How to Apply

We’re so happy you’re here!

Below you’ll find details about the application, our policies, and frequently asked questions that should outline every step of the process to help you make the decision to apply.

If there’s a question that this page doesn’t answer, please contact:

Barb Merrill
Academic Program Assistant
School of Fine Art and Music
bmerrill@uoguelph.ca

Eligibility

This program serves to benefit:

1. Artists with undergraduate degrees who want to develop a body of work to serve as a portfolio for application to excellent graduate programs
2. Artists with graduate and undergraduate degrees who are interested in further developing studio work and critical thinking in a creative professional environment
3. Career artists without degrees who wish to participate in a critical dialogue and to push their work to the next level.

Artists using painting, drawing and printmaking as their primary media are invited to apply.

Costs and Fees

The total cost of the Summer Studio program will be $2,150. This cost includes the following:

• $50 application fee to apply
• $500 non-refundable deposit, due April 14, 2023
• $1600 remaining balance, due May 15, 2023
• * For printmakers, we reserve the right to apply a materials fee

Covid-19 Policies

Current Status Update: As of May 1, 2022, the University of Guelph has paused its requirement for COVID-19 vaccination and the completion of the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire when coming to campus. Due to the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, this directive could change at any time.  Therefore, we encourage all students, faculty and guests to stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters in order to comply should requirements change on short notice.

Cleaning

Our studios receive an early morning sweep and wipe Monday-Friday, with scheduled deeper cleans from Custodial Services. 

Refund Policy

If accepted to the program, a deposit of $500 will be required on April 15, 2023

If you are unable to attend, the last day to withdraw from the program and receive your full deposit back is May 15, 2023, two weeks prior to the start date of the program. After this date, all deposits will be non-refundable.

After payment of the remaining amount of $1,600 for a total of $2100 on May 15, 2023, all refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will not be guaranteed.

Notes:

• Only under special circumstances will refunds be considered beyond the May 15 date.
• The application fee of $50 is non-refundable.

FAQs

Am I eligible for the program if I am attending a college/university in September?

This program is designed for:

• Artists with undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Students who are graduating in April 2023 are welcome to apply
• Career artists who are looking to enhance their practice

Note: This program is not designed for artists who are just beginning their artistic practice because it is not an instruction/course-based program

Can I attend if I am not a resident of Guelph, Ontario?

• Yes!

Where does the program take place?

• The program takes place on the University of Guelph campus in Guelph, Ontario

How long is the program and when does the program begin?

• The program is four weeks long from May 29, 2023 to June 23, 2023 with a final exhibition for your family and friends in our Zavitz Gallery from June 26-30, 2023

Can I participate in the program virtually?

• No, the program is designed for attendees to use the studios and equipment available on-campus during the four-week period

Am I required to attend all four weeks of the program?

• The value and purpose of the program is to provide in-person, studio time to work on your projects. Should you, as an attendee, choose not to attend certain days or weeks of the program, that decision will not result in a refund of payments.
• The program is individually focused and self-guided, meaning all add-on elements of the program are optional but highly encouraged to get the full experience of the program.

Is the Summer Studio certificate granting program?

• No

Are there any prerequisites for the program?

• Undergraduate degrees or 4+ years as an experienced artist are preferred because the program is self-guided and requires knowledge of technical skill

How many applicants are admitted to the program?

• 6 in painting and/or drawing
• 2 in printmaking

When will I hear back if I’ve been accepted to the program?

• Acceptance decisions will be communicated to applicants the week of April 3, 2023.
• All applicants will receive a decision

Will materials be provided to me or do I need to bring my own?

• Supplies will be offered on a case-by-case basis, according to the needs of the attendee
• Attendees are encouraged to bring supplies and tools that are personal to them
• For printmakers, there will be an additional fee for materials

Is housing provided if I’m from out of town?

• No, all accommodations will be the responsibility of the attendees
• (Please see item below for on-campus accommodations)

Are there places for me to live if I am not from Guelph?

• In partnership with our housing department on-campus, there has been a block of residence rooms held for attendees of this program at an additional cost.
• If you are interested in staying on-campus for the duration of the program, please contact housing at hostel@uoguelph.ca to reserve your spot. You will need to communicate that you are part of the Summer Studio program.

Where can I park on-campus if I am local?

• There are various visitor parking lots available across campus for use