Artist Residency Programs
“I absolutely cherished my time here at Caetani and I will rave about it forever. Thank you for everything and I hope to see you against someday.”
— Nicki Ault, Artist-in-Residence, Spring 2024
Come stay, work and create at the Caetani Centre!
Stay in the historic Caetani home. Be inspired by the legacy of Sveva Caetani, her story of resilience, and her powerful body of artwork. Work alongside other resident, visiting, and studio artists. Feel secluded on a beautiful 1.3 parklike property that is steps from all amenities.
The Caetani Centre offers artists and writers creative living and working spaces in an independent community atmosphere for self-directed residencies, providing time, support and room for creativity.
Open to Emerging & Established Artists of All Kinds
Open to emerging and established artists from around the world in most mediums, writers, musicians, curators, cultural researchers, digital and performing artists are all encouraged to apply.
Self-directed residencies vary from 3-day intensives, to up to 3 months to suit the goals and needs of the applicant. Longer terms may be negotiated, if space allows.
“Thank you to all the staff for being so welcoming. My time here has been productive and encouraging. ..I'm feeling motivated and happy about my writing. Thanks again for making that possible!"
- Aleksander Whitkamp, Writer-in-Residence, Fall 2023
Self-directed Residencies
At this time, the self-directed residencies are not sponsored or themed, and fees are based on the length of stay. Artists provide their own food, toiletries, transportation, and art supplies. If you have special equipment needs, please contact us to ensure that this program is suitable for your expectations.
Many participants apply for funding through institutions, foundations, universities, government agencies, etc. in their country or province of origin to assist with funding. Once your project proposal is accepted for residency, Caetani Centre would be happy to provide confirmation for funding application purposes.
Professional Development Opportunities
For residencies lasting over 4 weeks, the Caetani Centre can offer the support of our staff and use of our facilities to assist Resident Artists in reaching the next stage of development in their careers.
The Caetani Centre can facilitate workshops, artist talks, receptions, readings and public programming facilitated by the artist and/or showcasing your work. From November to March, we can also offer exhibition space in the Caetani Art Gallery when it is not booked for other exhibitions or events.
Caetani Centre staff will assist with the organization, programming and promotion of cultural experiences offered by Artists in Residence.
“I think that there is a transformative energy in Vernon, a sort of basin where people seem to end up and are able to reflect on their lives, past, present, and future. It felt appropriate that everyone was at Caetani, a sort of house of artistic and creative misfits that are searching for and or have been in search of a home."
- Anonymous Participant in Artist-in-Residence Evan Wong’s Threads of Resistance Workshop, Winter, 2023
Selection of Applicants
The Caetani Artist-in-Residency Program is open to both emerging and established artists, writers, and creatives in all artistic fields and mediums: installation, painting, drawing, writing, photography, digital media, printmaking, etc.
We are also open to curators, cultural researchers, musicians, performers, filmmakers and other creators in need of a space to brainstorm, research and generate ideas.
Ceramics artists, please consider combining a self-directed residency with a clay drop-in studio membership at the Vernon Community Arts Centre, which is walking distance from the Caetani Centre.
The ideal candidate will have invested themselves in training, be self-directed, and able to work independently. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to artistic excellence as well as an interest in experimentation and innovation in artistic and creative mediums.
Submission Process and Deadlines
Applications to the Caetani Artist-in-Residency Program are ongoing and dependent on availability
Please check the availability of both rooms and studio space
We try to keep the website as updated as possible, but cannot guarantee availability until we accept your application and receive your deposit
Once you’ve determined your preferred accommodation and studio needs, please fill out the application form
A Caetani staff member will be in touch with you within 1-2 weeks
The Facilities
All residencies are located on the second storey of the historic former home of the artist, Sveva Caetani. Built in 1895, it is a designated heritage home with a fascinating history. You will be staying in the rooms once lived in by Sveva Caetani, her mother, Ofelia Fabiani, and their companion, Miss Inger-Marie Juul.
