Call for Proposals - Creative Climate Action Residency at Gibraltar Point

September 8–22, 2025 | Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, Toronto Island

Deadline: June 23, 2025 (11:59 P.M. EDT)

OCAD University invites artists, designers, and media practitioners from Toronto and around the world to apply for the inaugural Creative Climate Action Residency at Gibraltar Point. This two-week residency is dedicated to advancing climate action through innovative creative practice, fostering collaboration, and building a global community of changemakers.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from emerging and established creators working in any medium whose practice engages with themes of climate action, sustainability, climate justice, decolonization, or regenerative relationships between people and the land. International as well as local applications are encouraged.

Please note, this is a residency for guest participants and is unfortunately not open to current OCAD U employees. If you are an OCAD U staff or faculty member who would like to get involved in some way, please contact internationalprograms@ocadu.ca

Residency Details

• Duration: September 8–22, 2025
• Location: Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, Toronto Island
• What’s Provided: Accommodation, shared studio space, mentorship, workshops, public presentation opportunity, and a $500 CAD honorarium
• Travel: Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Toronto Island via Toronto Island ferries. Bike rentals are available on the island through third-party providers for additional fees. We are happy to provide letters of support for funding applications or travel permissions upon request.

• Food & Groceries: Participants will need to purchase their own groceries for the duration of the residency. Please note that while there are some local options on the island, they may be limited—many residents choose to shop for groceries on the mainland before arriving.

   

Application Timeline

• Call opens: Late May 2025
• Deadline: June 23, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT)
• Notification: July 4, 2025

How to Apply

Please submit all materials in a single PDF no larger than 10MB to internationalprograms@ocadu.ca with the subject line: Creative Climate Action Residency Application – [Your Name].

For more information about this particular opportunity, contact us at the email above.

For more information about the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts please review their website: https://gibraltarpointcentre.ca/

Please note that the space is not fully accessible. For further questions about accessibility, it is recommended to contact Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements and to arrange a tour if needed.

We apologize, but hybrid/virtual participation in this program cannot be supported at this time.

Application Requirements

Your submission should include the following:

1. Artist Statement (500 words max)

Describe your overall artistic practice, interests, and motivations. Share how your work relates to climate action or environmental themes.

2. Project Proposal (500 words max)

Outline the project you wish to develop during the residency. Please address:

• The concept and goals of your project
• How your project aligns with the residency’s climate action focus
• Your intended approach, methods, and any anticipated outcomes

• How you envision engaging with the residency community and the public showcase (onsite at residency location)

   

3. Documentation of Past Work

• Up to 10 images, video/audio links, or other relevant documentation

• Include a list describing each work (title, date, materials, dimensions/duration, and a brief description if needed)

   

4. CV or Resume

We look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to inspire creative solutions for our climate future! This residency is generously supported by BMO