Last Minute Spots August and September 16-30: Peak Summer on Vancouver Island

Организатор

A Position on Retreat

Last minute spots August and September 16-30: Peak Summer on Vancouver Island Deadline: 07 Aug 2026 Country: Canada Dear Artist, Two last-minute residency spots have just opened up for the most extraordinary stretch of the Vancouver Island calendar—August 16 to 30 and September 16 to 30. If you’ve been waiting for the right window for an island summer, this is it. Why this season, why here. Summers on Vancouver Island are, quietly, one of the best-kept secrets in North America—long sun-soaked days, cool evenings, that particular west-coast light painters and photographers chase for years, and almost no bugs. The residency sits in the small town of Lake Cowichan, ringed by mountains and built around a lake and river that run clean and lear right through it, with hiking trails leaving from town and a lake warm enough to swim in by mid-June. From this calm home base, the rest of the island opens up: old-growth rainforest, Pacific beaches and the tide pools at Botanical Beach to the west, waterfalls and ridgelines to the north, and Victoria and Salt Spring Island within easy day-trip reach. This residency invites you to step into all of it—and into your practice—at the same time. Your stay includes a cozy home base equipped with both traditional and digital studio spaces, with the serene Lake Cowichan and its lush surroundings as your canvas. “Something is healing about this island.” “Lake Cowichan is such a quiet and friendly town, perfectly positioned to explore the island’s natural beauty.” “I feel like I am going home changed.” Find out more: About the residency What is the residency like: Life at the residency For application details visit: Apply For an ideas of places to explore visit: Around the residency Duration of residency Two-week residency Accommodation The residency accommodates 3 to 5 artists in private bedrooms, with shared spaces that include two kitchens, two bathrooms, laundry facilities, a common area, individual and shared studio spaces for both digital and traditional work, outdoor seating and studio areas, as well as direct access to nature trails, rivers, and lakes. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Our program invites artists to explore any form of artistic expression, offering spaces and resources to support both digital and traditional practices. Every resident receives a complimentary 30-minute mentorship session. Brad can help with creative feedback, technical guidance, conceptual development, or professional advice—from grant applications to graduate school preparation to exhibition planning. Additional one-hour sessions are available for $125 CAD for those who want to go deeper. Resources and experiences available: Group nature trips for producing new work around the island Conceptual and technical discussions Access to specialized equipment and resources High-end digital cameras and lenses A powerful NVIDIA GPU workstation for digital work and 3D rendering VR equipment 4K HDR projector Audio-visual equipment for reviewing and presenting video work Traditional media spaces, including easels, desks, and wall space for display and creation Want to go deeper? Additional one-hour mentorship sessions are available with Brad for $125 CAD, covering technical guidance across traditional and digital media, conceptual development, or professional development—including grant writing, graduate school preparation, exhibition proposals, and career planning.Studio / Workspace The residency offers multiple common workspaces for digital projects and writing and 5 private studios equipped with easels, desks, and ample wall space. Artists are also welcome to set up outdoors on the property to work amidst nature. Additionally, each private bedroom includes a desk for quiet, personal workspace.Fees and support Fees Two-week starting at: $1,300 CAD. One month to three months starting at: $2,400 CAD/month. Taxes are included in the residency fee Please plan your total budget before applying, including: Residency fee Flight https://www.google.com/travel/flights You can either rent a car to travel around the island (check https://www.expedia.ca) or take a $75 ride from the airport or ferry us me to the residency. Art supplies Food (often $500 CAD for a month) Expectations towards the artist This self-directed residency is designed to be whatever you need most. Explore the island, relax, and create—or simply recharge in the company of fellow artists and rekindle your creative spark to bring back home. Application information Please apply at the following link https://apositiononretreat.com/apply. Please email brad@apositiononretreat.com with questions