privacy.

    If you would like to have a visitor to your studio during daytime hours, it must be approved ahead of time by the cohort and The Ou team. This is in the interest of protecting everyone's time in the studio.

  • We no longer support exhibitions or workshops at this time. The goal of our residency is on process, play and experimentation. When the focus turns outward to a public eye, your time in residence changes dramatically and becomes harried or even stressed. Instead, we see our residency as an opportunity for renewal and rest.

    There may be opportunities for you to connect with our local arts organizations and we would encourage you to reach out and connect with the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.