Parks Canada, in partnership with the Sable Island Institute, is giving artists a rare opportunity to see, document, and even temporarily live on Sable Island, which is just off the east coast of Nova Scotia.
(Pictured: Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Photo from Google Maps)
The crescent-shaped island is protected and managed by Parks Canada and is home to unique flora, fauna, and even a breed of horse. The horses are dark in colour and were introduced to the island in the 1700’s and, since that time, have become feral. These horses resemble Iberian breeds and have shaggy manes, coats, and tails. To date, there are approximately 500 horses on the island.
Artists are being sought to apply for the inaugural “Sable Island residency” for the fall of 2025. One lucky artist will be chosen to work on the island for at least two weeks in October and who’s job will be to document what they see on the island while providing extensive social media coverage.
Travel to and from the Sable Island will be provided and applicants are reminded to pack light for the adventure. One lucky artist will be given the opportunity to research the island, engage with it’s environment, and eventually create an original piece of art that best showcases its natural features and characteristics.
So far the first residency is limited to artists in the four Atlantic Canada provinces, however Parks Canada is looking at the possibility of more than one residency a year on the island and may open it up to artists across the country. The application deadline is March 30th, 2025.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the program and the application process.