What safety measures are being implemented due to COVID-19?
Halls Island Artist Residency is following Federal and Provincial Government COVID-19 safety guidelines and regulations.
Artists are required to follow health and safety guidelines from their home province or area before coming to Halls Island Artist Residency.
Where is Halls Island and how do I get there?
Halls Island is on Koshlong Lake in Haliburton, Ontario. The dock access to Koshlong is a 3 hour drive from Toronto. Boat transportation to and from the island will be arranged. Urgent boat trips to the mainland can be arranged (please note that true emergencies should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police, 911).
What do I need to bring with me?
Halls Island possesses very rustic accommodations. Selected artists will be provided with a Visitor’s Guide and all the information needed to attend. There is a refrigerator and a stove, which are both propane powered. Artists should bring whatever food and supplies they need for their stay. Drinking water will be provided, and bottled water is prohibited. Please keep in mind that everything must be packed in and out, so low-waste items are required.
Artists should bring all supplies needed for their proposed project. Those using any toxic materials must store those and pack them out for proper disposal at a later time.
I need electricity for my work - can I participate?
Halls Island is powered by minimal solar power. Electricity-intensive projects, such as recording music, is not appropriate for the residency. However, the island will have enough power to charge a laptop, in order to facilitate writing projects. Musicians wishing to participate may want to consider using the Island to compose music, rather than record.
What is the "community engagement" portion of the residency?
We encourage our artists to give back to a community - either here in Haliburton County or in an artist’s own community. All information is found on our application.
Is this residency funded?
This residency is currently not funded. It will operate at no cost to the artist, but will not currently provide a stipend or other funding. This may change in the future to provide travel or other stipends to artists.
How long can I stay?
Residency blocks are usually ten days long. Details can be found on the application.
Is there wifi?
There is no wifi on the island. Koshlong Lake does receive cell/data reception, so mobile phones will work there.
Will anyone else be there? Can I attend with someone else?
Applicants may apply to be alone on the island, with another applicant that they know and request, or may request to be on the island with another successful applicant. See the application form for details.
Can I bring another person to accompany me during my residency session? (i.e., partner, spouse, etc., who is not part of a group application)
The vision of Halls Island Artist Residency is to provide a focused and secluded space for both body and mind to allow artists to create and reflect. A spouse or partner may attend if this person enhances your arts process and adds to your creative energy. Details would be provided on your application form and discussed upon your successful application.
Can I bring my child/children?
The island is not at all suited for any unsupervised time for children. There is deep water, a rocky shoreline and rough pathways in a natural, secluded island location. Applicants with children may wish to consider the YMCA's Camp Wanakita, located close to the island. The camp normally offers overnight and day-camp placements.
Is Halls Island dog friendly?
Yes! Dog waste must be scooped with a shovel and thrown away in the outhouse - not collected with plastic bags for the garbage.
Safety
Safety of the artists, neighbours and of Halls Island is Halls Island Artist Residency's absolute top priority. As the amenities are quite rustic, this program is most appropriate for artists who have experience and are comfortable with aspects of outdoor living such as water safety, fire safety, and stewardship of land.
Although artists will be alone on the Island, residents will be provided with phone numbers and names of contact support people. Also, a visitor’s guide is provided which details the facilities and a thorough tour is provided upon arrival. Koshlong Lake has many cottagers as well as YMCA Wanakita, a large summer camp. Wanakita staff, as well as a handful of cottagers, will be aware of the artists presence on the island, and able to offer support if necessary.
Attending artists will be provided with a detailed Visitor’s Guide before arrival.
Emergencies should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police by calling 911. Request Dysart Fire response.
Local information and links
Haliburton County is a thriving community! The arts are alive and well with the Fleming School of Art and Design, an active Arts Council, the Northern Lights Pavillion …the list goes on! Many artists of varied disciplines call Haliburton County home on a full time or part time basis.
Whether you are one of our successful artist residency candidates or planning a visit to Haliburton County, you will find many events in the arts, outdoors activities, sports or special community events for your enjoyment. Below you will find links to calendars of events and also to local arts organizations.
“Koshlong Lake Association” Information about the lake and the area
“My Haliburton” Calendar of Events Haliburton County Tourism site
“The Arts Council - Haliburton Highlands” Link to the events page and website
“Fleming College - Haliburton School of Art and Design”
“Haliburton County Folk Society” Concerts, open stage, events
“Highlands Summer Festival” Theatre
“YMCA Camp Wanakita” Children and family camps, on Koshlong Lake
The links below will take you to information regarding grants which may be available to support your work. Some grants will support travel and residencies.
“RBC Emerging Artists” Grant Information
“Ontario Arts Council” Grant Information
“Canada Council for the Arts” Grant Information
”Link to a Haliburton Echo article” sharing some indigenous history of the area.