The Ou-telier is a process based artist residency and writing retreat located in a historic boatbuilding workshop in the beautiful Quw’utsun/Warmland of the Cowichan Valley, the heart of Vancouver Island.
Hosted by the Ou Gallery, this opportunity welcomes applications from emerging and established writers, painters, photographers, textile + 2D artists.
Accommodations & Amenities
Minutes from forest trails that follow the creek and wind through towering cedars and Bigleaf maples, The Ou has been renovated to create a sense of ease and to bring in views of the surrounding nature. The Great Room, with its modern fireplace, fir floors, 12’ ceilings and windows on all sides is a perfect place to unwind and decompress.
Your thoughtfully appointed private bedroom in a shared suite includes:
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WIFI (fast enough for video calls and streaming)
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Hot water + heat
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Bedding
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Bathroom supplies: towels, shampoo, conditioner
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Dishwasher, stove, microwave, washer and dryer
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Patio and deck above a year-round creek fed from Mount Swuq’us
Up to two artists will share a kitchen and bathroom.
Studio Facilities & Supplies
Artists have 24/hr access to their own designated 10’ x 20’ studio space in a historic boatbuilding workshop with open rafters, 100 year-old fir floors and large windows overlooking the creek. The studios are full of creative history and feel inviting and open.
Supplies include: work-tables, a flatbed scanner, a small darkroom with Durst b/w enlarger, basic hand tools, easels, large windows and plenty of wall space.
Supplies can be mailed to The Ou ahead of time or purchased in Duncan at the lovely Excellent Frameworks, in Nanaimo at Iron Oxide (close to the ferry from Vancouver) or in downtown Victoria at Opus Art Supplies.
Fees
2 weeks $1,250 CAD + 5% GST (approx. $950 USD)
4 weeks $2,500 CAD + 5% GST (approx. $1,850 USD)
Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply at www.theougallery.com/residencyretreat.
