about
Empire of Dirt (EoD) Residency is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Yaqan Nukiy within the Ktunaxa Nation, also known as Creston, British Columbia, Canada.
EoD is an artist-run, non-profit organization that fosters a nurturing environment for contemporary visual artists and writers to freely explore their practices, expand them in unexpected ways, and connect, whenever possible, with the local community.
We offer two residency programs: funded and independently-funded. EoD offers an open-ended residency experience that affirms the need for research, reflection and experimentation. Parts of the season are for dedicated residencies building and supporting creative connections between Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and artists of colour.
Artists are given the time and space to concentrate upon the development of their own work. We also support creative connections amongst the artists that attend our residency.
Visit Residencies to learn more and apply.
a brief history of the empire
In 2010, Marnie Temple and James Wallis, both artists, settled on 30-acres of second-growth forest and wilderness on the unceded traditional territory of the Yaqan Nukiy, also known as Creston, BC. The intention from the start was to offer artists time and space to make work, research, collaborate, and participate in critical thought and conversation. Studios were built with the help of family and friends – three to date with the intentions of adding more in the future.
The name, Empire of Dirt, comes primarily from the light powdery dust that curls up from your footfall during the hot dry summer months. Secondarily, the name is a parody of importance, a tongue in cheek reference to labelling something as ‘lofty’ as an empire whilst at its essence it is nothing but dirt. Thirdly, the name simply is an encouragement to make something from nothing.
our values
Empire of Dirt cannot be separated from place, which is inherently informed by Indigenous histories and ongoing relationships. We recognize the stewardship and sovereignty of the Yaqan Nukiy within the Ktunaxa Nation of this territory, the land, waterways, and more-than-human inhabitants since time immemorial and into the future. We recognize our responsibility as visitors to acknowledge the traditional stewards of the land, honour the place, and endeavor to question our impacts from a seven generations perspective. Part of our journey for the years to come includes a better understanding of Indigeneity as it relates to Creston Valley and the surrounding territory.
We value, honour and respect the land.
We prioritize self-determination, and community building.
We value mutual reciprocity of curiosity, openness, and growth.
We value open conversation and transparency.
We value building an informed sense of the past and a clear, contemporary, and compassionate look toward the future.
We value making something from nothing.
EoD works in a rural context to support creative connections and conversations between artists, writers, and makers that have been historically underserved or targeted for marginalization. We value fostering connections and providing a space that is nourishing, supportive, and reciprocal for all artists, with special consideration for Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and artists of colour.
location
EoD is located on Arrow Mountain, aka Goat Mountain, overlooking the Creston Valley. We are a 15-minute drive to the town of Creston. EoD is located in the heart of the Kootenay region, the southeast corner of British Columbia where Ktunaxa people first lived in relationship with the land. The Lower Kootenay Band, known as the Yaqan Nukiy, is a thriving Indigenous community located just south of Creston.
The Creston Valley stretches from Kootenay Lake to the USA border. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the valley offers important winter habitat for many species in the wetlands as well as corridors for grizzly bears and elk.
EoD is bounded by crown land and has immediate access to thousands of acres of the Creston Community Forest. There are many hiking trails in the region, including two up the road from the residency, as well lakes, rivers, and shallow beaches. Kootenay Like is a 30-minute drive from the residency and Nelson is an hour and half away. The nearby Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is home to nearly 400 different species of wildlife including many rare and endangered species. Residents are asked not feed any of the wildlife or leave food outside.
Creston is a small town with a post office, two grocery stores, four local vineyards, one microbrewery, a community Museum & Archives, a Home Hardware, local butcher, and small shops. Check Creston weather conditions before arriving. During the summer months be prepared for cooler evenings on the mountain at the residency.
Visit studios to learn more about the residency accommodations.