There are also separate studio spaces available. Writers, digital artists, and filmmakers, often choose to work in their rooms, with no additional studio spaces. Artists who work in watercolours, oil, acrylic, or other wet or messy mediums will require a separate studio space, as will musicians who are using the studio to compose or practice. An additional fee of $7.50 per day is charged for separate studio space.
Surrounded by Art, Culture, Heritage & Nature
Please note, the main floor of the house has museum, display and office spaces and welcomes visitors five days a week, including guided and self-guided tours and other programming. There are two long-term tenancies with resident artists living onsite, and there are additional studios that are rented long-term by local artists.
Many seasons, there is also a family of deer living in the neighbourhood who spend quite a bit of time on the property. There have been resident owls, as well, and numerous bird species. (Unfortunately, personal pets are not allowed as part of the residency).
Artists are welcome and encouraged to use the front veranda, the picnic and outdoor tables and chairs, and the courtyard when it is not booked for outside events. During your stay at the Caetani Centre, you will be surrounded by art, culture, and heritage in a quiet, central location, so you can both focus and be inspired.
“What a profound place with rich history. Kind and accommodating people on site! Will return!"
- Auroara Leigh, Artist-in-Residence and facilitator of Embodied Voice workshop, Winter 2023
The Rooms & Availability
Caetani Suite
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The largest suite in the residency, with a four-poster queen-sized bed, a loveseat, and a desk surrounded by windows. It has a large bay window facing west that floods the room with light, and is adjacent to the shared sitting room. This was once Ofelia Fabiani’s bedroom and it holds a sense of mystery and majesty.
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3 Night Intensive - $60 per night
2 Week Retreat (4-14 nights) - $55 per night
Retreat Residency (2 weeks to 3 months) - $50 per night
Separate Studio - $7.50 per day
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Sermoneta Suite
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A mid-sized bedroom with a desk and queen-sized bed. This room has two windows, one facing west and the other south, and has beautiful light all day long. The desk faces west and from there you can watch the birds flit from tree to tree. Once Sveva Caetani’s bedroom, this room is imbued with her light and spirit.
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3 Night Intensive - $50 per night
2 Week Retreat (4-14 nights) - $45 per night
Retreat Residency (2 weeks to 3 months) - $40 per night
Separate Studio - $7.50 per day
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Fogliano Suite
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A sweet little suite with a single bed and a small desk, this room is a contemplative retreat space. The window faces east so gets the first sun and a beautiful view of the back yard and property. We believe this was once the room of the family companion, Miss Juul, and it has a peaceful, serene feeling to it.
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3 Night Intensive - $40 per night
2 Week Retreat (4-14 nights) - $35 per night
Retreat Residency (2 weeks to 3 months) - $30 per night
Separate Studio - $7.50 per day
No additional occupant permitted
Booked
Changeover
Changover 1
Changeover 2
Additional Fees for All Rooms
$200 reservation and damage deposit due at the time of reservation. This will be refunded once the room is vacated and inspected.
$50 cleaning fee. If it is deemed additional cleaning is needed above and beyond standard cleaning, charged will be taken off damage deposit
The above rooms all share the Artist in Residency Suite. Included in this is:
Shared 4-piece full bathroom
Shared kitchen and eating area
Cooking supplies, utensils, plates, and cutlery
Shared sitting room off of the kitchen
Artist parking onsite
Bed linens, towels, and cleaning products are supplied
Coin operated laundry on-site
Access to wifi
Bicycles, helmets and locks
HVAC system for reliable heating and cooling
Please note, The Caetani Centre does not provide daily cleaning of the rooms or studios or daily meals. Laundry is located on-site. Residents are expected to maintain their studio spaces and rooms, shared common areas of the kitchen, bathroom and other common areas in a clean and tidy in a timely manner, with respect for the other residents using the space.
Additional fees may be charged if we feel that this requirement is not being satisfactorily met, and will be deducted from the final refund.
Artists are responsible for their own travel, health insurance, food requirements, materials, equipment, and transportation. The Caetani Centre is walking distance from downtown and Vernon and most amenities and on a transit route. Bikes are available at the centre, and Vernon has a well-run e-scooter service that visitors can access.
