A digital artwork of a DNA double helix structure sparkling with neon lights on a dark cosmic background.

Artist-in-Residence Program

Imagine what happens when artistic vision meets scientific innovation. The Artist-in-Residence Program ignites cross-disciplinary collaboration and fuels creative research that inspires, challenges, and transforms.

Program purpose and structure

The Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program at the Faculty of Science fosters meaningful collaborations between artists and scientists, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange and innovation. It gives artists the time and space to engage with researchers from a range of scientific fields, and to pursue creative and ambitious research projects in partnership with the Faculty. Participating artists will be invited to share their work from the residency in an exhibition at the end of the project.

This residency is jointly supported by the Faculty of Science and the Department of Visual Arts (Faculty of Arts). Depending on your needs and timing, you could have access to office space and to studio spaces in the Department of Visual Arts facilities. Describe your needs in your application so that we can confirm whether the infrastructure and resources for your project are available.

You need to partner with a faculty member to be eligible for the program (see the list of research groups across the Faculty of Science). During the inaugural program cycle, up to two artists will be selected to participate — note, however, that we’ll be unable to provide accommodations. For one of the residencies, we encourage proposals on subjects related to environmental science, with a focus on climate change and/or biodiversity solutions. The Faculty of Science has more than 160 full-time professors leading cutting-edge research in the:

This program was created to help connect artists and scientists. You’re welcome to contact us for help in finding a suitable partner.

This program recognizes the importance of supporting marginalized artists and creating safe platforms for research and creative freedom.

We’re now accepting applications for the AiR Program. If you’re interested in being an AiR, follow the application process.

Details

All amounts in Canadian dollars.

  • Residency length: Two to eight weeks (based on your availability and needs) between March 2026 and March 2027, with a flexible start date
  • Stipend: $5,000
  • Artist talk or workshop fee: $541 (CARFAC 2026, C.2.1)
  • Office and studio space on campus provided (possibility of other residency locations based on timing and project needs)
  • Artist royalty fees for exhibition: $2574 (CARFAC 2026, A.1.1.1, Category I)
    • Technician pay for installation and strike: $40/hr,up to $1000
  • Location: University of Ottawa main campus, off-campus art studios, scientific research sites
  • For the 2026 program, accommodations and meals will not be provided

Eligibility

  • Open to visual artists at all career stages
  • Individual artists or small teams welcome to apply
  • Artists from equity-deserving communities strongly encouraged to apply
  • Prerequisite: A demonstrated interest in engaging with scientific research or public science communication
  • Must partner with a full-time tenure-track professor from the Faculty of Science
  • Not meant for purely commercial projects or those without clear public/political/educational engagement in science

Residency outcomes and expectations

During the residency, you will:

  • pursue scientifically informed creative research
  • deliver an artist talk or workshop for students, staff and faculty members on campus
  • produce at least one publicly shareable artwork, showcased in an end-of-residency exhibition event
  • engage with the Faculty’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Partnerships team, contributing to the broader ecosystem of spreading knowledge to create impacts
  • maintain good communication with the Faculty of Science and a professor in the Department of Visual Arts

Application process

If interested, please submit:

  • a cover letter (one page)
  • an artist CV with visuals of relevant previous work
  • a proposal (maximum three pages):
    • Residency goals and planned scientific collaboration
    • Desired faculty partner and relevance of partnership
    • Plan for art materials and infrastructure needed
    • Planned public engagement
  • Letter of support (one page) from the Faculty of Science collaborator, outlining support and alignment with their research group or theme
  • Submit all materials as one PDF to [email protected].

Submission deadline: February 2, 2026 8 p.m. ET

Review process

  • Applications will be assessed by a committee co-chaired by the Faculty of Science Vice-Dean, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and strategic partnerships, and the chair of the Department of Visual Arts.
  • Submissions will be assessed according to the following criteria:
    • Artistic merit of proposal
    • Strength of science–arts collaboration
    • Feasibility
    • Excellence of artist
    • Public engagement plan
  • Applicants shortlisted for final review will be notified by February 16, 2026. Final decisions will be communicated by March 13, 2026, or earlier. We sincerely appreciate everyone who expresses an interest in this program. However, only finalists will be contacted.
  • A virtual meeting with finalists may be held before final decisions.

Ready to apply?

Compile your documents into one PDF and send them to our team to finalize your application.