Itinerary
Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program
The Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program offers a short-term opportunity for artists to be immersed in, and inspired by, the former home and studio of Canadian artist Doris McCarthy (1910-2010).
McCarthy’s home, Fool’s Paradise — a modest cottage overlooking the magnificent Scarborough Bluffs — nurtured her creative process and artistic expression. She wanted other artists to find their inspiration by spending time in these same unique surroundings.
The Ontario Heritage Trust created the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program not only to open the doors to new generations of artists, but also to make space for them to engage and explore concepts of place, identity and history in a unique heritage setting. At Fool’s Paradise, the future of heritage in Ontario is shaped by its creatives.
Program highlights:
the program is targeted at artists from a variety of disciplines who want to work on a project that engages with place, identity or history that would benefit from time spent at Fool’s Paradise
artists in residence live and work in a quaint and cheery cottage on the spectacular Scarborough Bluffs, surrounded by Doris McCarthy’s favourite things
at the end of the residency, artists will be asked to share their experience or work with the Trust — which could include participating in a social media post, sharing a record of the work (for example, a painting or print), or sharing a video (for example, a reading or performance)
residencies are for single individuals who will live and work alone at the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre for the duration of their stay (one to two months)
residencies begin in mid-January and run throughout the year
Applying to the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program
For more information on the program, contact us at 437-246-7652 or by email.
The application deadline is October 1.
Who is eligible?
individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada or those with an application pending for permanent residency status
eligible creative disciplines that include visuals arts, music, writing, dance, multimedia, film and performing arts
applicants must apply with a project in mind — the program especially looks for projects that engage with place, culture and identity, or history
Who is not ineligible?
artists who have already completed a residency at the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Centre
students enrolled in any educational institution or any learning program on a full-time or part-time basis at the undergraduate level of study
individuals under the age of 18
staff and Board members of the Ontario Heritage Trust and their immediate families
disciplines that require heavy machinery, welding or flammable materials. AI-generated art is not permitted
Bursary
The Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto Scarborough offers a $1,500 bursary to an artist in residence each year. Bursary recipients will be chosen by a committee of experts during regular program adjudication. Recipients are expected to work with the gallery to deliver a program of their choosing during their stay at Fool’s Paradise (workshop, artist’s talk, etc.). Interested artists can opt-in for bursary consideration on their application.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted using the SlideRoom online portal and must include:
a completed application form
curriculum vitae or detailed resumé
portfolio (which must include sufficient representation of the applicant’s artistic discipline and body of work — including images for visual artists, recordings for musicians, and writing samples for authors, playwrights and poets)
The Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program welcomes artists who want to explore the concepts of place, identity and history in a setting with cultural and natural heritage significance. These artistic and creative perspectives are crucial to understanding the diversity of heritage in Ontario and Canada, and better inform the Trust’s work.
Place: Projects may engage with the environment in general, or with the Fool’s Paradise locality (Lake Ontario, the Bluffs, trails, wildlife, etc.).
Identity: Projects may engage with personal identity, cultural identity or identity through other lenses (such as accessibility, feminism, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S, etc.).
History: Projects may engage with personal, familial or cultural histories, or histories of Ontario and Canada.
The Trust has an impartial expert advisory panel to assist and support the review, adjudication and selection of suitable candidates for the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program. Adjudicators reflect the artistic discipline(s) and expertise that they represent as members of the advisory panel. Completed application forms (including references), curricula vitae/resumés and portfolios are used to assess the suitability of candidates for a residency. Applications are evaluated and ranked objectively and consistently by the advisory panel using assessment criteria.
Criteria
The assessment process covers a comprehensive evaluation of the applications, portfolio submissions, a review of the curriculum vitae and references, and the formal adjudication by the advisory panel. Applications are assessed using the following criteria:
- Artistic merit: This component focuses on the artistic quality and originality, as demonstrated by the curriculum vitae and portfolio submission. It is also a reflection of the applicant’s recognition by their peers.
- Proposed project: This component focuses on the potential contribution of the applicant’s proposed project and the outcomes on the artistic community, general public and the applicant themselves. This criterion also reflects the potential contributions to the art form.
- Workplan: This component focuses on the practicality of the project, the workplan, methodology, deliverables, timeline, resources and the demonstrated track record of the applicant.
- Consistency with program vision: This component assesses how effectively and compatibly the proposed project supports and aligns with the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence vision.
Final decisions are made in November each year. Only complete and fully eligible applications will be processed. Successful candidates will be notified in December and residencies begin in January.
If candidates have questions about eligibility, the application/assessment process or the residency program in general, they are encouraged to contact the Trust by email at dmair@heritagetrust.on.ca prior to the annual application deadline.
Living at Fool's Paradise and other considerations
Picturesque and quaint, the house at Fool’s Paradise is a modest cottage with unique, quirky touches that reflect Doris McCarthy’s creative vision and character.
The house includes a large studio, a study, one bedroom with a single bed, a washroom, a kitchen, a living room and a screened porch. The space is approximately 150 square metres (1,600 square feet).
Onsite parking is provided. The nearest Toronto Transit Commission bus stop is located on Kingston Road (approximately a 30-minute walk from Fool’s Paradise, partially up a steep hill). A bicycle is available for use.
The Fool’s Paradise property custodian occupies an apartment in the former garage — an independent and separate suite with its own entrance and one reserved parking space. The custodian is available to answer questions and to provide basic property management assistance.
The site is in a quiet, friendly and safe residential neighbourhood. The property is protected by a monitored alarm and security system.
What’s provided at the Centre:
- free accommodation for the duration of the residency
- fully equipped kitchen
- laundry facilities
- utilities and internet service
What residents are responsible for:
- groceries
- transportation costs
- computer and related equipment
- tools, equipment, musical instruments and art supplies
- housekeeping, cleaning and laundry
- moving expenses
- personal contents and liability insurance
What’s not permitted:
- overnight stays by friends or family (visits are welcome)
- pets
- smoking (inside or within 9 metres/30 feet of the house)
- open flames or use of fireplaces
Financial considerations
The selected resident artists do not receive any financial remuneration from the Ontario Heritage Trust. Artists may be eligible for local, provincial and national grants from organizations such as the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
$125 is provided to all artists to help with incidental costs during their residency.
The Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto Scarborough offers a $1,500 bursary to an artist in residence each year. Bursary recipients will be chosen by a committee of experts during regular program adjudication. Recipients are expected to work with the gallery to deliver a program of their choosing during their stay at Fool’s Paradise (workshop, artist’s talk, etc.). Interested artists can opt-in for bursary consideration on their application.
Disputes
The adjudication process and the decisions made for residency placements each year are at the sole discretion of the Trust. All decisions are final.
Occupancy agreement
Successful candidates will be required to sign an occupancy agreement with terms and conditions established by the Trust. This agreement will protect the rights and interests of the parties. Each resident will be responsible for insuring their own personal property, belongings and materials and providing the Trust with an indemnification.
Take a virtual tour of this property:
See who the artists are in 2025
Gallery
Swipe
