Artist Residency Programs
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“I absolutely cherished my time here at Caetani and I will rave about it forever. Thank you for everything and I hope to see you again someday.”
— Nicki Ault, Artist-in-Residence, Spring 2024
Come stay, work and create at the Caetani Centre!
Stay in the historic Caetani home. Be inspired by the legacy of Sveva Caetani, her story of resilience, and her powerful body of artwork. Work alongside other resident, visiting, and studio artists. Feel secluded on a beautiful 1.3 parklike property that is steps from all amenities.
The Caetani Centre offers artists and writers creative living and working spaces in an independent community atmosphere for self-directed residencies, providing time, support and room for creativity.
Open to Emerging & Established Artists of All Kinds
Open to emerging and established artists from around the world in most mediums, writers, musicians, curators, cultural researchers, digital and performing artists are all encouraged to apply.
Self-directed residencies vary from 3-day intensives, to up to 3 months to suit the goals and needs of the applicant. Longer terms may be negotiated, if space allows.
“Thank you to all the staff for being so welcoming. My time here has been productive and encouraging...I'm feeling motivated and happy about my writing. Thanks again for making that possible!"
- Aleksander Whitkamp, Writer-in-Residence, Fall 2023
Selection of Applicants
The Caetani Artist-in-Residency Program is open to both emerging and established artists, writers, and creatives in all artistic fields and mediums: installation, painting, drawing, writing, photography, digital media, printmaking, etc.
We are also open to curators, cultural researchers, musicians, performers, filmmakers and other creators in need of a space to brainstorm, research and generate ideas.
Ceramics artists, please consider combining a self-directed residency with a clay drop-in studio membership at the Vernon Community Arts Centre, which is walking distance from the Caetani Centre.
The ideal candidate will have invested themselves in training, be self-directed, and able to work independently.
Submission Process and Deadlines
Applications to the Caetani Artist-in-Residency Program are ongoing and dependent on availability
Please check the availability of both rooms and studio space
We try to keep the website as updated as possible, but cannot guarantee availability until we accept your application and receive your deposit
Once you’ve determined your preferred accommodation and studio needs, please fill out the application form
A Caetani staff member will be in touch with you within 1-2 weeks
The Facilities
All residencies are located in the West wing of the historic former home of the artist, Sveva Caetani. Built in 1895, it is a designated heritage home with a fascinating history. You will be staying in the rooms once lived in by Sveva Caetani (the Sermoneta Room), her mother, Ofelia Fabiani (the Caetani Room), her father, Leone (the Leone Room), and their companion, Miss Inger-Marie Juul (the Fogliano Room). Additionally, Sveva’s close friend and fellow artist, Joan Heriot, lived in the secondary suite, which is now available as the Heriot Room.
There are also separate studio spaces available. Writers, digital artists, and filmmakers, often choose to work in their rooms, with no additional studio spaces. Artists who work in watercolours, oil, acrylic, or other wet or messy mediums will require a separate studio space, as will musicians who are using the studio to compose or practice. Caetani will endeavour to make the appropriate studio space available for every room residency, but exceptions may apply for wet, messy, or hazardous mediums, especially in non-temperate weather.
The Rooms & Availability Calendars
Booked / Changeover
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The largest suite in the residency, with a four-poster queen-sized bed, a loveseat, and a desk surrounded by windows. It has a large bay window facing west that floods the room with light, and is adjacent to the shared sitting room. This was once Ofelia Fabiani’s bedroom and it holds a sense of mystery and majesty.
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5 Night Minimum , 90 day Maximum, studio space included (if requested).
5-27 days $85 per night*
*PST Accommodation tax applicable for stays under 28 days.
28-42 days (4-6 weeks) $80 per night
43-90 days (6-13 weeks) - $75 per night
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Caetani Suite
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A mid-sized bedroom with a desk and queen-sized bed. This room has two windows, one facing west and the other south, and has beautiful light all day long. The desk faces west and from there you can watch the birds flit from tree to tree. Once Sveva Caetani’s bedroom, this room is imbued with her light and spirit.
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5 Night Minimum , 90 day Maximum, studio space included (if requested).
5-27 days $75 per night*
*PST Accommodation tax applicable for stays under 28 days.
