Artist in Residence

Residencies

Since 1972, the Centre has become an integral and leading force in the education, promotion, and development of the craft sector in Cape Breton-Unama’ki. Over the past 15 years, the Centre has developed multiple residency opportunities for craftspeople to hone their skills, build community connections, and establish or maintain their craft businesses.  

Whether located within our Sydney facility, or through our various partnerships, each program is tailored to the needs of the craft community and provides space for participants to focus on their individual practice goals. You can find general information about the offerings below. 

Customs House Artisan Incubator 

Are you interested in relocating to Cape Breton-Unama’ki to start or grow your contemporary craft business?  

The Customs House Artisan Incubator might be the opportunity you’re looking for.  

In partnership, the Centre and the Town of Port Hawkesbury offer long-term 24hr access studio rentals (1 year minimum) that cushion participants from the risks of starting a craft business as a part of a thriving creative community.  

Fully equipped studios (textiles, ceramics, metals/jewellery & undetermined), combined with business and technique guidance, mentorship, sales, and marketing opportunities can help support your dream from the start-up stage all the way to a full-time craft business reality. The program is specifically designed to help you develop your practice into a sustainable business. 

Apply now: Customs House Artisan Incubator Application

Deadline: Open until full 

Did you know? The Customs House is named for its original purpose – as the customs house and post office for the town.

Parks Canada 

In partnership with Parks Canada, the Centre offers two annual programs that allow participants to engage with local communities in unique ways.  

Ingonish 

Up to two artists are invited to live in a three-bedroom house in Ingonish for a six-week Residency during the Fall season. Projects must include a plan for engagement with the local community. Open to individuals or collaborative pairs.  

Click here to view the Ingonish Artist in Residence Call

Apply here: Ingonish Residency Application

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Ground Rules  

Fourteen artists live and share ideas for four days in oTENTiks at the Chéticamp Campground, nestled in the serene Chéticamp River valley between the river and mountains. Returning home, they are tasked with creating work for a group exhibition to be held at the Centre, with the potential to tour.  

Ground Rules 2025 Call

Click here to apply to Ground Rules 2025

Deadline: February 18, 2025

Did you know? If you are in view of Cheticamp Island at the right time of day, you can catch a glimpse of the cows taking their daily dip on the beach before they head home for the evening. 

Embedded Artist Residency 2025

Unama’ki Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, in collaboration with Atlantic Coastal Action Program Cape Breton, is seeking proposals from craftspeople and visual artists for a community-engaged artist residency to develop artworks and community programming that engages the Unama’ki Cape Breton community on what it means to foster resiliency and compassion for each other and the environment.

Click here to read the full call for artist proposals.

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. 

To apply online, click here.