The City of Richmond Department of Arts, Culture and Heritage invites professional artists in all disciplines (including writers, composers, visual artists, musicians, theatre artists, video, multi-disciplinary, social practice and performance artists) to submit proposals for an 11-month live-in residency located on Canada’s west coast, in Richmond, B.C. The City of Richmond is seeking applications from artists who are interested in developing new projects and programs that promote meaningful community engagement through artistic opportunities.

The Branscombe House residency will begin in mid-January 2021 and run through until mid-December 2021. The residency is an opportunity for artists with a community-engaged practice to create new work in exchange for live-in creation space. During the residency, the artist will establish a presence in the community as appropriate. This will include spending time developing a body of work and engaging the public with their programming which may include workshops, exhibitions, demos and legacy projects on the Branscombe site, community centres, schools and events/festivals as negotiated. Proposed activities with a clear focus that is tied to artistic practice should engage a diverse, multicultural audience and show strong interest, connection and relevance to the community beyond standard open studios and artist talks. The artist should have a strong interest in connecting members of the public to arts and culture programming and experiences. The residency has the following objectives:

• create a unique opportunity for professional artists to engage with the community at-large in a meaningful, interactive setting;
• offer free artist-generated programs, exhibitions and/or other activities to the community;
• over time, build a program of activities, exhibitions and collection of art and/or records of art activity inspired by Richmond’s distinct heritage, diverse community and/or natural setting;
• encourage and facilitate cooperative partnerships between artists, community organizations, businesses and other community members;

The theme for the artist residency has not been predetermined. The artist’s proposal will include a “theme” that will be illuminated or articulated through the public programming (e.g., workshops, collaborative experiences and subsequent art). The goal is to contribute meaningful content to local residents’ personal connections and experience with the arts, foster self-expression and pride of place. In the application, the artist will be asked to describe outline their proposed public programs and community engagement opportunities they will organize and facilitate for the public’s benefit. This may include workshops, lectures, special events, demonstrations, classes or any other public event that will contribute to the 240 hours requirement in the residency. If awarded the residency, the artist and City staff will negotiate the terms and the artist will complete a revised work plan with project specifics and milestones.