The Heliconian Club currently runs five residency programs, one each in Dance, Drama, Literature, Music and Visual Art. Residencies are open to women applicants only.
Residencies run from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. Successful candidates will have the benefits of membership in the Club for the year of their residency, and should any resident wish to join the following year, the one-time initiation fee would be waived. The benefits of membership include access to free member programming and member discounts on ticketed Club events. There is no financial compensation attached to the residency, only the membership benefits, and the services listed below attached to specific residencies. Also, no on-site residence is provided. Residencies are not open to current or past Heliconian members.
Residencies run from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. Successful candidates will have the benefits of membership in the Club for the year of their residency, and should any resident wish to join the following year, the one-time initiation fee would be waived. The benefits of membership include access to free member programming and member discounts on ticketed Club events. There is no financial compensation attached to the residency, only the membership benefits, and the services listed below attached to specific residencies. Also, no on-site residence is provided. Residencies are not open to current or past Heliconian members.
Applications for Artistic Residences for 2026-2027 are now open!
Visual Artist-in-Residence
The Visual Art Section of the Heliconian Club annually works to appoint a Visual Artist-in-residence. The Visual Artist-in-Residence will be able to attend Life Drawing sessions, free of charge, every Monday September to June (excluding holidays) in Heliconian Hall. The Artist-in-residence will be able to show her work in Heliconian Hall in a solo show in June (no charge for exhibition space but 20% commission applies to sales made during the show, to a maximum of $1000).
Heliconian members look forward to observing progress midway through the year (February) as well as at the formal show in June. It is expected that the candidate will share her artistic vision with members by means of a tutorial, demonstration or workshop.
Applicants submit five images (digital files) of original work, with an artistic statement describing their work (one page maximum) and a CV. Candidates also prepare a brief biography and a letter of intent concerning the creation of new work during the coming year (one page maximum). A short list of applicants are invited for interviews to make the final selection. Applications due by May 29th, 2026.
Heliconian members look forward to observing progress midway through the year (February) as well as at the formal show in June. It is expected that the candidate will share her artistic vision with members by means of a tutorial, demonstration or workshop.
Applicants submit five images (digital files) of original work, with an artistic statement describing their work (one page maximum) and a CV. Candidates also prepare a brief biography and a letter of intent concerning the creation of new work during the coming year (one page maximum). A short list of applicants are invited for interviews to make the final selection. Applications due by May 29th, 2026.
Writer-in-Residence
The Literature Section seeks a Writer-in-Residence for 2026-2027. Eligibility: The position is open to female writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry or drama and to professional editors and journalists.
Description of the Residency: The position provides an opportunity for a writer to connect creatively with members of the Literature Section and with the Club members and the other Artists-in-Residence in the Dance, Drama, Humanities, Music and Visual Arts Sections. In addition to the benefits of membership and the waiver of the initiation fee mentioned above, the Writer-in-Residence receives a free Hall rental for an arts-related event (book launch, author talk, poetry reading). The Writer-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Literature Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example to conduct a writing workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include the following: resume, list of published works, writing sample if desired (no more than 2000 words); letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position, of what benefit the position would be to her and how she, in turn, could benefit the Heliconian Club; contact Information including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website. Applications must be received by May 15, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Literature Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3.
In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. Both emerging and established writers are welcome to apply. If you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
Description of the Residency: The position provides an opportunity for a writer to connect creatively with members of the Literature Section and with the Club members and the other Artists-in-Residence in the Dance, Drama, Humanities, Music and Visual Arts Sections. In addition to the benefits of membership and the waiver of the initiation fee mentioned above, the Writer-in-Residence receives a free Hall rental for an arts-related event (book launch, author talk, poetry reading). The Writer-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Literature Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example to conduct a writing workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include the following: resume, list of published works, writing sample if desired (no more than 2000 words); letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position, of what benefit the position would be to her and how she, in turn, could benefit the Heliconian Club; contact Information including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website. Applications must be received by May 15, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Literature Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3.
In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. Both emerging and established writers are welcome to apply. If you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
Dance Artist-in-Residence
The Dance Section is seeking a Dance Artist-in-Residence for 2026-2027.
