Digital Artist Residency in Twillingate (DART)
August–September 2026 | Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador
A supported, place-based residency for digital artists working at the intersection of art, community, and rural innovation.
The Digital Artist Residency in Twillingate (DART) is a six-week, place-based digital arts residency hosted by Grow Twillingate Inc. It offers one digital artist time, space, and support to create new work inspired by the landscapes, culture, and people of Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The selected artist receives accommodation, studio space, a weekly stipend, travel support, and program coordination, and is invited to engage with the local community through public sharing, workshops, or presentations.
DART is grounded in the belief that rural communities can be leaders in contemporary digital arts,
and that creative exchange strengthens both artistic practice and community life.
Why Twillingate?
Twillingate is a historic island community on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, often called the Iceberg Capital of the World. Shaped by the North Atlantic, fishing traditions, and strong community ties, it offers a powerful setting for reflection, experimentation, and creative exchange. Alongside its deep cultural roots, Twillingate is an emerging hub for digital arts through initiatives such as the Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival.
The residency invites artists to slow down, immerse themselves in place, and explore how digital
practice can respond to:
- Coastal and island environments
- Rural life, history, and heritage
- Community stories and lived experience
- The relationship between technology, land, and environment
- DART offers a rare opportunity to develop digital work that is deeply connected to place—outside of
urban centres—while remaining engaged with contemporary digital arts practice.
About Grow Twillingate
Grow Twillingate Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local economy and extending the tourism season through arts, culture, and creative innovation. Its flagship initiative, the
Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival, positions Twillingate as a national destination for digital creativity in a rural context. DART builds on successful residencies held in 2020 and 2021 and reflects
Grow Twillingate’s long-term commitment to artists and community.
Community Engagement
Community connection is at the heart of DART. The selected artist is invited to share their work andprocess through at least two public-facing activities, developed in conversation with the community. These may include:
- Artist talks or informal presentations
- Hands-on workshops or demonstrations
- Open studios or process sharings
- Exhibitions, screenings, or performances
- All engagement activities are planned collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and shaped to fit the artist’s practice, comfort level, and the interests of the Twillingate community.
Can international artists apply?
Yes. Artists from outside Canada are eligible to apply. The residency provides up to $2,000 CAD toward travel costs for a round-trip journey to Twillingate.
Contact
For questions about the residency or application process:
Suzanne White
Executive Director, Grow Twillingate Inc.
FAQS
What is the Digital Artist Residency in Twillingate (DART)?
DART is a 6-week digital arts residency hosted by Grow Twillingate Inc. in Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador. The program gives artists time, space, support, and community to create new digital work inspired by Twillingate.
What is the goal of the residency?
The residency supports artists to:
- Create new digital work
- Build meaningful relationships with the local community
- Explore how place, people, and technology can shape their practice
- Contribute to the cultural life of Twillingate while gaining lasting creative momentum
Why Twillingate?
Twillingate is a rural island community on Newfoundland’s northeast coast, known for icebergs, coastal landscapes, fishing heritage, and a strong arts culture. The residency encourages artists to engage deeply with this unique place and contribute to its evolving cultural story.
Who should apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Are 55 years or older
- Are legally able to work in Canada
- Are an emerging, mid-career, or established artist
- Work primarily in digital media, or use primarily digital tools
National and international artists are welcome.
What kinds of digital practices are eligible?
DART supports a wide range of digital practices, including:
- Photography
- Video/film
- Sound and audio art
- Animation
- Interactive media / XR / VR
- Projection mapping
- Internet-based or hybrid digital works
If your practice uses digital tools or platforms, it’s likely eligible.
When does the residency take place?
The residency runs for 6 weeks between August and September 2026. Final dates will be confirmed with the selected artist.
Where will the artist live and work?
The selected artist will be provided with:
- A comfortable private living space
- Studio/work space
- Utilities included (heat, electricity, internet)
Housing is provided by the residency and is located within walking distance of Twillingate’s town centre and amenities. Artists do not need to arrange their own accommodation.
Is a car required?
No. The program aims to ensure artists without vehicles are not excluded. However, access to a vehicle may be helpful for rural exploration. Transportation needs can be discussed during planning.
What financial support is provided?
- A stipend of $500 per week (total $3,000)
- Fully covered accommodation and studio space
- Travel support of up to $2,000 CAD
- A contribution toward materials and supplies
- Promotion, documentation, and administrative support
Is this a paid residency?
Yes. Artists receive a weekly stipend. Any taxes related to this income are the responsibility of the artist.
What is expected of the artist during the residency?
What artists will do during the residency:
- Develop a new digital project while in residence
- Draw inspiration from Twillingate and its community
- Take part in at least two community activities (such as a workshop, talk, or informal sharing)
- Share their work in a final public presentation or showcase
- Provide basic documentation of the work (photos, video, or text)
Support will be provided for community activities and documentation.
What counts as community engagement?
Community engagement may include:
- Artist talks
- Workshops
- Open studios
- Demonstrations
- Exhibitions or performances
The format is flexible and developed collaboratively with the Program Coordinator.
Will the residency be documented?
Yes. Grow Twillingate may document the residency through photography, video, and/or sound, depending on the project. Documentation will be created in collaboration with the artist, with the artist’s consent, and the artist will have input into how their work is presented in a permanent online archive.
How do I apply?
What to submit with your application:
- A completed application form
- A short CV or résumé (1–2 pages)- A brief artist statement (up to 300 words)
- A short project description (up to 500 words)
- A portfolio with at least 5 work samples provided as links only (no large files)
- Contact information for three professional references (name, email, and phone number)
Please submit all materials together as one PDF, sent by email to : ed@growtwillingate.com.
What is the application deadline?
May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM NLT
How are artists selected?
Applications are reviewed by a jury of three arts professionals. Short-listed artists will be invited to a 30-minute online interview before final selection.
What criteria are used for selection?
How applications are assessed:
- The quality and strength of your artistic work
- How your project connects to Twillingate’s place, people, or environment
- How you plan to engage with the local community in a meaningful way
- Whether the project can realistically be completed within the 6-week residency
- How the residency will support your artistic and professional growth
When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be notified of results in July 2026.
Who sits on the jury?
The jury typically includes:
- A professional practicing artist
- A community or cultural sector representative
- An arts administrator, curator, or educator
Jurors are selected for expertise, fairness, and knowledge of both artistic practice and community context.
What happens at the end of the residency?
At the end of the residency:
- The artist takes part in a final public presentation or sharing
- The artist completes a short exit survey about their experience (within two weeks of the residency ending)
- Documentation of the work is archived online
- Grow Twillingate prepares a final report for funders and future planning — this is handled entirely by Grow Twillingate
Is the residency accessible?
Yes. Grow Twillingate is committed to creating a psychologically and physically safe, inclusive, and accessible residency for artists of diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We actively work to remove barriers and welcome artists who are Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, caregivers, and/or from equity-deserving or historically underrepresented communities.
Artists are encouraged to share any access needs during the application process (including mobility, sensory, communication, mental health, or scheduling needs) so appropriate supports can be put in place. This information is kept confidential and is never used as part of the artistic evaluation.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about the residency or application process:
Suzanne White
Executive Director, Grow Twillingate Inc.
Apply for the Digital Artist Residency