ANNOUNCING A NEW COLLABORATION WITH SIMILKAMEEN ARTIST RESIDENCY (SAR)

Log House Exterior; Image Courtesy of SAR, PC. Reiko Inouye

The Emily Carr University MFA Graduate Award, North Shore Studio Award, and BIPOC Award will provide artists based in the Lower Mainland with a one month retreat at the Similkameen Artist Residency in Keremeos, BC in 2026. Awardees will be provided with access to a large and well-maintained semi-private studio space, a private bedroom, and shared communal spaces on a rural property nestled in the Similkameen Valley. 

The Okanagan Curator Award will provide an Okanagan-based curator with a one month residency at Griffin Art Projects in North Vancouver in 2026. Along with private accommodations, Griffin will also provide the awardee with meaningful introductions to artists and curators within the Metro Vancouver area to advance their professional curatorial practice.

Griffin Art Projects (Griffin) and the Similkameen Artist Residency (SAR) are thrilled to announce the Griffin–Similkameen Residency Exchange Initiative which will take place in 2026. This Griffin–SAR Awards series provides professional development opportunities for Lower Mainland and Okanagan-based artists and curators. Built on awards which Griffin has been providing Lower Mainland artists since 2016, three visual arts residency opportunities in the Similkameen Valley and one curatorial residency in North Vancouver will be awarded in 2026.

MORE INFORMATION & HOW TO APPLY

These award opportunities are intended for emerging, mid-career, or seasoned artists from across Canada and internationally. Griffin and SAR encourage applicants from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds, and are seeking artists with a BFA, MFA, or equivalent experience, who can demonstrate a strong and committed practice. As the residency is a communal environment, we welcome artists who value collaborative and community practices. Individual award eligibility is indicated in the information below and on the Application Form.

For any of the three artist residency awards, please see the FAQ for information about SAR’s program and facilities, and our 2026 Application Form to apply. There is a question on the form where you can self-nominate for any of those awards. If you have any questions or would like application assistance, please contact us at: info@simartres.com. The application process and materials required for the Okanagan Curator Award are outlined below.

Applications are due on December 21, 2025. Award winners will be notified by mid-January, 2026.

Visit the Similakameen Artist Residency website for more details.