Eligibility: The candidate will be a female or female-identifying dance artist, choreographer, educator or other dance professional with relevant training and a considerable body of work in her chosen field. Ideally the candidate will be working on a piece that requires rehearsal space to bring it to performance level.
Description of the residency: The Dance Section has offered a residency program since 2011. In addition to the benefits of membership listed above and the waiver of the initiation fee, the residency offers free rehearsal space in Heliconian Hall. The Hall is a former church space that is large, open, unobstructed and well-lit. It has a suitable dance surface and some natural spring due to wooden joists in the building
construction. The rehearsal times are subject to availability because the Hall is a rental venue. The best availability is during weekdays, but limited evening or weekend access may also be arranged. Booking is usually limited to 6 hours a week.
At the end of the residency, should the Dance Artist-in-Residence have a performance-ready work, she will receive a free Hall rental to present the finished work to Club members and the general public.
The residency also provides an opportunity for the candidate to connect creatively with members of the Dance Section and with Club members in the Drama, Humanities, Literature, Music and Visual Arts Sections, and to collaborate with the Artists-in-Residence in those Sections, for example, by interpreting their work in multi-disciplinary events.
The Dance Artist-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Dance Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example, to conduct a workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th
anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include a brief biography; an artist statement together with two short video pieces of original work; a letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position and of what benefit it will be to her work-in-progress or her career and in turn, how she can benefit the Club; a letter of recommendation from an individual who can comment on her suitability for this residency; and contact Information
including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website.
Applications must be received by May 25, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Dance Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3. In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. We encourage applications from artists of diverse backgrounds. Both emerging and established dance artists are welcome to apply. If
you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
Eligibility: The candidate will be a female or female-identifying dance artist, choreographer, educator or other dance professional with relevant training and a considerable body of work in her chosen field. Ideally the candidate will be working on a piece that requires rehearsal space to bring it to performance level.
Description of the residency: The Dance Section has offered a residency program since 2011. In addition to the benefits of membership listed above and the waiver of the initiation fee, the residency offers free rehearsal space in Heliconian Hall. The Hall is a former church space that is large, open, unobstructed and well-lit. It has a suitable dance surface and some natural spring due to wooden joists in the building
construction. The rehearsal times are subject to availability because the Hall is a rental venue. The best availability is during weekdays, but limited evening or weekend access may also be arranged. Booking is usually limited to 6 hours a week.
At the end of the residency, should the Dance Artist-in-Residence have a performance-ready work, she will receive a free Hall rental to present the finished work to Club members and the general public.
The residency also provides an opportunity for the candidate to connect creatively with members of the Dance Section and with Club members in the Drama, Humanities, Literature, Music and Visual Arts Sections, and to collaborate with the Artists-in-Residence in those Sections, for example, by interpreting their work in multi-disciplinary events.
The Dance Artist-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Dance Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example, to conduct a workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th
anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include a brief biography; an artist statement together with two short video pieces of original work; a letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position and of what benefit it will be to her work-in-progress or her career and in turn, how she can benefit the Club; a letter of recommendation from an individual who can comment on her suitability for this residency; and contact Information
including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website.
Applications must be received by May 25, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Dance Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3. In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. We encourage applications from artists of diverse backgrounds. Both emerging and established dance artists are welcome to apply. If
you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
Musician-in-Residence
The Music Section offered its first Musician-in-Residence position in 2018. The Musician-in-Residence program is a symbiotic one. The resident musician is expected to contribute in some way to the life of the Music Section and the rest of the Club and, in turn, the Music Section will offer unique opportunities to the musician that will be meaningful and invigorating. Benefits include a free hall rental for a concert/workshop event of the artist's choosing (all revenue going to the artist), a free subscription to the Heliconian Music Concert Series, and a variety of collaboration and performance opportunities throughout the year. The Musician-in-Residence is expected to lead at least one workshop/seminar for Club members and present a finished work (performance/composition/etc.) to Club members and the general public at the Club in June.
Each year we seek an emerging female artist of any age. Applicants will submit a recording of a recent performance (5 minutes max), or a recording of a performance of a recent composition (composed within the last 3 years) with an artistic statement describing their work (one page maximum) and a CV. Candidates will prepare a brief biography and a letter of intent describing what they hope to achieve as Musician-in- Residence. A short list of applicants will be invited for interviews/live audition to make the final selection.
