Hello
Agua viva / Water residency
OPEN CALL
2 creatives /water stewards spots left
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Application deadline: May 5th, 2026
​ Apply for 2026 residency
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Application link:
https://form.jotform.com/240865671719265
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We recommend you book a coffee chat /zoom to see if this residency is for you. Casual and you get to know this place in a more intimate way.
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Dates:
July 10th-17th, 2026 In PERSON
ONLINE portion May 30- July 1st
( weekly residency meetings ( 1.5 hour sessions) on weekends
Artists are expected to attend both portions of the residency. Some recordings available for specific dates.
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Agua Viva is a 8-day research program and art residency that explores water as a creative force. Creatives and curious will be guided based on non-western traditions to develop a relationship to water that invites curiosity, study, reverence, and lots of play.
Agua Viva will take place in Santa Rosa Arts, located in British Columbia, Canada overlooking Christina Lake at the convergences of the Kettle River and Christina Lake Creek with unobstructed views of various bodies of water. Agua Viva is open to international artists interested in knowledge that is non-conforming to western ways of connecting to water. Activities part of this residency include field trips to various local bodies of water, including local waterfalls, creeks, streams, swamps, rivers and swimming places.
Be prepared to spend time in multiple bodies of water exploring the biodiversity they have to offer and talking to local guides, indigenous communities and water stewards from all walks of life. Let’s say that water play and exploration will often be in the daily schedule. Learning to listen to water will be prioritized through contemplation, connection and community.
We will spend time with knowledge keepers and community members listening to stories and learning how to connect to water in ways that decolonize our perspective. We will learn about non western water rituals and ceremonies guided to connect with water as a spiritual and healing force from the Mexican curandera tradition. Residents will be encouraged to create with water and share their own embodied water experiences. Lectures on water symbology and ancient civilizations connection to water.
Guest curators will speak about water from a contemporary art perspective, followed by a lively conversation about project development /sharing ideas related to water and reflections on the residency learnings.
​This residency includes the opportunity to have an open studio day for the community to learn about your practice an if desired the opportunity to exhibit work locally.
This will be great for your resume. Please submit a potential piece that can be easily transported /installed during the residency.
You are not a visual artist? Great! We often work with writers, musicians , songwriters and performers to collaborate and create with water.
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We will float along the creek, exploring the biodiversity of the water shores, make offerings and connect during meditation time.
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Only 4-6 artists will be selected for this residency.
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There is a cost recovery reciprocity model for this residency that covers lecturers, basic meal plan, accommodation, field trip transportation and supplies.
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We believe in finding creative ways to remove financial barriers for deeply committed creatives from underserved communities who have traditionally faced financial difficulties attending art residencies. Ask us how we can support your attendance if you deeply feel called to do this work.
We are deeply committed to find artists that fit with the values of the place. Please request a coffee date before applying via email to graham.rocio@gmail.com or info@santarosaarts.com
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The place:
Santa Rosa Arts is located in 35 acres of forested land with a creek that runs through the property, home to various microclimates, a spring and a vast diversity of wildlife and botanicals. Expansive sunsets dark skies are perfect for star or moon gazing while hearing wildlife at a distance. A wading pool in the property invites residents to float while stargazing.
Conceptual visual artists, musicians, performers and writers ready to explore water in physical and spiritual forms non conforming to western art practices are invited to apply.
An openness of mind and spirit is required to submerge in the depths of this water residency.
We believe in finding creative ways to remove barriers for artists from underserved communities who have traditionally faced financial difficulties attending art residencies.
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What is included:
All expert talks, lectures, workshops online and in person
All field trips including transportation and field lunches
Wifi
Sauna
Pool access
All supplies for field trips
Access to shared studio space during studio hours ( bring compact art supplies)
Shared room accommodations . We encourage creative collaborators to apply. If you need a private room please state it in your application and we will do our best to accommodate the request if possible.
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Basic meal plan in a family style communal setting (
35 acres of forest to make it your air studio
Gardens
Mentorship
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How to apply?
Here is the submission link.
https://form.jotform.com/240865671719265
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Application deadline: May 5th, 2026
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Note that our location is a natural resource area with plenty of wildlife and risks and blessings inherent to the natural world. High hills and uneven terrain are part of the experience.
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