Aquatic wildlife and human relationships with watersheds

Submerge is a research residency for artists interested in water. The week long residency will facilitate 12 - 15 workshops, lectures and excursions enriched by scientists and ecologists who will will share their research related to water.

The program will focus on biodiversity and ecology but also features lessons on history, infrastructure and physics.

Outline of activities:

Artist talk: We invite you to give a private artist talk to share your work with the group.

Lecture on Contemporary artists working with water.

Tour a working hydro electric dam.

Underwater sound recording workshop.

Visit the Hogs Back Lockkeeper.

Visit the Water & Ice Research Laboratory to learn about diatoms, freshwater microbes and microplastics

Test water for traces of pesticides with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Sail the Ottawa River on a 29 foot sailboat.

Visit University Labs that study drinking water purification.

Explore the Gatineau River with the River Keeper to learn about the health of the Ottawa watershed, shore biodiversity and the influence of runoff and human activity.

Talk to the Director General of Oceans Management at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Collect pond water samples and view micro-organisms under a microscope.

Demonstrations of the physics of water.

Residents will be picked up in Ottawa and driven to the Ayatana Residency House, where they will have a bed and bedding and will be driven to all activities. Meals will be provided.

Indoor and outdoor work space is available

Residency fee is $1300 USD

Expectations towards the artist

Residents are not expected to produce work during the program. Residents are expected to give a 20 minute artist talk to the group.

Application information

Application instructions are on the program website

Selection process

Residency places are limited to 6 artists. Selected applicants will be notified shortly after the application deadline.