Call for Canadian Artists: 2015 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize

– Glenfiddich is issuing a “Call to Artists” currently living and creating art in Canada to enter the internationally renowned competition for the prestigious 2015 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize. The Canadian “Call to Artists” opens today, Wednesday November 26, 2014 and closes midnight eastern time, Friday January 30, 2015.

The Canadian winner will be one of a small and distinguished group around the world to be awarded the art community’s coveted prize to live and work at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. It’s only fitting that the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky honours distinction. The three-month residency valued at $20,000 per artist represents the Glenfiddich commitment to the pioneering spirit of the arts and the communities it serves. While living in crofts (traditional small Scottish farm houses), artists are encouraged to find inspiration from the unique setting in the Scottish Highlands. The experience provides an opportunity unlike any other for artists to work in an international community, share in a dialogue with other artists and foster cross-disciplinary ideas.

Now in its 14th year internationally and 10th in Canada, the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize attracts close to 200 submissions across Canada from the visual arts. The prize covers the cost of travel, living expenses and materials throughout the residency. From the submissions, five jury members choose eight finalists and ultimately one winner. To apply and for more information, applicants are asked to visit www.glenfiddich.com/ca/artistsinresidence

The distinguished jury for the selection of the Canadian Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize includes, Dr. Sara Diamond, president of OCAD University, Gaetane Verna, director of The Power Plant, Adelina Vlas, associate curator of contemporary art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Julian Sleath, programming manager of special events, economic development & culture at the City of Toronto, and the Canadian 2008 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize recipient, Dave Dyment.

Andy Fairgrieve, curator, Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize underscores that, “The program’s ethos is about encouraging people to take inspiration from their experience living at the distillery, whether that be the pioneering heritage of Glenfiddich, the surrounding environment, or the daily life of the distillery and local community, and to be as pioneering as possible – a mission our artists live and breathe during their three-month residency.”

The Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize has sponsored over 100 artists globally since its inception in 2002. The artistic team of Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky, were awarded the 2014 Canadian Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize for their collaborative work that takes an innovative sculptural approach to still life. During the three-month residency the collaborative team ran a community sculpting and casting workshop based around coinage, while producing photography, video, and a range of sculptures made from copper, foil and custom oak veneer.

The past Canadian Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize winners include: Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky (2014), Daniel Barrow (2013), Jillian McDonald (2012), Helen Cho (2011), Damian Moppett (2010), Arabella Campbell (2009), Dave Dyment (2008), Jonathon Kaiser (2007), Annie Pootoogook (2006) and Myfanwy Macleod (2005).

Report courtesy The Glenfiddich Distrillery.