Seven local artists chosen for Local Arts Residency at Kingston Grand Theatre

The City of Kingston’s next Local Arts Residency is set to begin next week, with seven local artists creating at the Kingston Grand Theatre this summer.

The Local Arts Residency program was launched last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the performing arts, according to the City. Now an annual program, the residency is delivered by the City’s Arts & Culture Services department.

According to a release from the City, the program provides space and support to Kingston artists to explore ideas, create, and nurture new directions in their work.

The 2022 artists-in-residence:

• Jan Le Clair, July 4 through 8 (Regina Rosen Auditorium)
• Melissa Noventa and Zahra Badua-Baffoe, July 4 through 8 (Baby Grand)
• Lydia Wilton, July 11 through 15 (Regina Rosen Auditorium)
• Sophia Fabiilli, Zoë Sweet and Sarah Kitz, July 11 through 15 (Baby Grand)

“We’re thrilled to welcome such a dynamic group of performing artists to the Kingston Grand for the 2022 Local Arts Residency,” said Danika Lochhead, Manager, Arts & Sector Development. “This program is an annual initiative that invests in local artist development and enhances the role of the Kingston Grand as a community, cultural hub.”

According to the release, through an open call for proposals, 32 applications were submitted this year. The City said that the artists-in-residence were selected by a jury consisting of professional artists presented through the City’s Grand OnStage program and included Franco Boni, Miss Emily, and Crazy Smooth.

“We extend special thanks to our jury. We know they had difficult decisions to make, and believe their selection captures a diverse range of artistic expressions,” said Lochhead.

As in the past, the residencies will be documented through photography and videography and shared on the City’s website and social media channels to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the 2022 artists-in-residence.

2021 Artists-in-Residence

Last year, nine inaugural artists-in-residence were welcomed into the Kingston Grand Theatre for the first-ever Local Arts Residency and videos were produced to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the residencies and to promote and showcase Kingston artists. Past videos can be viewed on the Kingston Grand Theatre YouTube channel.

Learn more about the Local Arts Residency, including details on the artists-in-residence, on the City of Kingston website.