The Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG) and Ground Floor have teamed up to create WEDGE RESIDENCY, a new residency program for early-emerging artists located in the North Gallery at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver. CAG and Ground Floor operate as uninvited guests on the ancestral and sacred lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations, lands which were never ceded or surrendered.
An early-emerging artist is broadly defined by Ground Floor as an artist of any age with minimal experience or access to opportunities within arts institutions, who demonstrate a commitment to their practice and a desire to engage with a larger community. In addition to those who identify as artists, this may include those who identify as curators, writers, community-based practitioners or creatives in any field.
This self-directed residency will provide participants with a stipend, semi-private studio space, and support to further develop their practice, as well as the opportunity to expand their connections to a wider arts community in Vancouver. Applicants currently in need of space are encouraged to apply.
Over the course of the residency, participants will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with artists/curators about their practice, build on their professional skills, develop a public-facing initiative, and gain insight into the framework of both an established institution and a DIY art collective.
Who should apply
Those who self-identify as early-emerging artists. This may include post-secondary students and recent graduates, self-taught artists and artists newly revisiting their practice
Those with a desire to further their involvement in a greater community context (arts or otherwise)
Those who are currently in need of a studio space in Vancouver
We welcome applications from those over the age of 18 currently living in Metro Vancouver. Both individuals and collectives are welcome to apply.
Given limited ventilation in the space and a close proximity to CAG’s galleries, preference will be given to applicants whose work does not involve hazardous materials, a need for ventilation, or loud noise.
Residency details
Successful applicants will be awarded residencies of 4 to 6 weeks in CAG’s 325-square-foot North Gallery. CAG will provide residents with access to the residency space seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, with access available on Thursday evenings until 8pm on request.
In addition to access to working space, all residencies include:
Stipend of $250/week
Studio visits with a member of CAG’s curatorial team
Studio visits with the Ground Floor team
Studio visits from guest artists and/or curators
Access to an on-site parking space
Access to a selection of hand tools and basic workshop materials
Access to the CAG library and kitchenette
All residents will also work with CAG and Ground Floor to develop a public-facing engagement initiative during the course of their residency, such as an artist talk, online discussion, podcast, zine, or other output of their choosing.
The residency space is semi-private, with staff requiring occasional access to an adjoining space. Ceiling heights are 8′. Photos of the space can be viewed below.
The residency space and adjacent washroom is wheelchair accessible. Regrettably, CAG’s library space and kitchenette are on an upper level with no elevator access. The space is child-friendly.
Application deadline: Sunday, March 14, 5pm PDT
More details on how to apply here.