Artist-in-residence program

The Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) at the University of Victoria welcomes applications from artists of all mediums and genres interested in participating in our dynamic interdisciplinary research community.

Application Deadline - May 15, 2024

The artist in residence (AIR) program seeks to create mutually beneficial lines of exchange between scholars and artists who share an interest in themes at the intersection of religion/spirituality and society. The residency will enrich the scholarly atmosphere of the CSRS by promoting engagement with the creative arts and will assist artists in sharing and developing their practice within a university environment.

The AIR fellowship is available to artists working in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, design or new media, whose creative work can be reasonably conducted in a university office. Canadian and international professional artists, new artists and MFA students are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be awarded the Chih-Chuang and Yien-Ying Hsieh Scholarship for Art and Spirituality, worth $6,000 for a 12-month fellowship. In addition, the position provides centrally located private office/studio space on the scenic University of Victoria campus; library privileges; a congenial retreat-like setting with regular opportunities for cross-disciplinary engagement with scholars and students from around the world; and opportunities for the showcasing of work through public readings, exhibits or performances.

AIR fellowships are granted for a minimum three-month and a maximum twelve-month term, beginning in September 2020. The stipend will be prorated according to the length of term. 

Please note: past recipients of the AIR Fellowship are eligible to re-apply after an interval of at least five years.

The artist in residence is expected to give a public lecture on their work, to take advantage of the private office space provided in the centre, acknowledge the support of the CSRS in work arising from the fellowship and notify the centre of any such works, and to attend the activities of the CSRS (e.g., daily informal meetings over coffee and tea to discuss topics related to religion and society, weekly public lectures of other centre fellows). Fellows do not need to participate in all events but are encouraged to be involved in the thriving academic and social life of the centre. 

Applications are accepted once a year via email and should include:

• a current CV (maximum 4 pages);
• up to five samples of the applicant's work (with the total length not exceeding 5 pages single-spaced pages, several images or short videos);
• this completed AIR fellowship application;
• the contact information of two scholars, curators, established artists, or other professionals in the cultural sector, whom the applicant has asked to submit letters of support directly to [email protected] . The CSRS may also solicit the opinions of other referees.

Applications are reviewed by members of the CSRS Program Committee and Advisory Council in May/June. All materials should be submitted via email to [email protected] , indicating attention to Dr. Paul Bramadat, Director. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their applications are complete.

2024/2025 CSRS AIR Application Form