Applications must be received by June 15th, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Music Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3
Each year we seek an emerging female artist of any age. Applicants will submit a recording of a recent performance (5 minutes max), or a recording of a performance of a recent composition (composed within the last 3 years) with an artistic statement describing their work (one page maximum) and a CV. Candidates will prepare a brief biography and a letter of intent describing what they hope to achieve as Musician-in- Residence. A short list of applicants will be invited for interviews/live audition to make the final selection.
Applications must be received by June 15th, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Music Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3
Dramatist-in-Residence
The Drama Section is seeking a Dramatist-in-Residence for 2026-2027.
Eligibility: The candidate will be female playwright, actor, director, dramaturge or other theatre professional who has spent no fewer than two years working in her chosen field after training (if applicable). The candidate must demonstrate a strong ability for working in the theatre, have created or participated in at least one theatrical work that has been presented, produced or published, and ideally have a script that is evolving and requires rehearsal space to bring it to a performance level.
Description of the residency: In addition to the benefits of membership listed above and the waiver of the initiation fee, the residency offers free rehearsal space in Heliconian Hall. The rehearsal times are subject to availability because the Hall is a rental venue. The best availability is during weekdays, but limited evening or weekend access may also be arranged. Booking is usually limited to 6 hours a week. The resident must work closely with the office to create a mutually workable schedule. At the end of the residency, should the Dramatist-in-Residence have a performance-ready work, she will receive a free Hall rental to present the finished work to Club members and the general public.
The residency also provides an opportunity for the candidate to discuss and to refine her work-in-progress with the theatre artists in the Drama Section and an opportunity to connect creatively with the Club members and the other Artists-in-Residence in the Dance, Humanities, Literature, Music and Visual Arts Sections.
The Dramatist-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Drama Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example, to conduct a writing workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include a brief biography, a letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position and of what benefit it will be to her career and how she can benefit the Club; a synopsis of the play or other work that will be developed during the residency; a letter of recommendation from an individual who can comment on her suitability for this residency; and contact Information including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website.
Applications must be received by May 25, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Drama Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3. In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. We encourage applications from artists of diverse cultures and heritages. Both emerging and established dramatists are welcome to apply. If you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
Eligibility: The candidate will be female playwright, actor, director, dramaturge or other theatre professional who has spent no fewer than two years working in her chosen field after training (if applicable). The candidate must demonstrate a strong ability for working in the theatre, have created or participated in at least one theatrical work that has been presented, produced or published, and ideally have a script that is evolving and requires rehearsal space to bring it to a performance level.
Description of the residency: In addition to the benefits of membership listed above and the waiver of the initiation fee, the residency offers free rehearsal space in Heliconian Hall. The rehearsal times are subject to availability because the Hall is a rental venue. The best availability is during weekdays, but limited evening or weekend access may also be arranged. Booking is usually limited to 6 hours a week. The resident must work closely with the office to create a mutually workable schedule. At the end of the residency, should the Dramatist-in-Residence have a performance-ready work, she will receive a free Hall rental to present the finished work to Club members and the general public.
The residency also provides an opportunity for the candidate to discuss and to refine her work-in-progress with the theatre artists in the Drama Section and an opportunity to connect creatively with the Club members and the other Artists-in-Residence in the Dance, Humanities, Literature, Music and Visual Arts Sections.
The Dramatist-in-Residence is encouraged to take part in Drama Section activities and to lead some creative programming within the Section, for example, to conduct a writing workshop or to preview a work in progress. She is expected to attend two Club-wide events - the President’s Reception in September of 2026 at which she is introduced and an all Artists-in-Residence event in June of 2027 - and to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations.
Applications: should include a brief biography, a letter of intent explaining why she is interested in the position and of what benefit it will be to her career and how she can benefit the Club; a synopsis of the play or other work that will be developed during the residency; a letter of recommendation from an individual who can comment on her suitability for this residency; and contact Information including name, telephone number, email address, mailing address, website.
Applications must be received by May 25, 2026 at: [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Drama Section, Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E3. In-person interviews may also be held. The Heliconian Club is an inclusive organization. We encourage applications from artists of diverse cultures and heritages. Both emerging and established dramatists are welcome to apply. If you need an accommodation to apply, please telephone (416) 922-3618.
