Overview
Leighton Artist Studio residencies are geared to professional artists working on major research-creation projects or new bodies of work. The program is best suited to artists who are self-motivated, focused, and wanting time and space for introspection. The Leighton Artist Studios comprise nine distinct architect-designed studios suitable for individual artists working in the following disciplines:
- writing for stage and screen
- composing and songwriting
- literary arts
- visual arts
- critical and curatorial writing.
A tenth studio, the Painter House, is suitable for groups of two to eight artists working collaboratively. Formal and informal collectives, ensembles, inter-disciplinary collaborators and Indigenous cultural groups are invited to apply for residencies at the Painter House between November 18 - December 13, 2024 and January 6 - March 28, 2025.
What does the program offer?
Independent residencies at the Leighton Artist Studios offer professional artists an inspiring retreat environment for the development of their work. The program offers secluded space and focused time for artistic research, experimentation and project development. Each unique studio is designed by a distinguished Canadian architect and provides a perfect setting for projects requiring focus and time for contemplation.
Artists working in the Leighton Artist Studios can engage with the community on campus by attending talks, performances, exhibitions, and joining in the Participant Resources activity calendar.
There is no access to specialized production facilities, technical support, or equipment loans during a Leighton Studios residency. Please refer to each studio page to see what is included within the footprint of the studio, to decide if this is the appropritate residency for you.
If your project requires production support, please consider applying to one of our other artist in residence programs in Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Indigenous Arts or Visual Arts.
Who should apply?
Projects must fit clearly within one of the artistic disciplines outlined above. The application must include a clearly articulated project description and a resume that demonstrates a strong record of accomplishment. Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible to apply.
Artists of all ages (18+), cultural backgrounds, gender identities and expressions are encouraged to apply. Applications are adjudicated by a rotating panel of internal and external adjudicators. Participants are selected on the basis of artistic merit. The program is highly competitive given the limited number of studios available.
Please note nine of the Leighton Artists Studios are located in the woods and are accessed via a gravel pathway. Due to their remote location on campus they are currently not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you require wheelchair accessible accommodations.
Residency Dates
Individuals: Individual residences may run for a minimum 2 weeks and maximum 6 weeks in length, between September 30, 2024 - March 28, 2025. They must start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.
Collaborative entities: Group residencies may run for a minimum 1 week and maximum 3 weeks in length, between November 18 - December 13, 2024 and January 6 - March 28, 2025. They must start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.
Please note: for both individual and collaborative residencies, there will be no availability between December 16, 2024 - January 3, 2025 due to the Institutional Holiday Closure.
Dates are fixed and if accepted, cannot be changed or deferred. Please ensure to select dates that work for your schedule when applying.