28-42 days (4-6 weeks) $70 per night
43-90 days (6-13 weeks) - $65 per night
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Sermoneta Suite
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With a queen-sized bed and a desk, this room is a contemplative retreat space. The window faces east so gets the first sun and a beautiful view of the back yard and property. We believe this was once the room of the family companion, Miss Juul, and it has a peaceful, serene feeling to it.
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5 Night Minimum , 90 day Maximum, studio space included (if requested).
5-27 days $75 per night*
*PST Accommodation tax applicable for stays under 28 days.
28-42 days (4-6 weeks) $70 per night
43-90 days (6-13 weeks) - $65 per night
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Fogliano Suite
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Recently transformed from a dedicated museum space into an artist residency space, this bedroom is on the main level. It features south and west facing windows, a queen-sized bed, and a spacious feel with its tall ceilings. The library, sunroom, and porch are steps away, making it the perfect writer’s retreat.
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5 Night Minimum , 90 day Maximum, studio space included (if requested).
5-27 days $75 per night*
*PST Accommodation tax applicable for stays under 28 days.
28-42 days (4-6 weeks) $70 per night
43-90 days (6-13 weeks) - $65 per night
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Leone Suite
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A large queen-sized bedroom featuring unique antique furniture and plenty of work space, this bedroom was once the home of Sveva’s friend Joan Heriot. With a south-facing window shaded by horse chestnut trees, it is the perfect place to imagine new creations.
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5 Night Minimum , 90 day Maximum, studio space included (if requested).
5-27 days $85 per night*
*PST Accommodation tax applicable for stays under 28 days.
28-42 days (4-6 weeks) $80 per night
43-90 days (6-13 weeks) - $75 per night
Additional occupant - $10 per night
Heriot Suite
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The Artist Residency hosts multiple sitting rooms, a library, 2 shared kitchens, and 2 shared bathrooms, as well as numerous outdoor spaces in addition to working studios. Artists are encouraged to use all the spaces open to them, and find what suits their creative needs the best.
Shared Spaces
Surrounded by Art, Culture, Heritage & Nature
Please note, the main floor of the house has museum, display and office spaces and welcomes visitors five days a week, including guided and self-guided tours and other programming. There are two long-term tenancies with resident artists living onsite, and there are additional studios that are rented long-term by local artists. The artist-residency wing is reserved for artists alone, and does not have pubic visitors in the dedicated spaces.
Many seasons, there is also a family of deer living in the neighbourhood who spend quite a bit of time on the property. There have been resident owls, as well, and numerous bird species, and even an occasional bear and cougar sighting in the area. (Unfortunately, personal pets are not allowed as part of the residency).
Artists are welcome and encouraged to use the front veranda, the picnic and outdoor tables and chairs, and the courtyard when it is not booked for outside events. During your stay at the Caetani Centre, you will be surrounded by art, culture, and heritage in a quiet, central location, so you can both focus and be inspired.
“What a profound place with rich history. Kind and accommodating people on site! Will return!"
- Auroara Leigh, Artist-in-Residence and facilitator of Embodied Voice workshop, Winter 2023
Artist Studios
Multiple studios are available for your residency at the Caetani Centre. Each is located steps away from the house, with a separate outdoor entry. Artists who work in oil, acrylic or any medium that is wet or messy will need to book a studio for their work. Writers, digital artists, and those who work in dry mediums can choose to book a studio, as well, though many choose to work in their room.
These studios are usually booked by visiting Artists-in-Residence. However, there may be some weeks that the studios are vacant and can be booked by local artists and writers looking for a focused space in which to work.
Off-site studio spaces may be available for ceramic artists through the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
Please contact the Caetani Centre if you require special facilities or are interested in partnering with a local organization.
For all bookings of studios and rooms, please check our availability calendar for available dates, then fill out and submit an application form.
Ninfa Studio
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Footprint: approximately 12’ x 14’ (3.7 x 4.3 m)
Ceiling height: approximately 8’ (2.44 m)
Two windows facing south and west. Stand-alone utility sink, concrete floor, rolling cart, drafting table, and folding table (shelves and tables can be removed if not needed). Adjacent bathroom.
Jüül Studio
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Footprint: approximately 12’ x 14’ (3.7 x 4.3 m)
Ceiling height: approximately 8’ (2.44 m)
Windows on three sides facing west, north and east. Sink with counter and cupboard space, shelving, and table (shelves and table can be removed if not needed). Vinyl flooring over concrete. Adjacent bathroom.
