The Aunte provides artists with a private living space, access to a shared studio (typically shared with one other artist), and some basic equipment to support your practice. Additionally, we offer professional photography sessions, including headshots and documentation of your work during your residency.

Yes! Artists receive a residency stipend to support their time here. We also offer a materials stipend to help cover creative expenses.

We do our best to cover travel costs to and from the residency. Once you’re accepted, we’ll work with you to arrange the details.

Our Program Manager will personally provide transportation to and from the nearest airport. If you prefer to drive yourself, you’re absolutely welcome to do so. Please keep in mind that The Aunte is located in the mountains, and weather conditions can be unpredictable - especially in colder months - so plan accordingly for a safe and scenic journey.

Yes! We’ll schedule local visits and optional activities so you can connect with the community and the land, should you wish to.

We are currently focusing on building an application process and organizational governance, as well as partnerships and long term funding. We are currently not accepting applications, but will post a call out announcement once we are.

The Aunte residency is open exclusively to Indigenous artists. We welcome applications from Indigenous creatives across Turtle Island and beyond, working in any discipline. While our primary focus is on supporting artists from Turtle Island, we deeply value and honour Indigenous voices from around the world.

No formal art education is required. We believe that you don’t need a colonial body of education to validate or inform your art practice. Indigenous ways of knowing, creating, and expressing are sacred, powerful, and rooted in culture, and that is more than enough.

No, there is no application fee. We aim to reduce barriers to access and believe that cost should never prevent an artist from applying.

This varies per cycle. We typically welcome 2 artists at a time. Specific details will be announced in artist call out.

We will be offering residencies specifically for collaborators. Collaborative art projects are a priority for us, so please feel free to highlight your interest in collaboration in your application.

We recognize the importance of family support and will do our best to accommodate family members on a case-by-case basis. At the same time, we want to respect the experience of other visiting artists. We are committed to creating a welcoming space for families, but this is something we are continuing to develop and will take time to fully implement.

Unfortunately, our current accommodations are not accessible, as all suites are located up a flight of stairs. We are actively working toward creating accessible units in the future and are committed to improving accessibility for all artists.

No, there are no expectations to produce work during your time at The Aunte. This residency is designed as a supportive, nurturing space where you can focus on what you truly need as a creative person - whether that means making art, resting, reflecting, or simply being. We honor each artist’s individual process and understand that creativity doesn’t always follow a set schedule or outcome. The Aunte encourages creation from a place of abundance, not pressure.

While it’s not required, we encourage artists to consider hosting an open house or artist talk during their residency. If you’re interested, we’ll support you in planning and shaping the event in a way that feels right for you.

We are actively expanding our programming to better support artists in multiple ways, including:

• Mentorship: Partnering artists with mentors in fields where they seek guidance or support.

• Professional Development: Assistance with CV writing, bio development, business planning, grant writing, marketing, and branding.

• Wellness: Access to mental health support, acupuncture, and massage during your stay.

• Hands in the Dirt: Our Program Manager, who is a horticulturist, offers opportunities to connect with plant kin and traditional medicines through hands-on gardening and plant work.

No, meals are not provided, but artists have access to a full kitchen in their accommodations. There is a grocery store within walking distance in town. Please note that the stipend provided for the residency includes support for your food and other living expenses; there is no additional food stipend.

New Denver is a small, quiet mountain town of about 450 people, offering a slow pace of life and beautiful wilderness. The community is friendly and curious - artists may choose to share their work during open houses or talks we help organize. Local events like dances, markets, and festivals happen throughout the year; info boards in town will keep you updated.

Wildlife, including bears and cougars, is present - please hike safely, inform others of your plans, and borrow bear spray if needed. Slocan Lake nearby is deep and cold; if you go on the water, wear a life jacket and always let someone know.

Please bring any materials and supplies needed for your art practice, as well as:

• Swimsuit

• All-weather clothing suitable for mountain living (layers, rain gear, warm outerwear)

• Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy shoes

• Personal toiletries and medications

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks and any special dietary items you prefer

• A journal or sketchbook for reflection

• Electronics and chargers (laptop, phone, camera)

• Bear spray (optional—we also have some to borrow)

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

• Any other personal comfort items (e.g., favorite blanket, tea)

There is both cell phone reception and Wi-Fi at The Aunte.

Winter in New Denver can be a breathtakingly beautiful experience, with snow-covered mountains and quiet stillness - but it's essential to be prepared for the unique challenges posed by the region’s weather and road conditions.

Understanding the Challenges

• Rapid Weather Changes: The mountainous terrain around New Denver can lead to sudden shifts in weather. Conditions can go from clear to heavy snowfall in a matter of hours, often with little warning.

• Windy Conditions: Strong winds, especially in exposed areas, can greatly reduce visibility and create blowing snow and ice patches on the road.

• Steep Grades and Winding Roads: The highways and backroads are often narrow, steep, and winding - beautiful, but dangerous in icy or snowy conditions. Take extra care when driving, especially if you're unfamiliar with mountain driving.

Other Seasons in New Denver

While winter brings snow and serenity, each season in New Denver has its own rhythm and weather to be mindful of:

• Spring: Spring can be unpredictable. Expect rain, snowmelt, and muddy trails. Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate widely throughout the day.

• Summer: Summers are warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-20s°C. While it's a great time for swimming and hiking, wildfires and smoke from nearby regions can sometimes impact air quality.

• Fall: Autumn is crisp and cool, with beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Expect cooler nights, early frosts, and the occasional snow flurry by late fall.

• Year-Round Note: Mountain weather can shift quickly in any season - sunshine can turn into a downpour or snowstorm within hours. Always check the forecast and come prepared with layers and essentials, especially when heading out on the land.

Artists are responsible for their own meals, and there is a grocery store in town to support your needs. You’re also welcome to bring any specific dietary items with you. For medical needs, we will do our best to accommodate on a case-by-case basis - please let us know in advance so we can support you as best we can.

This is super dependent on scheduling and space availability. We’re happy to work with you on an individual basis to see what’s possible - just reach out and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Please see Program Expectations tab for photos of the studio space and suites.

We approach this question through a lens of harm reduction and care. We believe people can do what is best for them and have no concerns about this in private living spaces. However, we do ask that all shared studio spaces remain sober - this includes being free from alcohol and substances - out of respect for others and especially in proximity to any art, sacred medicines or plant work taking place. We ask artists to be mindful of the collective energy of the space and to honour the spirit of The Aunte as a place of healing, creation and care. If you have specific needs or concerns around this, we’re open to conversation and will do our best to support you.