Overview
What does the program Offer?
Birdsong Studios in Okotoks, Alberta, offers residencies for artists and the creative exploration of their artistic practice. It is a self-directed residency which provides the opportunity to live and work in an adult-oriented, communal, home-away-from-home type of setting. This one to four-week residency provides the artist with the time and space required to really dig into that special project they’ve been working on, to start something new or to take their work in an entirely fresh direction.
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This program provides additional opportunities for artrepreneurial mentorship and conversation with resident artists and members of the Birdsong Artist’s Circle. Mentors are open to sharing and discussing ideas, experiences, and techniques with participants.
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An optional open house with a house concert, public readings and/or a visual art showcase at the end of the residency may also be arranged.
Our residencies provide accommodations in a private room with a desk and/or shared studio workspace. Common areas, the kitchen, laundry, and washrooms are all available as shared spaces. Laundry facilities are free to residents. WIFI is available throughout the property.
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Visual Artists will have access to the Birdsong Art Studio, a shared workspace the size of a double-car garage with various tables and easels. *Please note: projects with smaller dimensions are encouraged as space in our studio and on the walls is limited. Please bring your own supplies.
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Literary Artists, Singer/Songwriters, and Movement Artists will be provided with a desk and chair in their bedrooms. However, they are welcome to use the common areas (lounge, living room, kitchen, art studio, etc) if they wish. Please bring your own supplies.
This is a self-directed residency which offers the time and space for creatives to focus and reconnect with themselves, their practice, and their projects. As this residency is based out of the host artist’s private home, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people both in residence and in the community during your stay.
Who should Apply?
Application Requirements:
This residency is open to all creatives. Eligible applicants must be:
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Over 18 years of age.
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Emerging or established artists (writers, singer/songwriters, dancers and other creators needing brainstorming space, painters, and mixed media artists working on small to medium-scale works. *We do not have the facilities or space to accommodate sculpture, ceramics, pottery or large-scale works).
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A willingness to be adaptable and flexible, Birdsong Studios (Art & Wellness Studio) is open to the public, and we have clients who visit regularly.
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Have an open mind and hold respect for all others using the space.
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Be mindful and respectful of the host’s home. This includes timely clean-up of common areas and appropriate use and care of tools and furnishings, as well as adherence to quiet hours and other basic house rules.
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Dog Lovers. We have two hypoallergenic dogs in our home: one 11lb cockapoo and one 38lb labradoodle. Both dogs are easygoing, love people and are happy to play or cuddle with you if you need a break.
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Artist CV or resume
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Contact details: full name, mailing address and email address, and social media if available.
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Artist statement and project statement or goals for the residency, including the type of project and estimation of space requirements and materials to be used (*all artists are required to provide their own materials).
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Preferred general timeline or dates for your residency. The minimum stay is one week, and our current maximum is four weeks.
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Please specify your first and second choices for accommodations. Artists will be matched with rooms based on their proposed project/work as well as on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Please note that the residence is NOT wheelchair accessible and contains stairs both up to the house and between the basement/second floors.
Note:
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The residency program is open to applicants throughout the year; however, availability will vary based on the season and the host’s schedule. It is always best to apply well in advance with your preferred dates so that we can ensure that you have a place to stay. The minimum stay is one week, and the maximum is four.
Rates Vary Based on the Accommodation Chosen:
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Upon confirmation of your residency, we request a 50% deposit to hold your space and the remainder of your residency fees on or before arrival. There will be a $50 cleaning fee applied to your accommodation, regardless of the length of your stay.
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There is a damage or extensive cleaning deposit of $200 on arrival. This will be returned to you at the end of your residency, providing the space is acceptable on checkout.
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Some participants apply for grants to institutions, foundations, universities, government agencies, etc. in their country/province of origin to assist with funding.
Please Note:
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The fees are for accommodations only and do not include travel expenses, food, health insurance, art materials, shipping, exhibition costs, mentorship, or other personal expenses.
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Birdsong Studios does not provide daily cleaning of the studio or rooms or daily meals. The laundry is located on-site and available for free.
