City of Fredericton launches art in residence program

Artists looking for an inspirational place to create can apply for the City of Fredericton’s Artist in Residence Pilot Program at Odell Park.

Ruby Allan is a colour pencil artist who has curated at art residencies throughout the province. She says having an art residence in her backyard has inspired her to apply.

“You get to promote your work, people get to know about you but yet you get to promote the city, because you’re interacting with the public, and people are really curious about how the process is done,” she said.

Odell Park is a 175-hectare year-round park in the heart of Fredericton with a network of trails winding through forests with trees up to 400-years-old. This summer in the park, indoor and outdoor space will be provided to an artist for a two-week period to work on an existing project or to develop something new, in a natural setting.

“When you’re immersed in art for that amount of time, as they say, it’s good for your art and it’s good for your soul,” said Allan

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“It is going to be a fusion of nature and the environment and the park system. Recreation with arts and culture and Fredericton is a great place to do that,” said John Leroux, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s manager of collections and exhibitions.

The artist or group selected will have a chance to host workshops and propose creative activities. They are expected to be in residence during the day, Monday to Friday, and will receive a stipend of $500 per week.

“Typically being an artist is a fairly solitary job. You’re usually alone in your studio and it’s not until you’re done the work that you present it to the public,” said Leroux.

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The city is branching out with the residence program as part of its culture plan.

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“One of the key goals is art and culture and daily life, enhancing public spaces through art, providing opportunities for creative expression and experience and participation both for our artists and our residents,” said Angela Watson, Fredericton’s cultural development officer.

Artists may apply by submitting images of their work, or writing a statement of interest to the city.

The deadline to apply is March 29.