Vancouver Park Board looking for new field house residencies

Artists, foodies, and athletes with a creative flair are being sought by the Vancouver Park Board.

The board is seeking proposals for their field house residencies, of which there are seven, across the city. The offer is open to people and organizations throughout Vancouver, who are involved in the arts, sport, environment and local food.

The field houses used to be occupied by park caretakers but in 2011 were re-purposed to allow artists to connect with communities through their work. Artists are currently working in field houses in 15 parks citywide.

But this year the park board is opening up the residencies to more than just artists.

“This year, the Park Board wants to reach out not only to artists but to gardeners, sports teams and chefs too!” said Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung.

“Our field house residencies are unique for both the neighbourhood and participants as this is such a rare chance in bringing neighbourhood-based programming into public spaces where people already gather.”

Applicants can include sports groups and athletes, ecologists, gardeners, cooks and artists from all disciplines in exchange for providing community-based engagement programs like workshops, celebrations and demonstrations. For one year, the residencies occupying the free space must provide 350 hours of programs in the field house, surrounding parks or partner community centres.

Applications must be submitted online by May 31 and new field house residencies will run between July 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

For more information or to apply for a residency, visit the Vancouver Parks Board web site.