Canadian and international artists have until March 31 to get their applications in for a special residency hosted at Quetico Provincial Park. The program offers participants the opportunity to either travel the park’s interior by canoe, or use a restored cabin on French Lake in the Dawson Trail Campgrounds as a base of operations.
All entrance fees are waived for artists, and some financial compensation is available. Artists are asked to lead a public event during their stay, and donate a work of art to the park. Artists’ work should relate to the natural environment, and can cross a broad range of media, from painting to poetry to sculpture.
The Quetico Foundation partners with the park on the program, saying it is an important way to celebrate the wilderness.
“Art inspired by a Quetico experience can enhance connections between the park and the public through its various forms,” the organization says. “The Art provides a means for those who visit the park to appreciate it on a deeper level and for those that do not venture into the park wilderness to experience it vicariously… Quetico resides on the Canadian Shield with dramatic rock outcrops, waterfalls and tall pine forests.”
Park fees can be waived for the artist and one partner for up to twelve days. The Quetico Foundation offers a $300 stipend if artists agree to provide a work of art to be auctioned off by the organization to provide future funding.
The cabin on French Lake is primarily intended as a workspace and can be used for sleeping. A bathroom, picnic shelter, and other facilities are nearby.
Applications should arrive at the park by March 31. Participants will be chosen by a committee including members of the Quetico Foundation, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and park staff. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April.
Details and the application are available on the Quetico Foundation’s website.
For questions or to apply, contact Jason Blier at Quetico Provincial Park, P.O. Box 2430, 108 Saturn Avenue, Atikokan, Ontario Pot 1CO, phone: 807-598-8261, or email: Jason.blier@ontario.ca.