Shuswap Artists Residency

Five minutes from a lake, a private and quiet sanctuary to write, restore and dream. When working on her first book ‘Skid Dogs’, Emelia was afforded a pay-what-you-can opportunity at a month-long writers retreat. She soon realized that this time away from emails, kids, cleaning etc was the only reason the book got written. So, when her family moved to the woods, converting the studio above the garage into a small live-work space for visiting artists was top of mind. 

Across from the family home, you can become part of the daily routine of dog walks, outdoor dinners, and lake swims. Or, you can hide out entirely in the woods by yourself. No expectations of presentation, work shown or word counts, Emelia is available for consultations and dramaturgy, if the project requires an outside eye.

Meant to be a no string attached offering, because that’s the only way it worked for her, please come and enjoy this small, sweet space, on your own time. That said, we love to share our local talent, so if you want to collaborate, lead a workshop, test an audience, opportunites to present and share with local Shuswap organizations are available. 

• This is a pay-what-you-can-afford opportunity.
• Airport pick-ups are available. 
• As we are rural, having access to your own car is preferable. 
• Mentorship opportunities and introductions to other local companies (Runaway Moon, The Chop, Caravan Farm Theatre, Cardiff/Miller can happen upon request.
• Contact Emelia for booking questions.

Feedback from previous guests:

“It was a gift and a joy to be able to immerse myself in my writing. The studio was comfortable, cozy, and I was in the middle of the wilderness. Daily swims in a lake a four minute drive away were the perfect mid-afternoon break from the writing and in fact enhanced the creative process. Uninterrupted writing time with nothing else to worry about, is invaluable. The script took a huge jump forward in its depth, content, and length.” 

Carmen Aguirre, Playwright

“I’ve returned three times. My main artistic outputs focused on bridging urban and rural communities through listening and food. I was able to visit Caravan Farm Theatre, an arts connection fortified through introductions from Emelia. There are not enough accessible and affordable opportunities like this residency. A necessity.”

Nancy Tam, Sound Designer

“Emelia facilitated an introduction to Cathy Stubbington at Runaway Moon Theatre for me. As a recent graduate with an MA in Applied Theatre, I have long admired Cathy’s pioneering work in the field and I learned more about how she has been able to collaborate with the local Splatsin First Nation. The prospect of returning to collaborate fills me with excitement.”

Natalie Davidson, applied theatre artist

“It was important to begin work on this urban piece in a rural area due to the relevance of the content of the work but also to engage with new communities and audiences.”

Tim Carlson, Playwright

“Benefits to my mental health and chronic pain management as a working artist include: the open-endedness of the residency (a lack of pressure to produce something by the end of the week), the welcoming character and complete self-sufficiency of the space (all basic necessities  provided, allowing me to cook for myself and otherwise focus on work and rest), ergonomic furniture (I was able to sit and sleep comfortably, despite my chronic pain), easy access to beautiful walking trails within an inspiring landscape. I continue to work at an elevated level of productivity.”

Erin Despard, Ecology and Community Arts 

“Life-changing. The guest house is fully equipped to live in comfortably, and also to thrive in. There are multiple work desks and tables and stools to keep you from feeling cramped in the same chair all day, massive windows and a bookshelf full of supplies that may inspire. Emelia invited me on walks during this time, allowing moments to connect with the lands we were on. Having an intentional relationship to place (as opposed to an airbnb-style-sort-of-art-vacation) was a constant reminder of how my work must also be in relation- to place, to people, to contemporary contexts. The PWYC model allows artists who may not have the privilege of financial stability to continue to foster their art through the luxury of time and space. The kindest hosts, so generous in their offerings.”

Arthi Chandra, Director 

“As part of my visit, Emelia organized connections with local and national community artists, inviting me to participate in a busy schedule of events which included craft and writing workshops, performances, community conversations and visits to local venues. The thoughtful curation of these meetings was the highlight of my stay. I had the chance to meet potential collaborators and presenters and to feel welcomed in the community’s conversations about itself. I’m now returning as a guest curator at the Salmon Arm Art Gallery. I’m entirely grateful to the Shuswap Artist residency for opening these doors.”

Barbra Adler, Artistic Director