Artist Studios
Two separate studios are available for your residency at the Caetani Centre. Each is located steps away from the house, with an outdoor entry, and on either side of a lovely outdoor courtyard. Artists who work in watercolour, oil, acrylic and any medium that is wet or messy will need to book a studio for their work. Writers, digital artists, and those who work in dry mediums can choose to book a studio, as well, though many choose to work in their room.
These studios are usually booked by visiting Artists-in-Residence. However, there may be some weeks that the studios are vacant and can be booked by local artists and writers looking for a focused space in which to work.
Off-site studio spaces may be available for ceramic artists through the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
Please contact the Caetani Centre if you require special facilities or are interested in partnering with a local organization.
For all bookings of studios and rooms, please check our availability calendar for available dates, then fill out and submit an application form.
Ninfa Studio
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Footprint: approximately 12’ x 14’ (3.7 x 4.3 m)
Ceiling height: approximately 8’ (2.44 m)
Two windows facing south and west. Stand-alone utility sink, concrete floor, shelving, drafting table, and table (shelves and tables can be removed if not needed). Adjacent bathroom. This studio can be paired with any room.
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$7.50/day
$225.00/month
Juul Studio
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Footprint: approximately 12’ x 14’ (3.7 x 4.3 m)
Ceiling height: approximately 8’ (2.44 m)
Windows on three sides facing west, north and east. Sink with counter and cupboard space, shelving, and table (shelves and table can be removed if not needed). Vinyl flooring over concrete. Adjacent bathroom. This studio can be paired with any room.
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$7.50/day
$225.00/month
Reservation/Deposit
For all Artist- and Writer-in-Residence programs, the successful applicant will deposit a reservation/cancellation fee of $200 upon acceptance to their program. This will be invoiced and can be paid online in Canadian funds.
Please note, this also acts as a damage deposit, and this will be refunded following the completion of the specified program, pending any additional charges.
Cancellation
In the event of cancellation by the artist after committing to the accepted program, the Caetani Cultural Centre reserves the right to retain up to and including the full amount on deposit. The Centre will make every effort to find a substitute artist to take the place of the accepted artist in the event of cancellation.
A minimum $50 processing fee will be retained if another artist agrees to take your place.
Getting Here & Around Town
Vernon is located at the top of the Okanagan Valley. We are located 30 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, approximately 5 hours from Vancouver, and 6 hours from Calgary by car. Getting from Kelowna Airport (YLW) to Vernon
Artists are responsible for their own transportation, getting to and around Vernon. The Caetani Centre is located three blocks from downtown Vernon, and is within walking distance or on public transportation routes to cafes, restaurants, shopping, as well as most public facilities and amenities. Bike trails and bus service are available in the region, and also to other centres. A complimentary bicycle and helmet are also available for the resident’s use (at their own risk) and Vernon has a well-run e-scooter service that visitors can access.
Location, location, location…
At the top of the Okanagan Valley, Vernon is a small city with a vibrant arts and cultural community. Surrounded by natural beauty, orchards, farms, and vineyards, Greater Vernon is the Trails Capital of BC, with an unparalleled network of walking, biking, and multi-use trails circling the city, including the popular Rail Trail. We are located between three lakes, Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake and Swan Lake, and 25 minutes from world class cross-country and downhill skiing, and a variety of mountain biking trail terrain.
We are home to a public art gallery, community arts centre, performing arts centre, community theatre, commercial galleries, a historic cinema, library, science centre, recreation centre, and public pool, most of which are walking and biking distance from the Caetani Centre, or accessible by public transit and e-scooter.
Climate
The Okanagan Valley is generally hot and dry during the summer months, and can get very hot during June, July and August in particular, ranging to over 35°C. More moderate summer temperatures can last well into September and then the fall cools off gradually. Winters generally range from +10° to -10° C, however temperatures can also reach as low as -25°C or more. Usually, this kind of cold does not last more than 2 weeks, but this can fluctuate during the winter months. In the Spring, temperatures warm up rapidly in the region, with April daytime highs reaching 20ºC, but can still be very cool at night. Visiting artists are encouraged to bring a variety of clothing for all weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are always advised.
