Garden Artist Residency Program
Create. Connect. Share.
The Garden Artist Residency Program is a curated opportunity for artists to spend a week creating, displaying, and selling their work in the gardens of The Garden's Gate Restaurant on Manitoulin Island.
More than a vendor space, this residency is designed to connect artists with visitors through conversation, creativity, and meaningful experiences in a beautiful garden setting.
Throughout the season, selected artists will be featured as our Artist in Residence, becoming part of the atmosphere that makes The Garden's Gate a unique destination for guests from across Manitoulin and beyond.
What Makes This Residency Different?
Our residency is designed to be an experience rather than a market.
Artists are encouraged to create, demonstrate their process, engage with visitors, and share the stories behind their work.
With thousands of guests visiting throughout the season and a location directly on Highway 542, artists have the opportunity to gain exposure while spending a week immersed in a beautiful garden environment.
Each residency includes:
- Exclusive residency for one artist per week
- 11' x 11' weather-protected tent space
- Three display tables
- Two chairs
- Dedicated parking space
- Washroom access inside the restaurant
- Small indoor display area for select works
- Featured Artist promotion on Garden's Gate social media
- Opportunity to create and demonstrate your work on site
- Exposure to restaurant guests and passing visitors
Residencies run Tuesday through Saturday.
Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Artists may remain until 8:00 PM if desired, provided displays are fully secured by closing.
Investment
$100 per week
This money will go directly toward the betterment of the program for the following season!
Payment is required upon acceptance to secure your residency week.
Due to the limited nature of the program, payments are non-refundable.
AVAILABLE WEEKS ARE LISTED IN THE APPLICATION FORM BELOW AND UPDATED AS WE ACCEPT RESIDENCE.
Artists are expected to:
Remain on site during residency hours
Be available to engage with guests when appropriate
Display original work only
Process their own sales and payments
Keep their space clean and welcoming
Respect the property, guests, staff, and fellow artists
Inventory may not be left unattended during residency hours.
APPLY BELOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if it rains?
The residency space is weather protected and designed to operate during typical summer weather conditions.
Can I create work while I am there?
Absolutely. We encourage artists to create, demonstrate techniques, and engage with visitors throughout the week.
Can I leave work overnight?
Artists may leave approved displays overnight at their own risk. The Garden's Gate is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Can I share my residency with another artist?
Residencies are intended for one featured artist per week. Collaborative proposals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can I sell my work directly?
Yes. Artists are responsible for processing and collecting their own payments.
What if I need to cancel?
Residency fees are non-refundable once payment has been received.
Only 10 residency weeks are available for the 2026 season.
Apply Today
Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
Residency placements are curated by The Garden's Gate to ensure alignment with the overall experience and atmosphere we aim to create.
Spend a week surrounded by gardens, great food, meaningful conversations, and visitors who appreciate creativity.
We look forward to welcoming artists who want to share their work and become part of the Garden's Gate experience.
