Alchemy Artists Residency
ALCHEMY: an artist-led international residency where food, art, and community come together.
Since 2015, Alchemy has invited artists to connect, collaborate, and reflect in two unique Canadian settings: the Toronto Islands and Prince Edward County. Guided by four pillars—food, art, garden, and table—we document and share art making, meals, and conversation. At Alchemy, artists deepen their practices, exchange ideas, and engage with the people, communities and landscapes that host us.
A community setting for inquiry and discovery
Through community engagement and commitment to a collaborative process, we collect, tell, and document multiple stories showcasing what compels people to continue to create, grow, farm, and live in two unique communities.
Shared meals, readings and discussions probe the creative intersection of food & art in a community setting & help us better understand the magic & inspiration created by making & sharing art & food.
This residency is for those practicing visual arts, sculpture, photography, craft, food, performance art, writing, music, and video.
Coordinators: Claire Tallarico, is a visual artist and chef whose practice explores the everyday rituals of art & food making & sharing in communities. Tonia DiRisio is a visual artist and arts administrator. Her work has developed through ongoing investigations of the growing, making, preserving, celebrating, and sharing of food.
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
See Q and A at www.makealchemy.com
- Alchemy Toronto Islands 2027
Dates: May 17-25
Private/Shared Accommodation, shared 24/7 studio, four shared dinners, community-engaged programming, guest artist talks and visits, open studio. Rolling deadline till filled $25 application fee via e-transfer. This fee supports our bursary fund. TWO SPOTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE - Alchemy Waupoos Island 2027
Dates: August 6-16
Private/Shared Accommodation, shared studio, all shared dinners, community-engaged programming, guest artist talks and visits, transport to and from mainland. Limited to 12 artists. Deadline December 15, 2026. $25 application fee via e-transfer. This fee supports our bursary fund.
The residency is set on a secluded Island. Alchemy takes place at a small cluster of seven cottages designed for shared living. Fire pits, picnic tables, outdoor dining areas, beach access, and wide lake views shape daily life on the island, with shared studio time, meals, and gathering at the centre of the experience.
The island is reached by boat and is intentionally low Wi-Fi, offering an oasis from the pace of everyday life and creating space for presence, conversation, and collective rhythm.
We offer letters of support for artists applying for funding from other organizations.
We pay artist fees for selected artists who design and lead a community workshop or talk.