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Residents are expected to maintain studio space, private rooms, shared common areas of the kitchen, bathrooms, and other common areas in a clean, tidy and orderly manner. This helps to make the residency enjoyable for all parties using the space.
BIRDSONG ARTIST’S RESIDENCY ACCOMMODATIONS
We have a single apartment above the garage studio that we offer as the Artist's Loft.
In addition, we have four rooms available for artists in the main house: two upstairs and two in the basement. All rooms are outfitted with linens/towels, and all bathrooms have shampoo/conditioner and soap. If you require special items, please bring them with you. Grocery stores are within walking distance.
Artists in residence have access to most areas of the Birdsong Property, including studio space in the garage and all common areas. We have a large front porch with a hammock and a seating area. There is a BBQ on the back deck and a large yard with a picnic table and casual seating.
OPTION #1: BIRDSONG ARTIST’S LOFT
Loft - Living Area
Loft - Bed Nook
Loft - Kitchen
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This is a full, private studio apartment located over the garage/art studio. There is high demand for this unit, and it is often rented, so please apply well in advance of your proposed residency.
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Artist’s Loft @ $110/night. Contains a full kitchen, laundry and 4pc bath. There is a queen bed, couch, and writing desk. Single occupancy is preferred. If you have overnight guests, the rate is $10/extra per night. This is our primo accommodation and perfect for someone who loves their privacy.
OPTION #2: ARTIST’S HOUSE - BASEMENT
Common Area
Big Bedroom
Bunk Bed Room
*We have a baby gate at the top of the stairs for people who prefer not to have our dogs join them in the basement
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The Big Room @ $30/night. With 9-ft ceilings, this is a large, neutral space with lots of light. Contains a queen bed, desk and chair, closet, chest of drawers, and under-bed storage. A shared bathroom is available in the basement. If you have overnight guests, the rate is $10/extra per night. This room is lovely for someone who enjoys a little more space and privacy. It is a room that can be a little cool; please wear/bring layers.
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The Bunk-Bed Room @ $20/night. This is a smaller room with less natural light, though the 9ft ceiling helps to make it feel more spacious. Contains a single over double bunk bed and closet. A shared bathroom is available in the basement. If you have overnight guests, the rate is $10/extra per night. Perfect for someone who will spend most of their time in the art studio. This room can be a little cool, so please wear/bring layers.
OPTION #3: ARTIST’S HOUSE - SECOND FLOOR
The Ben Room
2nd Floor Common Area
The Dylan Room
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The Dylan Room @ $30/night. A neutral, bright room with south-facing windows. Contains a double bed, desk, chair, and a chest of drawers. A shared bathroom is available on the second floor. Single occupancy is preferred. If you have overnight guests, the rate is $10/extra per night. Perfect for a writer or artist who enjoys a view. This room can get a little warm in the summer.
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The Ben Room @ $30/night. A room with north-facing windows. This room has a queen bed, large desk, chair, closet and under-bed storage. A shared bathroom is available on the second floor. Single occupancy is preferred. If you have overnight guests, the rate is $10/extra per night. Great for someone who likes to focus on desk work or music. This room can get a little warm in the summer.
GUIDELINES FOR ARTISTS ON RETREAT:
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Respect for others and the environment is key
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Timely clean-up of common areas, including kitchen and bathrooms
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Appropriate use and care of household tools and furnishings
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Cleaning services for private rooms are not provided during your stay
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Birdsong Studios takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Please keep track of your valuables. All rooms are provided with locking door handles for your convenience
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The hosts are providing this retreat space and for creative growth and artistic expression:
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It is NOT an appropriate space for COVID/Illness quarantine
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It is NOT appropriate to treat the space as a hotel stay
HOUSE RULES
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Quiet hours: 10pm-8am
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Please remove shoes at the rear entrance to the main house
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If you make a mess, please clean it up
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If you don’t think anyone is home – please lock the door when you leave the property
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PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE DOGS (they have allergies)