What are the dates of the residency?
- Dates for the one-month residency are May 27th – July 1st & July 22nd – August 26th with mandatory attendance for orientation/ move-in Sunday, May 27th or Sunday July 22nd
- Dates for the three-month residency are May 27th – Aug 26th with mandatory attendance for orientation/move-in Sunday, May 27th.
**Please note that all participants will be responsible for clean up on move out days. More information to follow**
Where is the residency held?
The Fibre Department studios at the Alberta College of Art and Design (1407 14th Ave. NW Calgary, AB)
What are the costs involved?
- The one-month residency costs are: $150 studio fee, $35 for insurance and security id, plus your own supply costs.
- The three-month residency costs are: $250 studio fee, $35 for insurance and security id, plus your own supply costs
Are there any scholarships?
Again this year, Contextural is offering the Contextural Summer Residency Scholarship, consisting of studio fees for the three-month summer residency ($250 value) and $250 for supplies. The scholarship will be awarded based on the quality and completeness of the application. The scholarship recipient will be expected to show in the end of summer residency exhibition.
What about supplies?
Residency participants are responsible for providing their own supplies. A bulk order of emulsion and print base/pigments will be made on behalf of the participants and contacts for suppliers will be provided to participants with the acceptance letter.
You must provide your own silkscreens for your work. If you do not own a silkscreen and you require the use of one, silkscreens will be available for rental this year at $20 per screen.
Sewing machines are available for individual use but residency participants will need to supply their own needles, thread and bobbins.
How much access to the studios do participants have?
Residency participants have access from 7am – 11pm 7 days per week except when there are classes being held in the studios. This is generally limited to 2 weeks in July (dates tba)
What about the exhibition?
The exhibition is a great way to end off the residency, show your work and get some feedback. This year our exhibition theme/title will reflect the fifth anniversary of our Contextural Summer Residency and will incorporate ideas that have been presented in past exhibitions and critique sessions. You are invited to interpret this year’s theme any way that you wish. It could even be used as a starting point for your work during this year’s residency. The exhibition theme/title TBD.
The exhibition will take place the last week of August and the first week of September (Location and exact dates TBD). Participants who exhibit will be encouraged to attend one of Contextural’s formal critique sessions while the exhibit is showing.
What do you mean self-directed?
Although we encourage a “community” atmosphere, all of the artists who participate in the residency are here to work. It is expected that each participant is able to work independently and not rely on other participants for technical or other support. Participants are of course encouraged to interact within the community. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email us – residency@contextural.ca or contact the on duty studio monitor directly.
How will you provide a “community”?
In past four years we have had some feedback about creating a more interactive community within the residency participants. Although we all work independently, it is nice sometimes to gather as a community, share ideas and get some feedback. With this in mind, this summer’s residency will feature a monthly “show and tell” meeting and a gallery wall specifically set up for works in progress that other members of the residency can leave comments, criticism and praise throughout the week.
Can I bring my sister/friend/partner to the residency?
No. Due to health and safety policies, visitors and/or outside helpers are not permitted in the residency area.
