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Canadian artist Doris McCarthy (1910-2010) recognized that her home and studio in Toronto, Fool’s Paradise, nurtures the creative process. She wanted other artists to have the same opportunity to live and work at the site that had fostered so much of her own artistic expression.

To that end, the Ontario Heritage Trust has designed the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre to be a unique, living and working incubator for visual artists, musicians and writers of all disciplines, offering privacy and opportunity for artists to concentrate on their work. As part of the residency, artists are required to provide a mentorship opportunity to support the development of an emerging artist or artists.

It is the vision for the Centre to contribute to the artistic and cultural legacy of Doris McCarthy by demonstrating the inspirational value of the landscape and promoting excellence in Canadian art, music and writing.


Shahrzad Amin – interdisciplinary artist, Oakville (2021 artist in residence)

How to apply

The Trust invites individual artists, musicians and writers to apply to the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre for short-term residencies lasting from one to three months. The residencies will begin in January each year.

Successful applicants will be provided with accommodation and studio space free of charge where they can concentrate on their creative work. As part of the residency, artists are required to provide a mentorship opportunity to support the development of an emerging artist or artists. At the conclusion of each residency, the artist will be asked to share something of his/her experience, practice, approach or work with the Trust, the Centre’s partners and/or the general public. These outcomes will vary, but may include an exhibit or show, a workshop, a recital of a completed work or a work in progress.

Applications must be submitted using the form found on the SlideRoom online portal. Step-by-step application instructions are available on the portal. Emerging artists who are interested in participating in the mentorship program and professional development workshops are encouraged to contact the Trust directly by email at dmair@heritagetrust.on.ca.

This program is supported generously by RBC Emerging Artists.