Living at Fool’s Paradise and other considerations

Picturesque and quaint, the house at Fool’s Paradise is a modest cottage with unique, quirky touches that reflect Doris McCarthy’s creative vision and character.

The house includes a large studio, a study, one bedroom with a single bed, a washroom, a kitchen, a living room and a screened porch. The space is approximately 150 square metres (1,600 square feet).

Onsite parking is provided. The nearest Toronto Transit Commission bus stop is located on Kingston Road (approximately a 30-minute walk from Fool’s Paradise, partially up a steep hill). A bicycle is available for use.

The Fool’s Paradise property custodian occupies an apartment in the former garage — an independent and separate suite with its own entrance and one reserved parking space. The custodian is available to answer questions and to provide basic property management assistance.

The site is in a quiet, friendly and safe residential neighbourhood. The property is protected by a monitored alarm and security system.

What’s provided at the Centre:

• free accommodation for the duration of the residency
• fully equipped kitchen
• laundry facilities
• utilities and internet service

What residents are responsible for:

• groceries
• transportation costs
• computer and related equipment
• tools, equipment, musical instruments and art supplies
• housekeeping, cleaning and laundry
• moving expenses
• personal contents and liability insurance

What’s not permitted:

• overnight stays by friends or family (visits are welcome)
• pets
• smoking (inside or within 9 metres/30 feet of the house)
• open flames or use of fireplaces

Financial considerations

The selected resident artists do not receive any financial remuneration from the Ontario Heritage Trust. Artists may be eligible for local, provincial and national grants from organizations such as the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

$125 is provided to all artists to help with incidental costs during their residency.

The Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto Scarborough offers a $1,500 bursary to an artist in residence each year. Bursary recipients will be chosen by a committee of experts during regular program adjudication. Recipients are expected to work with the gallery to deliver a program of their choosing during their stay at Fool’s Paradise (workshop, artist’s talk, etc.). Interested artists can opt-in for bursary consideration on their application.

Disputes

The adjudication process and the decisions made for residency placements each year are at the sole discretion of the Trust. All decisions are final.

Occupancy agreement

Successful candidates will be required to sign an occupancy agreement with terms and conditions established by the Trust. This agreement will protect the rights and interests of the parties. Each resident will be responsible for insuring their own personal property, belongings and materials and providing the Trust with an indemnification.