Space for you to decompress, research, experiment + play
The Ou-telier is an independent + process based residency in a historic boatbuilding workshop in the cowichan valley.
We welcome applications from emerging + established writers, painters, photographers, textile + 2D artists.
We love hosting folks who are self-directed, focused + kind.
our hope is that you will leave the residency feeling rested, renewed + inspired.
Who else is going? | What are the current airs up to?
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The Cowichan Valley / Quw’utsun (the Warmland) on Vancouver Island! We are just outside of downtown Duncan (the city of Totems) on a road that connects with the Great Trail. Accommodations are below the artist studios and look onto Bings Creek.
Located 30 minutes from the Nanaimo (YCD) airport and 1 hour from Victoria (YYJ), Duncan has all the amenities you need for a relaxing and productive stay.
We are a 2 minute drive/10 minute walk to grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, and a 5 minute drive/20 minute walk to our little downtown and Saturday farmer’s market.
Please be aware that although surrounded by nature, we are not in a remote location.
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We are deeply grateful to live and create in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. As guests on these lands we respectfully acknowledge that this is the unceded and traditional Coast Salish territories of the Quw’utsun and the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group including: T'Sou-Ke, Malahat, Halalt, S'tzuminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Cowichan Lake and Snuneymuxw nations.
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Wake-up with a warm beverage surrounded by nature in the stunning living-room with high ceilings, then wander into your studio with its 100 year old fir floors and open ceiling. Sit down for some planning at your work-table which overlooks the creek and large windows that frame big-leaf maple trees. Keep an eye out for soaring eagles, fishing heron and ducks floating by.
Get out of the house in the afternoon and stretch your legs checking out the many cute shops in town or soak in a forest bath on one of the many hiking trails nearby.
Saturday? Check out the bustling year-round farmer’s market for your produce needs, grab a book from Volume One or Ten Old Books, stock up on supplies at Excellent Frameworks, find a treasure at Lulu’s and grab a legendary cinnamon bun from The Garage Cafe.
Come in the late spring and summer for warm days. Retreat into the forest trail at the end of our no-through road or sink into a book in the yard next to the creek. The suite stays cool even in the heat.
Come in the fall or winter with your slippers to get cozy with a project in the studio and use the rainy season as motivation to stay inside and create. Fall and early spring are lush and green here with its own beauty. Snowfall is common through Nov - Feb, but often only lasts briefly.
More recommendations and information provided on acceptance.
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Living above a year-round creek is a beautiful treat. Common wildlife sightings include Great Blue Heron (who like to fish in the shallow bed above the little waterfall), Barred Owls, Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, Pileated and Downy Woodpeckers and an assortment of seasonal Island friends like the Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Flickers, Thrushes, tiny Chickadees and the fuchsia-faced Anna’s Hummingbird.
So much to explore
Where will your trip take you?
take time + take it easy
Your home away from it all | click on photos to enlarge
detail oriented
The Ou can accommodate up to four artists at one time
accommodation + amentities
Your private bedroom in a shared suite includes:
WIFI (fast enough for video calls and streaming)
Hot water + heat
Bedding
Bathroom supplies: towels, shampoo, conditioner
Dishwasher, stove, microwave, washer and dryer
Patio and deck
Outdoor space above Bings Creek
Up to two artists will share a kitchen and bathroom.
Getting around
We are a 2 min drive/10 min walk to grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, and a 5 min drive/20 min walk to our little downtown and Saturday farmer’s market. The nearest bus stop is a 3 min walk away.
If you are interested in exploring more of Vancouver Island, a car is highly recommended.
We do not have Uber, but there are taxis and an Airporter from YCD Nanaimo. On acceptance we will provide more travel tips.
fees
2 weeks $1,250 CAD
4 weeks $2,500 CAD
PETS
Unfortunately we cannot welcome pets, so please find alternative accommodation for your fur/less friends.
Studio + SUPPLIES
Artists have 24/hr access to their own designated studio space. Each space is approx. 250 square feet in a historic boatbuilding workshop with open rafters and original fir floors.
Supplies include: work-tables, a shared printer, easels, large windows overlooking Bings creek, and plenty of wall space.
Supplies can be mailed to The Ou ahead of time or purchased in Duncan at the lovely Excellent Frameworks, or in Victoria at Opus Art Supplies.
Expectations of Artists + Writers
Artists are responsible for preparing their own meals and keeping shared areas tidy. On departure, they are expected to clean their room and studio space.
We do not support workshops or exhibitions at this time.
External guests and parties are strictly forbidden. This residency is a space to decompress, make work, and explore new ideas alongside other artists. We expect you to be respectful of their time, space, and practice.
Accessibility
We are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible as getting to the accommodation requires artists to descend a set of stairs.
Though surrounded by nature we are not in a remote area, and traffic noise can be heard outdoors.
Families + Collaborators
The Ou can accommodate groups and collaborators. Fill out our form to get in touch so we can learn more about your needs.
We have always loved hosting families but are unable to do so at this time.
READY FOR THE ISLAND LIFE?
invest in your Creative practice
Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.
We will try to answer everyone, but this may not always be possible due to the large number of submissions.