Ecologies of Precarious Abundance: Queer Life and Natures

Overview
As climate change, biodiversity loss, and widespread pollution drastically reconfigure the environments we live in, things are not only getting worse, they are also getting weirder. Looking to novel organisms, chemical contaminants, and strange bedfellows, we will draw inspiration from queer theory to re-examine ecological relations; breaking down some of the received understandings of the supposed ‘naturalness’ of heteronormativity, while also considering how the field of queer ecologies upholds queer ways of life as strategies for survival and thriving.

Led by Heather Davis with guest faculty Ama Josephine B. Johnstone and Tejal Shah, Ecologies of Precarious Abundance asks us to look again at our toxic worlds, asking what affordances or possibilities may be found. Intended for visual artists who work at the intersection of queer life and ecology, the residency will provide a lens to re-think how we might wish to understand relations with each other and with the other-than-human world. 

What does the program offer?
Through peer interaction, discussion groups, studio work, formal lectures, and studio visits from world-renowned visiting faculty, artists and curators, participants gain new ideas and insights that can be applied to creative exploration and professional development of their work. Participants are provided with a studio, accessible 24 hours a day, as well as access to our extensive facilities. 

What length of residency is available?
This program is designed for participation over the entire period. Variable dates will not be considered.

Who should apply?
This residency is for visual artists who work at the intersection of queer life and ecology with an exhibition/publication record and who have completed formal training in visual arts at the post-secondary level, or who have equivalent experience and recognition from their peers. Collaborative groups of no more that two are welcome to apply.

*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs.

Program Dates: August 2 - September 2, 2022
Application Deadline: March 23, 2022
Learn more and apply online: https://bit.ly/34qRxRe