Residency Program Information

A Launchpad for Emerging Artists

For more than five decades, Harbourfront Centre has supported emerging makers as they build the skills, confidence, and networks essential for sustainable careers in craft and design. The Craft & Design Studio is Canada’s only career‑focused artist‑in‑residence program dedicated to contemporary craft and design, offering opportunities in ceramics, design, glass, metal and textiles. Functioning as an incubator, the residency provides studio space, mentorship, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and a vibrant creative community that fosters hands‑on practice and professional growth.

Questions about the Artist-in-Residence program? Email us at craft@harbourfrontcentre.com.

This program is made possible through the generous support of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Training Fund.

Before you apply, please ensure that you have read all of the information on this page carefully, including the drop-down sections outlining the studio spaces and equipment, residency requirements, and the application process.

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Please note: Only full-time residency positions are available at this time. Summer student residency opportunities are currently being restructured – stay tuned for more information.

Apply for Full-Time Residency

Application deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 5pm EST

Craft & Design Studios

Residents gain 24‑hour access to fully equipped studios, alongside a range of benefits, including professional development through workshops, presentations, critiques, and networking events with visiting artists. Residents can also teach classes and earn tuition, strengthening their skills as educators and communicators. Additional support from the program’s administrative staff includes access to a reference library and office resources, business‑planning guidance, and connections across the sector to help artists pursue exhibition, retail, commission, grant, and trade‑show opportunities.

Ceramic Studio

The Ceramic Studio provides emerging artists with the tools and environment needed to explore form, surface, and creative expression. Residents can pursue functional ware, sculptural work, or conceptual projects within a spacious, professionally equipped facility that supports both traditional and experimental approaches. With access to multiple kilns, wheels, and dedicated work areas, the studio encourages material exploration, technical growth, and consistent practice.

Equipment:

Electric kilns: oval (16.5 cu ft), round (7 cu ft)
Bailey front‑loading gas kiln (31 cu ft stack space)
Extruder
Pottery wheels
Slab roller
Spray booth (47″ × 39″)
Worktables (6′ × 3′)
Ware racks (2 per resident)
Storage

Design Studio

The Design Studio offers emerging designers a flexible, well‑equipped environment for exploring product design, material research, digital modeling, and interdisciplinary experimentation. With access to industry‑standard software and workspace suited to sketching, rapid iteration, and prototype development, residents can advance projects ranging from functional objects to craft‑driven explorations.

Equipment:

Mac computers (2)
Rhino
Adobe Creative Suite
Storage

Glass Studio

The Glass Studio offers emerging artists a rare opportunity to work across hot, warm, and cold glass processes. Residents can develop sculptural, functional, or experimental work using furnaces, kilns, cold‑shop tools, and casting equipment. The studio’s active environment supports skill building, enabling artists to push technical boundaries and refine personal aesthetics. Public‑facing activities further expand professional experience and the immersive space empowers glass artists to develop a confident, sustainable practice.

Equipment:

Gas furnace with 350 lb crucible
Glory holes (single burner, double burner)
Annealers (5, digital controls)
Electric oval kiln (12 cu ft)
Electric slumping kiln (5 cu ft)
Garage
Belt sander
Diamond saw
Drill press
Grinder (lap wheel)
Lathe (1″ spindle)
Sandblaster
Wax/plaster casting setup
Storage

Metal Studio

The Metal Studio supports emerging jewellers and metalsmiths working across fine jewellery, small objects, and sculptural work. Equipped for fabrication, forming, soldering, and finishing, the studio allows residents to explore a wide range of traditional and experimental techniques. With access to specialized tools residents can develop precise craftsmanship while refining their creative voice, making the studio an ideal environment for strengthening both technical ability and artistic direction.

Equipment:

Anvils and mandrels
Band saw
Scroll saw
Belt sander
Draw plates
Drill press
Enameling kiln
Foredom flex shafts
Hydraulic press
Magnetic and rotary tumblers
Pickle pot
Polishing machine
Ring stretcher
Rolling mills
Sandblaster
Shears
Soldering stations (oxygen/propane)
Ultrasonic cleaner
Vice
Wax injector
Storage

Textile Studio

The Textile Studio provides emerging artists with a versatile space ideal for printmaking, dyeing, sewing, weaving, pattern development, and mixed‑media exploration. With professional dye facilities, a dark room, large print tables, and sewing equipment, residents can work across techniques ranging from screen printing to soft sculpture. The studio supports both traditional craft and contemporary experimentation, offering the space and tools needed to develop cohesive bodies of work.

