Irene Borins Ash Commemorative Textile Residency – 2026

A Unique International Textile Artist Residency in Canada

The Irene Borins Ash Commemorative Textile Residency (IBACTR) is hosted by Studio H Canada International Artist Residency. The residency was established in honour of artist, activist, and social worker Irene Borins Ash (1952-2020). Irene was passionate about weaving and art in all its forms. She gifted the studio her Leclerc Tapestry Loom and to honour her memory and her art, Studio H Canada is offering a partially funded, one-month intensive textile residency.

The textile residency will be offered once per year starting in 2023 and bi-annually starting in 2025 if funds are available. Please see the posts section for an archive of IBACTR artists and others.

This textile residency is open to proposals of experimental to traditional and hybrid approaches to weaving. Bring us your best proposal for this exciting opportunity. We will also be looking for proposals that concern topics of interest to Irene such as resilience, compassion, concern for the environment, and living life to the fullest. For more information about Irene, please see the obituary here.

Previous IBACTR Recipients:

2023 – Laura Kunciūtė – Inaugural Irene Borins Ash Commemorative Textile Residency Artist in Residence

2024 – Vanessa Valero – Irene Borins Ash Commemorative Textile Residency Artist in Residence

2026 – TBA


Residency Description

Textile artists interested in tapestry weaving using the Leclerc Loom (Tissart model pre-1990), are invited to apply for this special residency to undertake new work and research in Metchosin, BC Canada – the unceded territories of the SC’IȺNEW Nation.

Artists should propose to complete at least one work in the one-month period. The final work(s) is retained by the artist for sale or exhibition at a future date.

Special Features of the Residency

Studio H Canada endeavours to provide a residency that will enable the artist, if desired, to get to know the local community of farmers and artists. We will support you to do your work, and if desired or possible given time – to promote you and your art practice to the broader community in Metchosin and Victoria, both online and in-person at the studio. 

Exclusions

The following is not covered through the Residency:

  • Depending on the proposal, most materials such as wools, threads, embellishments etc. should be sourced/brought by the artist or acquired locally
  • Transportation to and from Victoria – air and ferry tickets are the responsibility of the artist. We can pick you up at the airport or ferry.
  • Passports or documentation
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Cost of food
  • Extra local transportation above what is provided by the studio
  • Car rentals
Studio Space & LeClerc Loom

Below are a variety of pictures from various times – the studio gets transformed and reconfigured in numerous ways. There is lots of room for producing, exhibiting and collaborating! Please note that the pictures below are to showcase the loom only. The LeClerc loom will be moved to the main space for the duration of the residency.

The studio is approximately 1,000 square feet and is a separate building overlooking the organic garden, where we also like to hang out and make a feast of pizzas with organic veggies in our wood-fired oven, and sip wine while admiring the flowers and forest. Bonus – there are no bugs, or relatively few. There is lots of nature though, and it is common for deer, rabbits, California Quail, owls, eagles and vultures to pass through regularly, even a bear occasionally.

The studio space has large walls and high ceilings. Water is currently available from an outside tap, but a new sink and wet area will be installed at some point. 

Application Process

PLEASE NOTE: the next intake for this program will be in 2025 (taking place in November 2026). Please follow our Instagram or sign up for the newsletter for updates.

The artist chosen for this residency should be able to demonstrate skill, ability and commitment to weaving in their work, although weaving does not have to be the primary focus of their work. Artists should have some educational background in fibre and textile arts.

Once it is determined this is the right fit and the plan is established, Studio H Canada will draft an artist agreement for the term of the residency outlining your responsibilities and how we will support you (stipend, in-kind financial support, achieving residency goals etc.) and finalize any other details. You will also receive an official offer/acceptance letter that can be used for funding applications, or for sponsors. SHC must receive confirmation from artists that they will accept the offer and sign off on the residency agreement. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply for regular artist residencies through the International Artists Residency page.

This is a partially-funded residency. Accommodations and studio space are included and successful applicants will receive a $1,500.00 CAD cash award paid via PayPal or WISE at the end of the residency. The total value of the award is approximately $3,100.00 CAD.

Apply Now!

Studio H Canada International Artists Residencies will open applications starting in September 2025. Please check back for the updated information or sign up for our newsletter updates.

If you have any questions, please contact us at create@studiohcanadaresidency.ca.

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