“Patterns observable in nature and society allows us to not only make sense of what we see, but to use a pattern
from one context and scale, to design in another”
- Essence of Permaculture, David Holmgren
from one context and scale, to design in another”
- Essence of Permaculture, David Holmgren
The Woodland Farm Artist Residency
Situated on Canada's beautiful west coast Salt Spring Island,
we work and create on the unceded territoriesof the Hul'qumi'num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples.
Here you will find a sanctuary to breathe, dream, experiment, create and play.
To honour the fact that we are guests on this land, we donate 10% of the Artist Residency fees to
“I Love First Peoples”
If you wish to be considered for 2024 see below for application form
Deadline for 2024 applications is December 15, 2023
The Creation BarnThe Woodland Farm Creation Barn is approx. 790 ft2 (73 m2) in a newly-built, comfortably-heated space with soaring 19ft (6m) gabled ceilings and a sprung floor. The barn includes a small conference table in a large open space with plenty of natural light, sound, lighting and video equipment, along with design and development support available upon request.
“The performance barn is a dream come true. It was a joy to work there each day, open the doors, and play to the forest.” ~ Alexandra Mackenzie Artist in Residence Surrounding the Creation Barn is a stunning forest, with old growth trees, walking paths and gardens. Owls, deer, even the occasional river otter visit us here at Woodland Farm. We are situated walking distance to the ocean, the small town of Ganges, grocery stores, a winery and cidery, Here is a Video of the build of the Woodland Farm Artist Residency! |
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The Farm
Woodland Farm is a small organic farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Owned by sisters Sheila Dobie, Gwenyth Dobie and William Mackwood, they aim to offer healthy food, lifestyle, and personal space for creative renewal and revitalization. Their Farm Stand provides delicious produce for Salt Spring Islanders and guests; eggs, berries, greens, apples, squash, beans, beets, and herbs... plus beautiful flower bouquets. 'Working for an hour every day on the farm… I thought it was the best! I learned so much with you guys that I could have done even more…. It was really good for my soul.'
Desirée Jung Artist in Residence |
The Creation Barn and Woodland Farm
Artist Residency Fees
- Creation Barn
Creative Barn Equipment List
- Private Accommodation
https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/rental/136912
- Full access to the forest, gardens and lands
Fees: $2650/Month*
which includes all utilities and wifi
+Farm Contribution
Every individual on Woodland Farm is invited to volunteer, at least 1 hour per day, to work on the farm, in a capacity that is suitable to them. We know from experience that working in nature clears the mind and inspires creative thinking.
Note: Maximum of 2 people in the Cottage: Includes all utilities and wifi
*Emerging Artists will be offered a $500 Emerging Artist Bursary
To see the Artists in Residence that are coming to Woodland Farm in 2023
To see the Artists in Residence from 2022
To see the Artists in Residence from 2021
Sitting under the sea in the Creation Barn
Things to know and consider about the Woodland Farm Artist Residency
Woodland Farm is our home and we would ask you to treat the spaces and the land with respect and consideration.
Why are all your residencies 1 month in length?
We know from experience that it takes at least a week to start sleeping and breathing. When we are all running so fast in our usual lives, it takes dedicated time to slow down- to allow the creative juices to start flowing again.
What kind of artists and projects would fit well at Woodland Farm Artist Residency?
Founders William Mackwood and Gwenyth Dobie are both extremely experienced in the development of new work through their
company Out of the Box Productions and having been on Faculty at York University's Theatre and Dance Departments.
William and Gwenyth have delved into the worlds of Dance, Theatre, Music, Interactive Stage, Immersive and Site Specific creation,
and we welcome applications from emerging and established artists of all performance based practices.
Will we get help and support when we are at the Woodland Farm Artist Residency?
William and Gwenyth are available as needed to be an outside eye, offer feedback, suggest lighting, video, interactive stage ideas.
This would be decided together.
Can we share a presentation of our developed work during our Residency?
That is completely up to you. Up to 15 people can be invited for a private sharing of your work.
We can help arrange this for at a time that works well with your process.
What the heck... I see that I have to volunteer on the farm for at least 1 hour a day?!
Yes! Everyone who comes to stay at Woodland Farm is asked to volunteer their energy to take care of the land for at least 1 hour each day.
What you do depends on your skills and comfort level. You could be raking leaves, weeding, clearing the walking paths in the forest, planting in the garden or driving the tractor if you are keen!
In our experience, this time in nature, away from the creation process actually clears the brain for innovative ideas.
Where is Salt Spring Island?
Salt Spring Island is truly a nature lovers’ paradise. With spectacular coastal and pastoral scenery and the moderate climate, a variety of activities can be comfortably pursued all months of the year. From leisurely walks along pristine beaches to challenging uphill hikes, the vistas, flora and fauna are always inspiring. Surrounded by miles and miles of the mainly sheltered waterways of the Pacific Ocean’s Salish Sea, this Gulf Island archipelago offers countless opportunities to explore the marine world.
To read more about Salt Spring Island visit https://www.saltspringtourism.com/salt-spring-news/
To get to Salt Spring Island, there are 3 Ferry Routes. Arrivals and Departures for Vancouver go via Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Long Harbour. The Ferry from Crofton (near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island) arrives at Vesuvius, and the Ferry from Swartz Bay near Victoria arrives via Fulford Harbour.
Woodland Farm is walking distance to the small town of Ganges and Churchill Beach. You can walk to excellent Restaurants, Kutatás Winery, Salt Spring Cider, Francis Breads, and Country Grocer.