Alchemy Artists Residency

Evening fire circle at Gibraltar Point

Evening fire circle at Gibraltar Point

Our much loved resident kitchen

Our much loved resident kitchen

Studio space and light in abundance

Studio space and light in abundance

Sunset at Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Sunset at Gibraltar Point Lighthouse

Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts is a 100 plus year old school house

Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts is a 100 plus year old school house

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse across from the Centre

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse across from the Centre

Alchemy Artists Residency

Toronto , ON, Canada

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.

Contact

4 Afton
Top Floor
Toronto ON M6J 1R7
Canada

Year Founded
2015
Context
Urban
Rural
Remote
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Embedded in a national park or land trust
Embedded in a non-profit inn and retreat center
Embedded in historic site
Embedded in intentional community
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Thematic
Retreat
Community-engaged
Experiential
Residency Length
1 week - 2 weeks
Languages
English
French
Other
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
12
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
May apply as a team
Discipline
Art Conservation
Art Education
Book Arts
Choreography
Dance
Drawing
Ecology
Environmental Arts
Fiction
Film
History
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Literary Nonfiction
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Poetry
Public Art
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Sound Art
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Lead workshop for the public
Lead workshop for fellow residents
Other
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Additional Eligibility Information

See Q and A at www.makealchemy.com

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
18
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
55
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
1100
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Alchemy Island2026
Dates: April 20-27, 2026
Cost:  Private/Shared  Accommodation, studio, four shared dinners, community engaged programming, guest artist talks and visits, open studio Application Deadline: 12 November  2025, $25 application fee via etransfer

Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

We offer letters of support for artists applying for funding from other organizations. 

When possible, we pay artist fees for those artists who design and lead a community workshop.

Application Fee
25
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Links to resources, effective practices, grievance procedures, etc.
Written and or hard copies of text being presented
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Partially Accessible
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Case by case consideration by staff
N/A
Accessibility Contact Name
N/A
Accessibility Contact Email
info@makealchemy.com
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Shared bedroom
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
Universally designed
N/A
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry on campus
WIFI available in housing
Housekeeping services
Air Conditioned Housing
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Groceries provided for residents to prepare their own meals
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Additional Meals Information
Vegan meal options can be requested
Vegetarian meal options can be requested
Gluten-free meal options can be requested
Kosher and halal options can be requested
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated
Snack and beverage provided
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios
Exhibition / Installation Space
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Piano
Music/Media Studio Non-recording
Music/Media/Recording Facilities
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Drawing Benches
Fiber Arts Workspace
Washer And Dryer
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Studio Support/Tech
Studio/facility orientation provided