We know the value of creative engagement with wild things and our wild selves. We are committed to offering this opportunity to artists working in any discipline, regardless of financial circumstances. All Fireweed Earth Arts' Artist-In-Residencies are offered on a mutually beneficial donation and/or work exchange basis. Residencies are available on a rolling basis and for varying lengths, depending on the needs and desires of both the artist and the organization. At the culmination of their tenure, resident artists share with our local community a work (or work in progress) created at the sanctuary.
While we have intentions to add to our infrastructure, currently our accommodations are rustic and self-serve, and include: outdoor washhouse with compost toilet and hand-pump sink, outdoor solar shower, outdoor kitchen with electricity (electric kettle, induction cooktop, and all kitchen supplies provided), raised tent platform with a large tent, access to indoor food storage area and refrigerator, access to indoor washing machine, clothesline space to dry your clothes outside, and use of the outdoor screened canopy. Residents must provide and prepare all their own food. We do love to share weekly potluck community meals, though!
We can provide indoor space to store weather-sensitive materials, equipment, and works. Prospective artists should note, however, that indoor work space is very limited. We are unable to accommodate pets (except, of course, registered service animals who get along well with our animals and other guests). Resident artists are expected to regularly clean/maintain resident facilities and generally be self-sufficient during their tenure. While we do recommend coming with your own transportation, for artists arriving without their own transportation we can provide pick-up/drop-off at the local bus stop and once weekly grocery store transportation. Other local outings may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Given the nature of our current infrastructure, artist residencies at Fireweed Earth Arts are currently best suited for late Spring through early Fall on Cape Breton -- late May through early October. When considering timing, prospective residents should note that SNOW is possible well into June and then potentially starting again in mid September. Even throughout the summer months evenings and nights may be quite chilly on this island.
We are custodians of a very special 50+ acre land parcel that includes cleared and regrowing forest land -- including rolling fields filled wild blueberries, cranberries, wild strawberries, bayberry bushes, a plethora of healing plants, forest gardens... We are continually renewing and building trails to explore this incredible resource and to encourage our guests (and ourselves) to stop - listen - watch - dream - create.