Sveva Studio
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The space where Sveva Caetani herself spent countless hours painting watercolour masterpieces, this room is unique in its location and creative potential. Large working desk, north and west facing windows, and plenty of wall space to hang your own work. Does not have dedicated sink space, and drop cloths and protective barriers must be used with messy mediums.
Sunroom
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A room perfect for writers, sketch artists, watercolourists, and digital media artists. May not have furniture shown, but could include what you might need for desk, chair, shelving, etc.
Additional Fees for All Rooms
Commitment Fee: 20% of total booking fee is due three months before arrival. This is non-refundable, and goes toward the final total of fees, which are due no later than once month before arrival.
In the event of cancellation by the artist after committing to the accepted program, the Caetani Cultural Centre reserves the right to retain up to and including the full amount of the commitment fee.
Cleaning fee. A $75 inclusive cleaning fee is due along with your booking fees. If it is deemed additional cleaning is needed above and beyond standard cleaning, charges will be taken off damage deposit
The above rooms all share the Artist in Residency Suite. Included in this is:
2 Shared 4-piece full bathrooms
2 Shared kitchen and eating areas
Cooking supplies, utensils, plates, and cutlery in both kitchens
2 Shared sitting rooms upstairs plus main floor Library and in sunroom/patio
Artist parking onsite
Bed linens, towels, and cleaning products are supplied
Coin operated laundry on-site (coins available to purchase in office)
Free wi-fi
Heat pumps and air conditioning units (Fogliano Room has Dyson Fan system for heating and cooling)
Please note, The Caetani Centre does not provide daily cleaning of the rooms or studios or daily meals. Coin-operated laundry is located on-site. Residents are expected to keep their studio spaces and rooms, shared common areas of the kitchen, bathroom and other common areas clean and tidy in a timely manner, with respect for the other residents using the space. Weekly cleaning by housekeeping is done Tuesdays between 12pm and 4pm.
Additional fees may be charged if we feel that this requirement is not being satisfactorily met.
Artists are responsible for their own travel, health insurance, food requirements, materials, equipment, and transportation. The Caetani Centre is walking distance from downtown and Vernon and most amenities. Please research transit routes before arrival.Vernon has a well-run e-scooter service that visitors can access.
Getting Here & Around Town
Vernon is located at the top of the Okanagan Valley. We are located 30 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, approximately 5 hours from Vancouver, and 6 hours from Calgary by car. Getting from Kelowna Airport (YLW) to Vernon
Artists are responsible for their own transportation, getting to and around Vernon. The Caetani Centre is located three blocks from downtown Vernon, and is within walking distance or on public transportation routes to cafes, restaurants, shopping, as well as most public facilities and amenities. Bike trails and bus service are available in the region, and also to other centres. A complimentary bicycle and helmet are also available for the resident’s use (at their own risk) and Vernon has a well-run e-scooter service that visitors can access.
Location, location, location…
At the top of the Okanagan Valley, Vernon is a small city with a vibrant arts and cultural community. Surrounded by natural beauty, orchards, farms, and vineyards, Greater Vernon is the Trails Capital of BC, with an unparalleled network of walking, biking, and multi-use trails circling the city, including the popular Rail Trail. We are located between three lakes, Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake and Swan Lake, and 25 minutes from world class cross-country and downhill skiing, and a variety of mountain biking trail terrain.
We are home to a public art gallery, community arts centre, performing arts centre, community theatre, commercial galleries, a historic cinema, library, science centre, recreation centre, and public pool, most of which are walking and biking distance from the Caetani Centre, or accessible by public transit and e-scooter.
Climate
The Okanagan Valley is generally hot and dry during the summer months, and can get very hot during June, July and August in particular, ranging to over 35°C. More moderate summer temperatures can last well into September and then the fall cools off gradually. Winters generally range from +10° to -10° C, however temperatures can also reach as low as -25°C or more. Usually, this kind of cold does not last more than 2 weeks, but this can fluctuate during the winter months. In the Spring, temperatures warm up rapidly in the region, with April daytime highs reaching 20ºC, but can still be very cool at night. Visiting artists are encouraged to bring a variety of clothing for all weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are always advised.
Fill out the form below for Self-Directed Residencies
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