Craft & Design Artist-in-Residence Program 2027 at Harbourfront Centre

About this call

Harbourfront Centre's Craft & Design Studio in Toronto, Canada, is a career-focused artist-in-residence program for emerging makers in contemporary craft and design. Residents get 24-hour access to equipped studios, two professional advisers per studio, workshops, critiques and networking events, the chance to teach public classes and earn tuition, exhibition opportunities on site, library and software access, and reduced-rate parking. This intake accepts full-time residents in the Design, Glass, Metal/Jewellery and Textile studios; the Ceramic Studio will not accept applications until next year. The residency is a one-year contract starting September 1, 2027, renewable for up to three years.

Who can apply

• International applicants
• Medium: Textile / Sculpture
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to emerging post-graduate artists or those with equivalent training. Applicants must have an active emerging career-level practice, hold a post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent training, have graduated within the last five years, and show a thorough technical and conceptual foundation in design, glass, metal or textiles (the Ceramic Studio will not accept applications until next year). Each person may apply up to three times. Only full-time positions are offered. Residents must work in the studio at least 24 hours a week during public operating hours, be willing to work publicly (studios are visible to visitors), be competent working without a studio technician and troubleshooting equipment, follow studio health and safety protocols, and pay for their own materials and hand tools. The online application (in English or French) asks for written answers about your practice and readiness, a CV (PDF, 3 pages max, 2 MB), a link to your portfolio, 10 portfolio images (JPEG, sRGB, 300 DPI, 3000 to 4000 pixels on the longest side, 5MB to 10MB, no more than 3 detail or installation shots, all others single-work images) and one text document listing each image's title, date, materials, dimensions and processes; only complete applications are accepted, and emailed or mailed applications are not. By submitting, you let Harbourfront Centre use the images to document and promote the program if you are accepted; you keep copyright. Shortlisted applicants are invited on January 14, 2027 to interview and must send two letters of recommendation from established professionals by February 8. Interviews are 40 minutes, on weekdays from February 15 to 24, in person or by video: candidates present up to 15 digital images and provide 3 to 6 completed artworks for review; video candidates ship the works in advance and pay all shipping and return costs, and in-person candidates pay their own travel and accommodation. Notifications are on February 26, 2027. Residents sign a one-year contract from September 1, renewable up to three years, pay a monthly license fee of $110.70 CAD (includes HST and insurance), and cover their own housing, travel, materials and living costs; there is no stipend. International applicants: the FAQ says those aged 18 to 35 may be eligible for an International Experience Canada work permit in the Working Holiday category if their country of citizenship has an agreement with Canada; the USA currently has no such agreement, and most Working Holiday permits are valid for 12 to 24 months.