OUR MISSION

To provide a tranquil, affordable, and supportive environment for artistic exploration.

OUR VISION

SAR was developed in recognition of the significant value that residencies play in the development of artists’ lives. The project recognizes the difficulties artists face when seeking time, support, well-maintained studio spaces, and funding for their work. We believe that all working artists—including those at various career stages, across diverse artistic trajectories, and from all socioeconomic backgrounds—should be given opportunities to rest, experiment, and refocus their practices. 

The artist residency space is located on the unceded territories of the syilx Okanagan First Nation. Situated within the Similkameen Valley, nestled against mountain slopes, the log house offers an opportunity to connect with nature; the unique ecosystem and topography which surrounds the residency are catalysts for curiosity.

OUR VALUES

FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY: By offering subsidized and scholarship-funded self-directed residencies, SAR reduces barriers to artists seeking the time and space to retreat and produce new work. We provide additional subsidies to artists based on need, including to current students and recent graduates, and lower income artists and artists on income assistance.  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: We tailor the residency experience to each artist’s ambitions; depending on an artist’s interests, we have facilitated studio visits, Open Studio events, workshops in the community, exhibitions, performances, and onsite programs, among other professional development opportunities. 

SUPPORTING DIVERSE VOICES: Black, Indigenous, and Racialized artists, as well as artists with Disabilities*, LGBTQ2S+ artists, and adult artists of all ages are encouraged to attend. We firmly believe that diverse voices make for stronger communities and more nuanced artistic dialogues.

NON-DETRIMENTAL RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE: We value the land on which we are situated and have policies to ensure our ecological footprint is as small as possible. 

NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS: The Okanagan-Similkameen is built of strong communities. SAR is committed to building meaningful, sustainable relationships with our neighbours, and provides opportunities for our visiting artists to engage with members of our community. 

*SAR functions out of a renovated log cabin. As the studio spaces are located on the ground level and bedrooms on the upper level, accessed via stairs, the residency is not currently accessible for assisted mobility or wheelchair users at this time.