Hello
Agua viva / Water residency
Dates:
July 8th -16th, 2022
Agua Viva is a 9-day art residency that explores water as a creative force. Artists 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 experts, indigenous knowledge keepers and water stewards. Let’s say that water play and exploration will often be in the daily schedule; swimming suits will be your best friends.
We will spend time with indigenous knowledge keepers listening to stories and learning how to connect to water in ways that decolonize our perspective. We will learn about water rituals and ceremonies guided to connect with water as a spiritual and healing force, including participation in water soul-cleansing from the Mexican tradition. Residents will be encouraged to create their healing water rituals and share their own embodied water experiences.
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 a visit to a local gallery and a community sharing event where artists will be able to have artist talks with the local community. We will float along the creek, exploring the biodiversity of the water shores.
Only 4-6 artists will be selected for this residency.
Cost of residency:
$980 ( in shared accommodation, sharing studio resources)
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, 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.
We offer up to 3 VANTAROSA partial scholarships that cover 40% of the registration fee, the catch? You may share accommodations with 1 or 2 other artists in a comfortable vintage and newly renovated RV. If you always wanted the VAN life, this is for you. Please note that you would like to be considered for the Vantarosa scholarship in your application. You will have access to all the programs, meals and trips like the rest of the artists.
What is included:
All expert talks
All field trips including transportation and field lunches
Wifi
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
Basic meal plan in a family style communal setting
How to apply?
Email a PDF file to graham.rocio@gmail.com containing the following:
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Artist Bio
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Artistic Statement
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A brief letter that outlines your interest in the theme of the residency and your two goals or aspirations for the residency.
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5-10 sample images of your work
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Website and social media handles
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State if you need a support letter for a grant application
Application deadline: April 16th, 2022
Extended studio residency:
July 17th- 21st
Cost for the extended option $700
If you would like to extend your residency and have intensive time dedicated to studio practice /reflection on the learnings of the residency, this extended option is for you. Note in your application if you would like to be considered for the extended studio residency.
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.