The Ou-Telier
Described by artists as “thoughtfully designed and deeply supportive,” The Ou is an intimate artist residency + writing retreat curated to support creatives in their artistic journey on Vancouver Island, British Columbia; a stunning place surrounded by gorgeous coastlines and temperate rainforests.
📍Located on gorgeous Vancouver Island on the West Coast of Canada, The Ou-Telier is a 100 year-old boat-building workshop in the Quwut’sun Valley (the Warmland) and overlooks a year-round creek fed from Mount Swuq’us.
☕️ The home and studios have been crafted with care to support you, and to allow you to sink into both creative play and deep rest.
🎨 Spend a day at work in your dedicated studio space with old growth fir floors, open rafters and picture windows, then decompress with your cohort by the fire in our Great Room, surrounded by light and nature.
Applications:
+ We welcome applications from emerging and established artists who are dedicated to their practice
+ Writers? You’re welcome to attend at any time, though specific months are set aside for writers-only
Learn more and apply online at www.theougallery.com
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Applications:
+ We welcome applications from emerging and established artists who are dedicated to their practice
+ Writers? You’re welcome to attend at any time, though specific months are set aside for writers-only
Learn more and apply online at www.theougallery.com
fees
Updated for 2027
2 weeks
$1,300 CAD + 5% GST (approx. $950 USD)
Two 50% discounted 2-week residencies available for BIPOC artists ($650 CAD + 5% GST)
3 weeks
$1,900 CAD + 5% GST
Offered only in February (starting on 2nd)
4 weeks
$2,500 CAD + 5% GST (approx. $1,850 USD)
Accessibility
Stairs are required to access the accommodation
Housing & Accomodation
Studio & Facilities
Artists have 24/hr access to their own designated 10’ x 20’ studio space with a large window in a historic boatbuilding workshop with open rafters, old-growth fir floors and views overlooking the creek. The studios are full of creative history and feel inviting and open.
Facilities include: 4×6 work-tables, caddy for supplies, stools, desk lights, an 11×17 scanner, printer, darkroom with a Durst 605M enlarger, basic hand tools, easels 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.