Artist in Residence
The Artist in Residence Program (AIRS) is an internal residency opportunity for employees of posAbilities who want to explore and deepen their creative practice through community-engaged art.
This year’s residency theme is:
Nourishment
We invite artists/creatives to explore nourishment in all its forms - personal, collective, emotional, cultural, environmental, relational, or imaginative. Through this theme, we encourage applicants to reflect on what sustains us, connects us, and helps us grow.
About the Residency
AIRS supports creatives within the posAbilities community by offering dedicated time, mentorship, studio access, and material support to pursue an artistic project alongside their work at posAbilities.
Artists are encouraged to develop projects that engage with one or more of the following intentions:
Building creative community within posAbilities and/or the wider community
Promoting diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and social change
Exploring identity and the dynamics between self and other - especially in relation to care, work, and belonging
Creating beauty, meaning, and joy within work and community spaces
Engaging persons served and community members through the creative process
What the Residency Offers
Dedicated Creative Time & Mentorship
Residents can use a portion of their work hours to focus on their creative practice, in coordination with their supervisor and manager approval.
Artists will also receive mentorship and support through regular check-ins, feedback, project development support and access to resources and guidance by the residency coordinator, Aaniya Asrani.
Skill Development & Creative Exploration
This residency is an opportunity to deepen existing artistic practices, learn or expand new creative skills and explore how creativity can enrich professional life, relationships, and community connection.
Artists are encouraged to experiment, reflect, and grow through the process.
Collaboration Opportunities
Residents may choose to collaborate with broader community participants throughout the residency. Projects can involve community engagement, collaborative art-making, workshops, storytelling, installation and participatory or interdisciplinary approaches.
Exhibition Opportunity
The residency culminates in a two-week solo exhibition at the gallery space at Alternative Creations Studio. This exhibition is an opportunity to share the artistic journey, celebrate creative growth, and showcase projects that connect with community.
The program also supports installation and de-installation, hosting opening/closing events and community workshops or gatherings connected to the exhibition.
2026 Residency Timeline
June 1: Applications Open
July 1: Application Deadline
July 12: Selected Artist Announced
July 15 - October: Residency Period
October 12 - 23: Exhibition
The number of hours allocated per week will be discussed collaboratively with the selected artist and their manager.
FAQ
Who covers project expenses?
The residency provides up to $1000 CAD in reimbursement for material costs, exhibition installation and de-installation support and support for an opening reception, closing event, or workshop.
How does the residency fit within my current role?
Artists can use a portion of their work hours toward their creative practice. Scheduling and time allocation will be coordinated with supervisors to ensure it aligns with each participant’s role and responsibilities.
Where does the residency take place?
The residency is based out of Alternative Creations Studio, 1659 Venables St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H1.
What do past residents have to say about the program?
“The residency emphasized art as a shared space for expression, confidence-building, and community engagement. The experience deepened my interest in relational aspects of making art and reinforced my belief that creativity can function as both personal reflection and collective exchange. The residency continues to inform my art practice, particularly my attention to care, exploration, and the social dimensions of art. ”
Julianne Chladny
Questions or Support
I am happy to support applicants through one-on-one conversations about ideas, accessibility needs, or the application process.
Please contact:
Aaniya Asrani
Lead Community Artist
How to apply
Applicants are asked to respond to a short series of questions before the deadline of July 1 2026.