Residency

Artbeat Studio is a program which is mental health consumer initiated, peer-supported, and recovery-oriented. This community-based studio accommodates artists whose mental health, social connection, and income make it difficult for them to individually acquire a workspace to advance their artistic technique safely and securely.

The artists are supported and mentored in managing their own workplace, production, and marketing within the operating parameters of the studio.

Studio Facilitator Lisa Obirek as well as other Artbeat staff and volunteers work with the artists to set goals, explore techniques, and find support. Read Lisa’s letter to the community here.

The Selection Process

Artbeat Studio accommodates a group of up to 8 artists per 6 month period. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Applications are accepted year round. Our next residency runs mid-January to mid-June 2022. To be considered for that group, applications are due November 3, 2021.

Note: Artbeat Studio is an evolving organization and the artists selected will be involved in shaping the operating procedures and practices to be adopted and implemented. This “uncharted journey” requires flexibility, openness and the willingness to learn as we go.

For any assistance in completing the application form and/or general information about Artbeat Studio, please call us at (204) 943-5194 or write us at contact@artbeatstudio.ca.

1. Personal Tour

Before applying, a personal tour of the Artbeat Studio facility is strongly recommended. Please call to schedule a tour. Due to COVID-19 tours can only involve one “bubble” of people. They will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings at 10:30 or on weekdays at 4:00. You must call or email ahead of time to schedule a tour. 

2. Application

Applicants submit:
• Completed application form
• Resume
• Letter of support from your Mental Health Support Person
• Three (3) references with contact information

To download the Artist Application for Residency and Resident Artist Policies, see the download links in the right sidebar.

3. Intake Interviews

Intake interviews, with a group of applicants, occur twice yearly. The selection panel could consist of the Studio Facilitator, Executive Director, other Artbeat staff member, a board representative, a professional artist, Artbeat alumni artist and/or a healthcare professional. Artists may choose to have their mental health support person at the interview. Samples of artwork (portfolio) is required for the interview.

4. Orientation Period

Artists participate in a 30-day orientation period to demonstrate their interest and see whether the program is a good fit. Terms of an agreement between the individual artist and Artbeat Studio are confirmed based on mutual satisfaction at the end of this period.

ready to apply?

If you’ve come for your personal tour of Artbeat, you can download the application form below, and submit it in person to Artbeat Studio, via fax at (204) 943-9973, or via email at contact@artbeatstudio.ca.

Artist Application for Residency (PDF) Artist Application for Residency (Word) Resident Artist Policies (PDF)
In the event that an applicant is not selected, they are encouraged to submit a formal follow-up letter near the time of the next available 6 month period, in which case the application will be re-submitted.

Waiting applicants are also encouraged to visit and volunteer at our urban arts center, Studio Central. Click here for more information about Artbeat Studio’s volunteer program.