Equipment:

Dark room
Vacuum table for screen printing
Wash‑out sink
Dye‑mixing hood
Dye setup with gas burner
Industrial steamer
Sewing machines
Print table (16′ × 5′)
Work tables
Storage

Residency Requirements and Application Process

Who Should Apply?

The residency is open to post‑graduate artists or those with equivalent training who demonstrate strong technical and conceptual skills within one of the supported disciplines. Applicants are selected for their creative potential and readiness to grow their professional practice.

Applicants should review these expectations before applying. Residents must:

Demonstrate ongoing creative and technical development
Work cooperatively, respectfully, and responsibly within a shared studio environment
Show progress in their practice and a willingness to work publicly, as studio spaces are visible to visitors
Be competent working without a studio technician and confident troubleshooting equipment issues
Understand and follow all studio health and safety protocols
Pay for their own materials and hand tools
Meet deadlines and self‑directed targets
Commit to the residency schedule and requirements of working in the Studio at least 3 times per week

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

To apply for the Annual Artist‑in‑Residence program, you must:

Hold a post‑secondary degree, diploma, or equivalent training.
Have graduated within the last five years.
Demonstrate a thorough technical and conceptual foundation in ceramics, design, glass, metal or textiles.
Show talent, skill, innovation, and potential for further artistic development.

Applicants are permitted to apply to the program up to three times.

2. Prepare Your Application Materials

A complete online application includes:

Online application form
Two letters of recommendation (submitted directly through the required online form)
Portfolio images formatted to required specifications:
72 dpi
Max 1024 × 768 pixels
Only 3 detail or installation shots; all other images must be single‑work images

Only complete applications are accepted.

3. Submit Your Online Application

All applications must be submitted online.
No emailed or mailed applications will be accepted.

Applications must be received by the deadline on Friday, March 13, 2026, 11:59 pm EST.

4. If Selected, Attend an Interview

Successful applicants will be invited to a 40-minute interview with the Selection Committee. Interviews take place on weekdays in late April and early May.

Interviews are typically conducted in-person; however, video call interview sessions can be accommodated. Out‑of‑town applicants must cover their own travel and accommodation.

Candidates must prepare a presentation with a maximum of 15 digital images, and bring 3-6 completed artworks.

Interview Format:

5 min – Set up your work
15 min – Image presentation
10 min – Viewing of work
10 min – Q&A
5 min – Pack up

The selection committee will include:

Manager, Craft & Design
Coordinator, Craft & Design
Two external advisers
Current Artists‑in‑Residence

5. Receive Your Residency Offer

If accepted into the Residency Program:

You will sign a one‑year contract starting September 1, renewable up to three years.
You will pay a monthly license fee of $110.70 CAD (includes HST & insurance).
You are responsible for all living, travel, and material costs (no stipend provided).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the residency for?

Emerging artists and makers trained in ceramics, design, glass, metal or textiles who are seeking to build a professional career in contemporary craft and design.

2. How long is the residency?

The Full-time Residency is a one‑year contract, renewable for up to three years.

Summer student residencies are currently being restructured. Stay tuned for further details.

3. What does the program provide?

Residents receive:

24‑hour studio access
Mentorship
Opportunities to exhibit work
Opportunities to teach classes to the public
Access to lectures, workshops, and professional development events
Library and software access
Reduced‑rate parking and cultural venue discounts

4. Are international applicants eligible?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you may be eligible to apply for an International Experience Canada work permit in the ‘Working Holiday’ category. To participate, your country of citizenship must have an agreement with Canada that allows you to apply for an IEC work permit. To find out which countries have agreements with Canada and if you’re eligible to apply, visit www.cic.gc.ca/English/work/iec/eligibility.asp. Please note that the USA currently does not have such an agreement. Most ‘Working Holiday’ permits are valid for 12-24 months.

Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: International Experience Canada to find out more: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html.

5. Do residents receive housing or a stipend?

No. Residents must cover their own housing, travel, materials, and living costs.

A monthly license fee applies.

6. Who can write my recommendation letters?

Professors, supervisors, or employers that are familiar with your creative, technical, and conceptual abilities.

Grants

Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre is a third party recommender for Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Exhibition Assistance Grants for Craft Artists in Ontario.

OAC Exhibition Assistance Grants — ranging from $500 to $2000 — are for exhibition preparation (ie. materials, framing and preparation, crating and transportation).

Annual Jury Deadline: September 15 and January 14 (or the next business day).

To learn more, please consult the OAC’s website here.

You can find a list of of all Exhibition Assistance recommenders here.