The Hamilton Arts Council’s European Artist Exchange Residency provides a mid-career level visual artist from Hamilton, Ontario, the opportunity to create new works in the inspiring artist studio provided by the Estonian Artists Association in Tallinn, Estonia over a four week period in September/October 2021.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS: JULY 11, 2021

Online Application Form

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER?

The residency provides an opportunity for professional and artistic development through access to facilities to create new work; access to local artists through the Estonian Artists Association; and includes the opportunity to give two speaking engagements in Tallinn and at Tartu University.

The residency will provide a $500.00 CDN ($350 Euro) per week stipend, accommodation in a live/work studio, travel to and from Tallinn, Estonia from Hamilton, Ontario, and a production allowance for material costs between $300-$500 CDN dollars.

The Studio is situated on the top floor of Tallinn Art Hall, built in 1934. The building is a major centre of Estonian art life and is located close to the old town of Tallinn, Europe’s best-preserved medieval city.  In addition to the Tallinn Art Hall, the building contains several artists’ studios, the office of the Estonian Artists’ Association, Estonian Centre for Contemporary Arts, an art supply shop, art galleries, etc.  In the basement, there is the KuKu Club and on the first floor KuKu Café, both popular meeting places for local artists.

The studio, containing working space and accommodation on two levels, is about 50 m2, (538 sq. ft.) and has a bathroom, shower, WC and sink.

The vision of this residency program is to build and strengthen cultural connections between Europe and Canada by providing an opportunity for Hamilton artists to work in Europe and meet local artists in the vibrant Estonian arts scene. The program is a partnership with the Hamilton Arts Council, the Estonian Artists Association and is funded through the generous support of The Cotton Factory.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in the Hamilton region

  • Demonstrate a strong personal and artistic connection to the Hamilton region

  • Demonstrate commitment to the career of a professional visual artist by having practised professionally in their field for a minimum of eight years, produced an independent body of work, and held at least two public exhibitions in a professional context

  • Be willing to give at least two (2) artists talks on their art, career and influences

  • Become a member of the Hamilton Arts Council (it’s Free!)

  • Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to comply with travel regulations **

** Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are keeping an eye on travel restrictions between Canada and Estonia. With vaccination levels rising, we are optimistic that travel will be smooth sailing in September/October 2021.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What to include in your application:​​

  1. Artist statement: Describe the conceptual basis of your artistic practice and frame your work within a larger context, including your connections to the Hamilton region.

  2. Portfolio: Submit five samples of your artistic work. Please include a description of work, title, date created, mediums, and size. Minimum of 72 dpi.

  3. CV: Please outline your education and related experience.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only the successful applicant will be notified.

Submit your application using our online form

or

send your application in an email to coordinator@hamiltonartscouncil.ca

*Please include “European Artist Exchange” in the subject line of your email.