The Co-Designing a Smartwear Revolution research project at the University of Alberta invites artists, designers, performers, and artist-researchers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for two Artist-in-Residency opportunities.
The two artists-in-residence will interact with team members, technologies, and practices from our Smartwear Revolution project, and create artwork for the SUPPORT Festival, a series of art, performance and fashion events taking place in 2028.


About the Project
Co-Designing a Smartwear Revolution is an international research project based at the University of Alberta. We develop "smart" fibers to make accessible, intelligent clothing that can learn to assist mobility for people with muscle weakness, including disabled people, aging individuals, caregivers, and healthcare workers. This project involves over 100 researchers working in fields such as textile science, AI, robotics, and social justice.










Two Residency Opportunities
(1) In-Person Residency 
* You get direct access to labs involved in the Smartwear Revolution project for inspiration and immersion in the research, along with opportunities for conversations with researchers, technologists, and other project personnel across disciplines.


* What you receive: $12,000 CAD total, inclusive of materials, travel, accommodation, and production costs. You also get access to studio space, technical and studio resources, research assistance, studio visits, feedback and mentorship.


* Location and dates: University of Alberta, Edmonton. May and June, 2027.


(2) Virtual Residency
* You have access to virtual tours of the labs involved in the project for inspiration and immersion in the research, along with opportunities for online conversations with researchers, technologists, and other project personnel across disciplines.


* What you receive: $8,000 CAD total, inclusive of materials and production costs. You also get access to research assistance, and virtual studio visits, feedback and mentorship.


* Location and dates: Fully online. Flexible dates between February 2027 and December 2027.












Who Is Eligible?
* Artists, artist-researchers, collectives and student artists are eligible to apply. There are no restrictions regarding nationality, geography, age, gender, sexuality, religion, or disability. 


* We are particularly interested in applicants with lived or professional experience related to disability, chronic illness, muscular/skeletal weakness, aging, caregiving, rehabilitation, or healthcare.


* Applicants should demonstrate relevant creative experience making visual art, fashion and/or performance.  


How to apply
Submit an Expression of Interest using this Google form, and include:
●      artist statement (250-500 words)
●      artist biography (250-500 words) or short CV
●      examples of 8-10 works or link to a website or social media profile
●      project proposal (250-500 words)
 
We will host information sessions to explain the EOI process and answer questions. We will be available to provide support and accommodate needs of potential applicants, including alternative formats (video/audio proposals, etc). Proposals chosen to advance to Stage 2 will be invited to complete a more detailed proposal and meet for an interview.


* Deadline: December 15, 2026
* Notification: January 15, 2027
* Final Results: February 15, 2027


Fees & Support
* The artist-in-residence working on site will receive $12,000 CAD, and the artist-in-residence working remotely will receive $8,000 CAD inclusive of artist fees, travel, accommodations, materials and production costs. Artists will also receive research or studio assistance and mentorship.


Contact & Assistance
We are committed to making this application process accessible. If you require this call in another format, need assistance with your application, or would like to consult with a staff member:
* Please attend one of our upcoming information sessions.
* Contact us at adwg@ualberta.ca
________________


1. Preferred Pronouns:




2. Name: (first and last name)




3. Email:




4. If you prefer not to communicate via email, please let us know how you prefer to be contacted. Ex. Phone - (780) 234 5678







   5. Link to website and/or social media profile. Please leave blank if you don't have these.








   6. I am geographically located in:







   7. I am interested in
   1. an in person residency
   2. a virtual residency


      8. Artist statement (250-500 words) 

Describe your artistic practice, including the themes, ideas, materials, or methods that are important to your work. 

(e.g., What kind of art do you make? What inspires your work? What topics or communities do you explore? What materials, media, or processes do you commonly use?)
________________


         9. Artist biography (250-500 words) or a short CV. 

Tell us about yourself as an artist, including your background, experience, and any important achievements or milestones. 

(e.g., What is your artistic background? Have you participated in exhibitions, performances, residencies, or community projects?)
________________
         10. Artist in residence proposal (250-500 words) 

Describe the project or idea you would like to develop during the residency and what you hope to explore or achieve. 

(e.g., What do you want to create or research? Why is this project important to you? How will the residency support your work?)
________________
         11. We are not asking for accessibility information at this stage, but if you have accessibility requests you would like to share with us to help prepare a full application, please let us know.
________________
         12. Do you self-identify as a person with lived experience of muscle weakness, caregiving or older age? If so you are welcome to explain here how this might inform your contribution (250 words maximum)






























            13. Which aspects of the Smartwear research team interests you most to explore as part of a residency?
            1. Disability justice
            2. Sensors and actuators
            3. Batteries/Power
            4. Biomechanics/movement
            5. Intelligent control
            6. Textile integration
            7. Healthcare Policy
            8. Other:_______________________________



               14. If you are interested in using some of the facilities at the University of Alberta to create your work, what facilities are you most interested in working with?
               1. Digital Scholarship Centre (3D printing, scanning, sound recording, video production, high end computing)
               2. ELKO Garage (High end maker space)
               3. Sound Studies Institute (sound recording, production, virtual reality, multi-channel sound installation)
               4. Printmaking studio (etching, screenprinting, lithography, intaglio relief) NB the Printmaking studios have considerable accessibility restrictions
               5. Sculpture studios (welding, wood working, ceramics, soft sculpture)
               6. Painting (oil and acrylic)
               7. Media Art (green screen, high end computing)
               8. Other:__________________________________




                  15. If you prefer to submit your EOI as a video, please submit a 3-5 minute video or audio recording explaining your artistic practice and artist-in-residence proposal. Please send your video to adwg@ualberta.ca.

Please note: Even if you are submitting a video version of your application, you are still required to complete and submit this form.




                     16. Submit a PDF of a portfolio with 8 - 10 examples of previous relevant work. Please send your PDF portfolio to adwg@ualberta.ca.