F.a.q.

residencies & fees

EoD offers funded and independently-funded residencies during its yearly residency season from April 1st - October 31st. Funded and Independently-funded residency availability varies by year.

What is an independently-funded residency?
An independently-funded residency is a residency that the artist themselves provides the funding for. The cost for an independently-funded residency varies depending on the number of artists and specific supports needed. Please reach out to us with questions at info@empireofdirt.ca. EoD can provide a letter of confirmation to support funding applications.

What is included in the fee?
One live-work studio lodging for one week and laundry. WiFi is available in each of the studios, but can be finicky. Artists are responsible for travel and meals during the residency. It is recommended that artists have a vehicle (either their own or a rental) as we are in a remote location with no public transportation. The nearest car rental is in Cranbrook, BC, which is an hour and fifteen minute drive from the residency, where there is also a small airport. For Independently-funded residencies, a $50 non-refundable deposit due at the time of acceptance for independently-funded residencies. Remainder of the fee is due one week prior to your residency. Need to work out a payment plan? Talk to us.

What if I need to leave early?
You are free to leave early but your fees will not be pro-rated.

What is included in a funded residency?
Funded residents receive free lodging in one of the three live/work studios for two weeks, as well as access to laundry in a common shared space. WiFi is available in each of the studios, but can be finicky. Artists are responsible for travel and meals during the residency. If you need additional funding to support your residency, EoD can provide a letter of confirmation. We announce calls for funded residency applications each year.

How many funded residencies are offered?
The number of funded residencies offered varies per year, and is usually in response to residency-specific cohort-based programming.

How many artists are in residence?
Typically there are up to three artists in residence at a time but more can be accommodated if there is a cohort requesting a residency. There are additional cots available to add to any of the studios. Also, there is the sleeper that has one double-sized bed, but lacks a work and eating space.

I’m receiving a grant or funding for my residency from my school, a public funder, or an institution. Does that change things?
Yes — you should be applying for the independently-funded residency program.

applying

How do I apply?
Applications are accepted via email. Visit Residencies for application details.

When are applications open and what are the deadlines?
Applications for both funded and independently-funded residencies open in the fall/winter of each year.

Are applications open to international residents?
Currently, we are only able to accept applicants who are living in Canada, the USA or are Canadian citizens. 

Who should apply?
In addition to individual artist applications, we encourage applications from artistic duos and collectives. Individuals and collaborators at every career stage, of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions are welcome to apply. We are not a medium-specific residency but please be aware of our limitations. Past artists-in-residence work in various mediums including painting, drawing, photography, performance art, fibre art, sculpture, site-specific and responsive art, environmental art, film, and socially-engaged art. We also welcome applications from writers. Visit Artists to view past artists-in-residence.

Is the residency/housing accessible to people with limited mobility?
Currently, EoD is not wheelchair accessible. The three studios are connected by a series of gravelled laneways and each of the studios have between two to three steps to the entry. Our common bathroom is not compliant. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll work with you to support them.

How are applications assessed?
Artists-in-Residence are selected by a review committee composed of the EoD Co-Directors and professionals in the field. Artists are selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to practice, viability of their residency proposal, and resonance with the residency thematic (if applicable).

I’ve been a resident before — can I reapply?
Yes. 

work

What work support do the studios offer?
There are three live/work studios in close proximity to the residency headquarters. Upon request, artists can access fold-up worktables, easels, additional task lighting, hand tools, and common power tools. Each studio has at least one working wall and some built in storage. We are not a medium-specific residency but please be aware of our limitations. Past artists-in-residence work in painting, drawing, photography, film, performance art, fibre art, sculpture, site-specific and responsive art, environmental art, and socially-engaged art. Visit artists to view past artists-in-residence.

Is there a printing press available?
No.

Is there a shop onsite?
We are building a work space/shop this winter, and hope to have it operational for fall 2026. Please contact us if you have specific questions or needs.

Can I ship ahead art supplies?
Yes. There is a small stationary store with limited art supplies, so it is best to ship art supplies ahead of your residency or bring them along. There’s an art supply store 90 minutes away in Nelson, if need be.

Can I put holes in the walls?
Yes, but use ¾” screws and try for a stud.

Any material restrictions? Or, how do I dispose of hazardous wastes (eg: mineral spirits)?
Our studios are old and made entirely of wood. And be careful with toxic fumes, especially in the studios. No disposing of anything toxic in the sinks — we want to keep our river clean. If you’re unsure about it, ask.

What is expected of me while I’m at the residency?
We’re not a product-oriented organization, so you don’t need to produce anything while in residence if you don't want to. Our program is open-ended and lets residents make their own studio hours. While public programming not a requirement, if you are interested in offering a talk, workshop, or studio visit, we will work with you and discuss possibilities.

additional questions

Arrival / Departure dates?
Residencies begin and end on the noted dates on the residency offer letter (ie. residency dates of October 1-14 means you would arrive on the 1st and depart on the 14th). Because of limited accessibility to the airport and work schedules we have limited flexibility with changing arrival/departure dates. Our residency co-directors will help coordinate your arrival.

Can I bring a spouse/partner/collaborator?
Yes. Additional attendees must pay a $100 impact fee, however. 

Can I bring my kids?
Generally yes, although bringing a child or partner may not be possible for some residencies.

What to bring to EoD for a comfortable stay?
The studios are stocked with pots, pans, plates, cups, etc. All the standard kitchen stuff. We provide bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets), but bring your bath towel. We’ll keep the bathroom stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, etc. BRING WARM CLOTHING FOR THOSE COOL EVENINGS – you are on a mountainside.

Do you have extra blankets?
Yes. Talk to us.

What to bring in general?
- Bring all art supplies you anticipate needing during your residency. There are no art supply stores nearby.
- Weather-appropriate clothing (check the weather forecast before you arrive).
- Outdoor and walking-appropriate footwear. Be smart.
- Towels
- Toiletries, prescription and general medication, etc. There’s a pharmacy in Creston, but they may not be able to fill prescriptions.
- Bug spray with DEET. Summer gets muggy. Mosquitos and ticks love that.
- Headphones. Consider the vibe of the natural world.

Can I bring my pet?
Please do not bring your pet. We have a NO PET policy.

Visitors?
Generally, yes. However, any visitors need to be approved by the Residency Directors before their arrival. Visitors can stay with a resident for up to three consecutive days, after which the resident will be charged a $100 impact fee.

Composting?
No. We are not set up for composting that is bear resistant. 

life in Creston

What’s it like?
Our residency is located 15 minutes from Creston. Local attractions include a post office, two grocery stores, four local vineyards, one microbrewery, local butcher, bakers, etc. It’s a quiet town, and we love it. 

Getting around?
We recommend having access to a car (either your own or rent one from Cranbrook, which is an hour and fifteen minute drive from Creston). EoD makes weekly grocery runs, if you want to tag along. 

Mail?
We have a PO box which is a fifteen minute walk from the Residency.

Hiking?
Tons. Bring DEET bug spray and check for ticks.

Can I visit before my residency?
Yes. Email empireofdirtresidency@gmail.com to schedule a visit.

More questions? Email empireofdirtresidency@gmail.com.