Artist in Residence Program Information + Application

Note: The 2027 Intake for the residency program will open in January of 2027.

Kxeen Arts Council and the North Pacific Cannery invite artists to apply to our Artist-in-Residence program. The program is open to artists across the arts spectrum.  The program provides opportunities for artists to live and work in the North Pacific Cannery for a period of one or three weeks. Artists-in-residence are provided with accommodation and studio space as well as an honorarium to offset the cost of materials, shipping, day to day living expenses, and travel.  Artists-in-residence must give one public presentation, performance or workshop during their residency.  The Long Residency is intended for professional artists with formal training or equivalent experience and recognition among their peers. The Short Residency is open to emerging and established artists living and working in Northern British Columbia (defined as a person working in or with established connections to communities north of 100 Mile House).  

An honorarium of $5,000.00 for the Long Residency and $1,250.00 for the Short Residency is given to offset the cost of materials, shipping, day to day living expenses and travel.

​Artists-in-residence must give one public presentation, performance or workshop during their residency.

Note: We accept applications from both visual artists and artists in other disciplines such as writers or musicians.

For more information about the program or the application email us at artsprincerupert@gmail.com with “Artist-in-Residence” in the subject line.

Your Questions, Answered

  • The North Pacific Cannery is a National Historic site located at the mouth of the Skeena River. It is the oldest West Coast cannery still standing and was declared a National Historic site in 1985. Many of the old buildings are preserved and there is an elevated board walk connecting them.

    The cannery complex is near the small community of Port Edward, just south of the city of Prince Rupert.
    Applicants should keep in mind that stores and restaurants are in Prince Rupert, a 20-minute drive from the Cannery, which does have wifi but cell service is not reliable in the area.  There is cell service in Port Edward, a 10-minute drive, and groceries available in Prince Rupert.  It is recommended that applicants consider transportation needs and accessibility in applying, and additional information about transportation to and from the North Pacific cannery is available via their website.

    During the residency program artists will stay on site in one of the Cannery's available accommodations - in 2026 this will be either the bunkhouse or triplex. The accommodation is not wheelchair accessible. Because of the limited capacity of the accommodation provided, applications are not accepted from collaborative groups. Separate studio space is provided in the Cannery. Pets are also allowed on the site.

    The Cannery is in a rural area. There is very spotty cell service but a strong WIFI connection is available. In addition,
    there is a landline telephone in your accommodation.

    For more information about the North Pacific Cannery visit www.northpacific.ca
    ​or email the site at: manager@northpacificcannery.ca

  • Artists of all stripes are welcome to apply. From visual artists, to performers to writers, and beyond. We work to be inclusive of all artistic mediums and methods.

  • Generally speaking, no, although we will make exceptions for 1-2 days during the residency. This is to ensure that the artists selected are focused on their practice while visiting with us.

  • Yes - the Cannery has laundry in the accommodations. Bed linens are provided as part of accommodations as well.