KOAC Artist in Residency - Application Form

View of the Artist in Residence studio space

About the Artist in Residence Program

The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) was established in 2007 by artists Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe, who envisioned transforming their land and studios into a legacy art centre and sculpture park. Today, KOAC operates as a charitable organization dedicated to expanding artist programming and public engagement with contemporary art.

Program Objectives

The KOAC Artist in Residence Program recognizes that space, time, and financial resources are often barriers to artistic development.

Located near Calgary with views of the Rocky Mountains, the residency supports artists in advancing their practice by providing dedicated studio space for research, exploration, and creation. Artists are encouraged to apply with a clear proposal of how their full 4-8 weeks will be used, and why the dedicated studio space and time will benefit their project and process.

The program emphasizes process-based artistic inquiry, allowing artists to develop work that might not otherwise be realized. Artists may create, research, experiment, and document new work while engaging with KOAC’s creative community.

Applicants are required to propose one public engagement activity as part of their residency.

Residency Timelines:

We run our artist in residency program for nine months of the year. The month of May is blocked off for maintenance before our summer tour season begins, the month of September is blocked off for our annual Fall Gala and Fundraiser Auction event, and the month of December is closed for the holiday season.

Applications are accepted annually in October, until November 1st.

Our next intake for residency applications will be filling residency slots between June 2027 - June 2028.

Residencies typically last 4–8 weeks. As part of the application process, artists are asked to indicate their preferred residency timeframe, or indicate if they are open to any time frame. Scheduling is then determined collaboratively between KOAC and each selected artist. While requested timelines will be considered, final dates are subject to availability.

What to Expect:

KOAC’s residency provides artists access to approximately 200 square feet of studio space within our 20-acre sculpture park and art centre.

Resident Artists are supported in sharing their work with the public and engaging with the local community through one (1) artist talk, workshop, or other public event, as well as in connecting with KOAC’s longstanding community of art supporters.

This residency offers a contemplative studio immersed in nature, and artists interested in applying should be comfortable working alone, as this residency does not offer a mentorship component. The residency is meant to be a place that offers focused time to create without the distractions of busy urban life, and to learn and be inspired by the surrounding natural environement. Artists are expected to be in the studio at least 5-10 hours per week to make effective use of their residency period.

What KOAC Provides
• A clean, semi-private studio space (approximately 200 sq ft) - KOAC contractors or scheduled tours may pop in to the studio from time to time.
• Access to an outdoor serviced washroom facility
• KOAC will provide letters of support for artists who have been selected to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program. These letters may be used by resident artists when applying for grants to support travel, accommodation, materials, or other project-related costs associated with their residency.
• CARFAC-aligned honorarium for one (1) artist talk, presentation, Open Studio Q&A, or workshop connected to the residency.

Please note:
The residency does not include financial support, living accommodations, transportation, or materials. These costs must be covered by the artist.

Environmental Considerations
KOAC operates within a natural ecosystem and has limited garbage and recycling services. Artists are asked to plan their material usage responsibly and ensure that all waste brought onto the site is removed at the end of the residency.

Site Considerations
• Free parking available
• Facilities are not fully wheelchair accessible; access involves gravel pathways
• Outdoor heated porta-potty washroom available
• No kitchen facilities (only a microwave and kettle available)
• Artists must bring their own potable drinking water
• Sink access is available by appointment only but artists are recommended to bring a large jug of water for washing brushes or other water needs.
• Studios do not support toxic materials or heavy ventilation needs

The residency is located in Springbank, which is not easily accessible via public transit from Calgary.

Artists should also note:

• Staff and contractors may be working onsite
• Residency hours are 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM for safety
• There is limited on-site security. Staff presence is at variable times and may not always be accessible during your work day.
• Lighting on surrounding roadways is minimal at night
• This is a co-working space with other artists and staff. Artists in Residence must respect private areas and must request appointments with staff to enter other buildings or onsite staff work spaces.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying to our Artist in Residence program. Please fill in the following information and upload all required documents, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We thank all those who apply, but as we have a limited number of spaces each year, not everyone who applies is guaranteed a spot.

Our selection criteria requires us to ensure that the artist selected has a methodology and work process that aligns with our Mission, Vision and Values. Applications are open during the month of October each year. Applicants are shortlisted and chosen by an adjudication committee.

*ONLY SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*

Privacy and Data Use Statement

Information collected through this form is used solely for the purpose of reviewing and selecting artists for this program/exhibition. Your submission will be accessible only to the organizing team and/or selection committee.

All data is collected and stored securely through Jotform, in accordance with their Privacy Policy. We will not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.

