
Are you a practicing Indigenous Artist,
First Nations, Métis, or Inuit?
Are you actively engaged in your professional artistic career development?
Are you willing to work 8 hours/month in exchange for housing subsidy?
Skwachàys Lodge Artists in Residence Program
Would Like to Hear From You!


The Artists Housing Program opportunity at Skwachàys Lodge is a unique and life-changing housing program for practicing Indigenous artists. This includes subsidized housing in clean, unfurnished bachelor suites, 24/7 access to shared artist workshops, and participation in programming opportunities for personal and professional development that help artists develop their craft and move into the next phase of their careers. A multi-term residency is dependent on successful program participation and the achievement of self-defined career goals. Emerging, mid-career, and senior artists are welcome to apply.
IMPORTANT!
All new applicants must be fully vaccinated!
Description of Subsidized Artist Housing Program
- Clean, unfurnished bachelor suites are rented in six-month terms.
- Utilities, 24/7 access to shared artist workshop, bicycle storage, and shared laundry amenities are included. A cable/internet package is available at cost.
- Rent must be paid on the 1st of each month by post-dated cheque or automated electronic funds transfer.
- Suites are singles-only accommodation. One small pet will be considered; absolutely no dogs.
- Self-management, personal commitment to artistic career goals, and ongoing prioritization of program participation are required.
- Artists enrolled in post-secondary artist training programs must provide proof of acceptance in the application.
- All artists in this program are required to complete 8 hours of mandatory service each month by assisting in the gallery or lodge events.
- A Participation Agreement is to be signed upon successful application to the program.
- All artists must agree to the terms set out in that agreement, including the requirement for full COVID-19 vaccination.
- Building maintenance and property management are provided by Vancouver Native Housing Society.
Partnerships
We are grateful to the following organizations for their support:
Program Alumni (2016-2022)
All Artists in Residence from 2016 to 2022:
- ACCESS
- Aboriginal B.E.S.T
- BC Culture Days
- British Columbia Arts Council
- BCIT
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Capilano University
- City of Vancouver
- Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
- Club 16 Fitness
- Cordova Street Accounting
- East Van Graphics
- Emily Carr University of Art & Design
- Firehall Arts Centre
- First Peoples Cultural Council
- Full Circle First Nations Performance
- Langara College
- National Film Board of Canada
- NOW Society / 8EAST
- Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
- PuSh! International Performing Arts Festival
- Small Business BC
- Spark Joy Studios
- Talon Books
- Vancity Credit Union
- Vancouver Native Housing Society
- VICE Studio Canada Inc. & Vice Media Inc.
- VIFF
- Women’s Enterprise Centre
- Writers Fest
- YVR Art Foundation
- Agnes Wisden
- Alexis Battle
- Anne Riley
- Alvin Mack
- Cheyanna Kootenayhoo
- Cheyenne LeGrande
- Clayton Charleyboy
- Cody Kearsley
- Corey Larocque
- Edzi’u
- Ellena Neel
- Emilee Gilpin
- Eric Shweig
- Grace Dove
- Gerry Sheena
- Jeneen Frei Njootli
- Jerry Whitehead
- Jordan Waunch
- Joshua Pawis-Steckley
- Justin Ducharme
- Justin Rain
- Krista Belle Stewart
- Linnea Dick
- Linsay Willier
- Lydia Brown
- Maynard Johnny Jr.
- Mike Alexander
- Rebecca Merasty
- Rory Dawson
- Rose Spahan
- Sarah Charles DeCarlo
- Sharifah Marsden
- Shayla Stonechild
- Shawna Kiesman
- Stephen Gladue
- Taralyn Sanderson
- Taran Kootenhayoo
- Tessa-Rain Cabana-Boucher
- Ts?ma Igharas
- Tyson Night
- Whess Harman