We welcome all artists to explore, restore and create in this eco-friendly environment. Our goal is providing a nurturing and inspiring space for potential discovery and collaboration with others including with nature which abounds here. In order for the focus to remain in the present, there is limited WiFi and the use of cell phones is restricted to one’s personal space. We encourage sharing your creativity with others in our community, but this is optional. We have sponsored exhibitions and concerts in the past which we welcome.
We have an in-house creative coach and dramaturge available at specific times to all our artists in pursuit of their art.
Duration of residency
Artist’s stay is for 1 week. Longer stays can sometimes be accommodated.
Accommodation
Artists can stay in main house or camp on the land for a truly outdoor experience.
Private (double & queen) and shared (single) accommodation are available as per one’s preference and availability. Healthy vegetarian meals are provided, with breakfast and lunch presented as ‘self-serve’ in a warm country kitchen or in the multiple cozy outside eating areas.
The residency building is a historical log home built in 1839. A studio, greenhouse, covered outdoor porch and barn spaces are also available in the rolling wooded hills of Dufferin County. It is located 110 km. northwest of Toronto, in the Headwaters Region of Central Ontario, on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment near the popular Bruce Trail.
Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
All disciplines are welcome. Some found materials are available, particularly found items from nature but also metal works vintage farm equipment parts and materials. Support for all artists is offered, including dramaturge support for all performance art.
Artists from all disciplines are welcome. Visual and performing artists, including painters, photographers, musicians, and dancers have taken this opportunity to work in a solo, collaborative or interactive environment.
Studio / Workspace
Studio space is shared and there are numerous outdoor buildings also available as working spaces depending on the needs of the artist. They include: large barn, green house and exterior covered porch.
Fees and support
Fees: $500.00 for shared accommodation to $800.00 for private room all inclusive. $25.00 discount for those who provide their own linens and towels.
Currently, rates for 2026 are: For shared accommodation and meals: $1000.00/ 2 weeks; $1600.00/ 2 weeks. All meals and creative coaching/dramaturge services included. To confirm your booking a 50% deposit upon booking is required with the balance paid a week before arrival. A full refund will be granted if a replacement booking is obtained, otherwise the deposit is forfeited. It is anticipated that all weeks will be wait listed.
Expectations towards the artist
It is optional for the artist to share their creativity with the local community. The residency has facilitated arts shows and concerts, as well as collaboration with local community arts organizations.
In the interest of promoting an exchange of ideas and cultures, residents will be supported and encouraged but are not required to interact with local artists and community members through talks, demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions or performances.
During each two week session 2 special events will be held. In the first week a community dinner with artists in residence and guest creatives from the local area will be held onsite. Then near the end of the residency period, a studio tour or performance event will be held for artists to showcase their work and raise donations for a local arts charity.
2026 and 2027 Residency Dates
Spaces available October 4-17, 2026. Arrival: Sunday after 3-5 pm. Departure: Saturday by 10 am.
2027 Residency Dates: April 11-24, May 9-22, June 6-19, July 11-24, August 8-21, September 12-25, October 10-23.
Please note
- Artists need to bring all their own materials and specialty foods. The exception is the availability of respectfully found objects on site, both in nature and in the barn.
- Arrival: after 3pm the first day. Departure: by 10am the final day.
- Guests or family members cannot be accommodated to stay.
- No smoking, drugs or pets permitted (with the exception of working animals, who are welcome).
Application information
Very simple, please just follow instructions on our web site: www.wildrosefarm.ca. Alternatively, send us an email with your request, include: preferred dates, a resume, link to view your work on line and what you hope to accomplish during your stay. Keep it short and simple.
Interested?
- Drop us an email at info@wildrosefarm.ca with SUBJECT: Artist Residency. Please include: your full name, current address, phone number and email address, writing briefly about why you would like to take this opportunity to creatively retreat.
- While every effort will be made to accommodate time requests, please state a second choice for availability.
- We welcome you to include performance, exhibition history, education or training, publications, and collections or collectors of your art work but it is not necessary.