Thirdspace Application Form


    Apply to be part of a new hands-on, group residency for emerging artists!
     


    About the residency:
    THIRDSPACE: Emerging Artist Summer Intensive Program is a month-long residency program at OCAD University that brings together a dynamic group of interdisciplinary emerging artists, including those in the early stages of their careers and those embarking on new directions in their creative practices.

    Develop a new body of work, experiment with new techniques, expand your practice and showcase your work, guided by our summer artist and mentor-in-residence, Van Maltese.  
     


    About your mentor:  
    Van Maltese’s interdisciplinary practice employs trickery, illusion, and associative play to deconstruct the experience of perception. They are fascinated by pattern recognition, brain plasticity, and how conflicts in what we see, or hear, can reshape our thinking.   

    Maltese is based in Tkaronto/Toronto, Canada and is a graduate of OCAD University (Class of 2010). They were awarded the national prize of the 2012 RBC Canadian Painting Competition, and the Canadian prize of the 2018 Glenfiddich Artist-in Residence Program. Most recently, Van Maltese was in residence at the School of Art and Design at Alfred University as the 2023 International Randall Chair in Painting.   

    Maltese has participated in solo and group exhibitions across North America including, Mickey Gallery, Chicago; Night Gallery, Los Angeles; The Power Plant, Cooper Cole, Art Museum of the University of Toronto, Erin Stump Projects, Toronto; the National Gallery Library and Archives, Ottawa; Kate Werble Gallery, Nicelle Beauchene Gallery, and Greenpoint Terminal Gallery, New York.  


    Headshot by Brittany Carmichael 


    Residency Theme: 
    How do our perceptions shape the way we experience the world? “Hypothesizing How We See” is the theme of the residency, and it invites visual artists of all disciplines to explore this question through play, experimentation, and collaboration. 
     

    Residency Highlights 

    🏡 One month of open and specialized studio access to develop and refine your work  

    🎨 Hands-on workshops led by your mentor, designed to expand your practice 

    📖 A personal Visual Course Reader—part resource, part collaborative artwork 

    🗣️ Reading discussions, guest talks & field trips 

    🖼️ Final exhibition showcasing the innovative projects developed during the program 


     


    Who should apply:  
    This intensive program is open to visual artists and designers who are in the final stages of formal post-secondary education or training, or who have gained equivalent experience through independent practice, cultural or traditional knowledge, and have received recognition from their peers.  
     
    This program is for you if you are: 

    • A current undergraduate or graduate student

    • A recent graduate 

    • A practicing artist in the early stages of your career  

    • A practicing artist exploring new directions in your practice. 
       


    Key dates:  

    • Early bird deadline: Sunday, March 2, 2025 (save $200 off program fee) 

    • Final application deadline: May 13, 2025  

    • Program dates:  Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 27, 2025. Recommended arrival and departure dates are Sunday, June, 1 and Saturday, June 29, 2025. 
       


    Program fee:     CAD $4,600.00 + applicable taxes. Accommodation, transportation and meals are not included.  
    Program fee + accommodation: CAD $7,450 + applicable taxes. Transportation and meals are not included.  

     


    To apply, fill out the form below. 

    Questions? Get in touch with Meichen at mwaxer@ocadu.ca

    The * means the field is required.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there language requirements?  

    The program is delivered in English. If English is not your first language, you are required to be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. As a guideline, we would expect you to have an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0.  

    I’m not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.  Will I need a visa? 

    A study permit is not required for a stay of less than 6 months. However, unless you are a citizen of the United States, you will need either a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.  The one you need depends on your country of citizenship. Please visit the Government of Canada website to find out which one you should apply for. 

    How long does it take to get a visitor visa? 

    Canadian visiting visa processing times vary from country to country.  Accepted participants are responsible for recognizing and adhering to the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times in advance of applying. 

    Can OCAD help me with my visa application? 

    The International Student Support Office at OCAD can answer questions and provide advice but cannot complete the visa application for you.  Please contact international@ocadu.ca if you need assistance. 

    Contact Information
    Birthdate*
    Birthdate*
    Housing
    This program includes accommodations at an OCAD U residence partner. There are limited rooms available, so please check this box to ensure your spot is saved! Residence is available on a first come, first served basis. Meals and transportation are not included as part of the accommodation plan.
     
    This program includes accommodations at an OCAD U residence partner. There are limited rooms available, so please check this box to ensure your spot is saved! Residence is available on a first come, first served basis. Meals and transportation are not included as part of the accommodation plan.
     
    Education and Artistic Practice
    *Level of education or years in practice (check all that apply):
    *Level of education or years in practice (check all that apply):
    *Mediums of artistic practice (check all that apply):
    *Mediums of artistic practice (check all that apply):
    Application Process

    Applications for this program will be submitted through this form. After submitting, you will receive an email prompting you to submit your portfolio through Slideroom, where you will provide the following: 

    Written Statement of Intent: We want to learn more about you, your interests, and your motivations. In approximately 250–350 words, please provide a thoughtful response to the following questions.  Be concise, reflective, and let your unique perspective shine!  

    • Why are you interested in participating in the THIRDSPACE: OCAD U Emerging Artist Summer Intensive Program? 

    • What specific goals do you hope to achieve or experiences are you seeking during the program? 

    • How do you envision this opportunity shaping or advancing your artistic practice? 

    Portfolio: Include 5–12 examples of your work that showcase your skills and creativity. Your portfolio should provide a well-rounded representation of your practice. Ensure the pieces connect meaningfully with the themes and ideas discussed in your written statement. If you include time-based media, keep the total duration under 5 minutes. For longer media pieces, consider reducing the total number of items in your portfolio to maintain balance and focus. 
     

    Applicants should expect a response to their complete application within one month of application deadline.

    A NOTE ON PRIVACY: OCAD University does not disclose, rent, loan, sell or otherwise transfer your personal information without your consent. Using the information you have submitted, we will send you emails from time to time. If you wish to unsubscribe, you will be able to do so at any time from the emails. Read more on OCAD U's commitment to privacy here: https://www.ocadu.ca/about/governance/information-and-privacy.htm