The RBC Emerging Artist in Residence (EAIR) is a paid opportunity for emerging artists in Windsor-Essex, in the first 10 years of their career, who want to learn, grow, develop, and show their art while engaging with the public.
The selected Emerging Artists will have the opportunity to focus on making their art and share their skills and experiences with the public. The artists in residence will gain new skills, all while connecting with their community in a series of programs or activations.
Submissions are open from August 30, 2025. Application reviews begin on September 12, 2025, but late submissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Each artist will:
- Complete a 3-month residency at Art Windsor-Essex (October, November and December, 2025 or January, February and March, 2026).
- Have access to the education studio, resource library, and locked storage during regular gallery hours.
- Interact with the public in AWE’s studio for 15-20 hours per week.
- Host two educational activities, workshops, or activations for the community.
- Work with AWE staff on social media updates.
- Have monthly check-ins with curatorial and preparatory staff to workshop exhibition-in-development.
- Participate in an off-site window solo exhibition at the Dry Goods Gallery, at 1012 Drouillard Road, in Ford City.
Each artist will receive an honorarium of $4,000. The honorarium covers:
- The production of new work (materials) during the artist’s residency.
- Artist fees to present two programs (workshop, community engagement, artist talk, etc.) and to work on-site.
- AWE will cover installation, administrative, and other internal costs involved with the residency (installation, studio visits, mentorship, promotional costs, etc.).
- Note: It is recommended that eligible participants apply for the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program. For application information and guidelines for this program, please visit OAC’s website: Exhibition Assistance.