The Local Arts Residency at Kingston Grand Theatre helps local artists by providing space and support to bring creative ideas to life. It started in 2021 to support artists during the COVID-19 pandemic and now continues to run every year. Through the residency, artists can explore new ideas, create, self-direct their research and time, and nurture new directions in their work.
The City of Kingston's Arts and Culture Services department manages the Residency, operates the Kingston Grand Theatre and oversees the Grand OnStage program.
Videos of all artists-in-residence provide a behind-the-scenes look at the artists and the work they created and explored. You can view Residency videos on the Kingston Grand Theatre YouTube channel. (Videographers include Josh Lyon, Allen Bergeron, Jay Middaugh, and Céline Klein).
Update (April, 2026):
After five successful years, the City of Kingston’s Local Arts Residency program will be paused in 2026 due to scheduled summer renovations at Kingston Grand Theatre. During this hiatus, the Arts and Culture Services Department will undertake a review of the program and future plans. Stay tuned for more updates.
Check out other artist residencies currently being offered in Kingston and surrounding areas:
Artists-in-Residence
2025 Artists-in-Residence
Four artists-in-residence were selected for the 2024 Local Arts Residency including Kiara Flavin with Ground UP Dance Festival, Katie Legere with Chris Alfano & William Egnatoff, Jarena Lee & Sarra Mirghani, and Nathan Zhe & Kelvin Chun.
2024 Artists-in-Residence
Three artists-in-residence were selected for the 2023 Local Arts Residency including Shanique Peart & Shenel Williams, Krista Muir, and Chantal Thompson.
2023 Artists-in-Residence
Four artists-in-residence were selected for the 2023 Local Arts Residency including Megan Hamilton, Benedictus Mattson, Devanshi Mishra and Movement Market Collective, David Parker and Jane Kirby, and Nice On.
2022 Artists-in-Residence
Four artists-in-residence were selected for the 2022 Local Arts Residency, including Jan Le Clair, Zahra (Harriet) Badua-Baffoe & Melissa Noventa, Lydia Wilton, and Sophia Fabiilli & Zoë Sweet.
2021 Artists-in-Residence
Nine artists-in-residence were selected for the 2021 Local Arts Residency including Michael Duguay, Spencer Evans, Francisco Corbett, Erin Ball with Bon Evans, Miss Emily, Camille Spencer, Kay Kenney, The Gertrudes and Gary Rasberry. Through collaborations, over 60 local artists participated in the Residency program.
Applications are submitted through an open call. Artists are selected by a jury of previous Residency participants. Artists-in-residence receive in-kind use of a professional workspace in the Baby Grand featuring state-of-the-art equipment, professional support in technical production, and an honourarium of $1,000.
CONTACT
Arts & Culture Services, City of Kingston
ArtsProgramming@cityofkingston.ca