Any demographic information you choose to share is optional and used only to help us ensure equity and representation in our programming.

If you have questions about how your information will be used or wish to withdraw your submission, please contact us at communications@koartscentre.org

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND WHEN FILLING IN YOUR APPLICATION

KOAC Artist in Residence program’s vision is to provide space and inspiration to artists and whose work aligns with our mission and vision and is a welcoming space to all who respects the land that we are lucky to be stewards of.

Vision
To become Canada's premiere community arts centre and sculpture park that inspires and cultivates future generations of contemporary artists by providing opportunities to experience and create art in nature.

Mission
To continue Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe's legacy of inspiring, educating, and enriching the community by offering arts education and artistic residency, collecting, preserving and showcasing Canadian and international contemporary art, and welcoming visitors to be inspired to create in a protected natural environment.

Values

Legacy – We continue Harry and Katie’s legacy in our work and our decision making
Art Accessibility – we champion art and artists and provide opportunities for affordable public access to contemporary art and art education.
Community – We are a core contributor to the cultural and economic well-being of our region. As a gathering place with many offerings, we are committed to building a sense of community responding to all ages and demographics.
Land Stewardship - We acknowledge and respect the land on which we operate, situated on the ancestral Indigenous lands of many nations over millennia including honouring and acknowledging Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations, and the Métis Nation of Alberta. We are committed to working with Indigenous peoples to create sustainable land-based programming and working in harmony and balance with the natural world.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to maintaining full access to programs, and grounds, ensuring both the principles and advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion, for our team members, volunteers, and artists.

Name

First NameLast Name

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Email

example@example.com

Mailing Address

Street Address, City, Province/State, Postal/ZIP code

Pronouns if you would like to include them (optional)

Artist Instagram handle (optional)

Artist Website (optional)

please upload one PDF file including CV, Artist Statement (max 150 words), Artist Bio (max 150 words), and a portfolio of up to 10 images with a corresponding image list (title, date, medium, size).

Please keep PDF size under 8MB.

This residency is self-directed and provides studio space in nature and does not have a mentorship component or the support of art technicians. Please confirm you understand and that this format will work for your residency goals.

Why do you want to be an Artist in Residence at KOAC? (maximum 500 words)

0/500

All artists in residence are required to provide one community engagement component (1 session) during your time at KOAC. What type of public engagement for the community would you like to conduct in order to help our members learn more about your art practice?

Please elaborate on the community engagement aspect of the residency you wish to facilitate. What are your goals for the public program? What would you require from KOAC? If you selected 'other' please describe in detail what your community engagement would look like.

Have you presented any community engagements in relation to your art practice before? If yes, please describe how you would apply this experience to benefit the community of KOAC. If no, please describe what your goals are and what supports you might like for your community engagement to be successful.

Our facilities do not currently have access to a kitchen or indoor rest rooms/running water. Internet access is available, but may be limited at times. Are you ok with this?

The Residency does not include financial support, transportation, or room and board. These costs are covered by the artist. Do you understand that KOAC cannot provide any financial support or cover the cost of materials, equipment, room or transportation?

How many weeks would you like to apply for and what month or start date is preferred? (8 weeks maximum)

Typically our artist residencies follow the calendar months, starting at the beginning of a preferred month. ***Please note that we do not host a residency during the months of September, December, or May.

Is your preferred start date flexible? If so, what other month(s) would you consider?

The room that we are to provide does not have access to welding materials or equipment. It is a room with walls and a table and chair. Will this work for your residency plans?

The privacy of co-founder Katie Ohe who lives on site is paramount to the success of this artist residency. Do you understand that by participating in this residency, the artists' home on site is off limits, and you should provide privacy to Katie and her visitors while you are on site?

Tell us what you hope to achieve during your time at KOAC, and please elaborate on how you envision using the studio and park, including approximate time-frames and plans for onsite activities. (500 words max)

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Do you understand that by participating in this residency, all artwork created and materials brought to site will need to be removed once the residency is complete?

We appreciate the time, care, and creativity it takes to share your work with us.
Each application is reviewed thoughtfully by our team, and we value the unique perspectives that artists bring to our community.

Please note that only selected applicants will be contacted, as staff capacity is limited and we are unable to provide individual feedback on submissions. We are grateful for your understanding and for contributing your voice to this process.

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this application, please contact KOAC at communications@koartscentre.org

Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC)
244034 Horizon View Rd
Calgary, AB T3Z 3M5
koartscentre.org

KOAC Artist in Residence Application

Applicant Information: