International World Class Art Residency in Atlantic Canada featuring private room, private studio and prepared meals by on-site Chef
What Makes this event different?
The KIRA Residency is uniquely designed to provide artists with an immersive and supportive creative retreat in a breathtaking coastal environment. Unlike many residencies, KIRA offers private, freestanding studios set amidst beautiful gardens, giving artists the freedom and inspiration to create without distractions. Located on a historic property in St. Andrews, artists are not only supported with comfortable lodging and chef-prepared meals but also have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the local community through tailored public sessions and partnerships with nearby Kingsbrae Garden. Additionally, KIRA’s small cohort of only six artists fosters close collaboration and exchange among residents while ensuring each artist has individual space to thrive. By hosting Open Studios and public engagements, KIRA encourages artists to share their process, connect with new audiences, and gain visibility for their work. With a focus on artistic growth, community interaction, and natural inspiration, KIRA provides a residency experience that is both enriching and rare.
Call for Artists - International Residency
Each year, Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts (KIRA) selects 6 artists from around the world to paticipate in a unique, multi-week residency in the charming seaside town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. This immersive program is designed to support artists in developing their work in a tranquil, inspiring environment while fostering meaningful connections with the local community. Here’s a closer look at what the KIRA residency offers:
What We Provide:
Individual Studio Space
Each artist receives a dedicated, 300-square-foot, freestanding studio designed for focused creative work. These studios provide ample room for a variety of disciplines, offering both privacy and the flexibility to create freely.
Comfortable Historic Accommodations
Artists stay on a beautiful, well-maintained historic property located just steps away from the studios. Each artist enjoys a private bedroom and bathroom, allowing for relaxation and reflection after a day’s work.
Daily Chef-Prepared Meals
To ensure artists can fully focus on their work, we provide two chef-prepared meals (breakfast and dinner) each day, six days a week. Lunch can be arranged independently, allowing artists time to explore the local eateries in town or use the property’s kitchen facilities as desired.
Access to Kingsbrae Garden and KIRA Events
Artists in residence are given complimentary access to Kingsbrae Garden, an award-winning botanical garden that serves as a rich source of inspiration. KIRA artists also have the opportunity to attend events at KIRA’s public amphitheater, providing additional exposure to local arts and culture.
A Close-Knit Creative Community
With only six artists in residence at a time, KIRA offers a welcoming and intimate setting. This small cohort enables deep connections, artistic exchange, and collaboration, with each resident bringing their own unique perspective and background to the group.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
Materials and Supplies
Artists should bring all supplies and materials they’ll need for their creative process, ensuring access to the specific provisions they require. The residency does not cover costs for materials, shipment of supplies, or other personal expenses.
Community Engagement (up to 6 hours per week)
As part of the residency, artists are encouraged to engage with the community, committing up to six hours per week. These engagements are customized to align with the artist’s skills and interests and can include partnerships with local organizations like Kingsbrae Garden. Past engagements have included public workshops, talks, classes with local students or seniors, and collaborative projects that allow artists to share their expertise with the community.
Open Studios and Public Interaction
Every Saturday during the residency, artists participate in Open Studios, inviting the public to view their workspaces and experience their creative process firsthand. This not only helps artists gain feedback and exposure but also connects the community with the arts in a meaningful way.
Who Should Apply:
KIRA welcomes artists from a wide range of disciplines, including (but not limited to):
- Visual Arts
- Music and Composition
- Writing
- New Media
- Interdisciplinary Arts
We encourage applications from artists at all career stages, from emerging to established professionals, who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a commitment to their practice, and an enthusiasm for collaboration and community engagement.
Program Dates and Application Information:
- Residency Dates: September 27, 2025 – October 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2024, by 11:59 PM
- Application Fee: $10 (payable upon submission)
For more information about this international artists residency, please visit the Event Website.