Call for AI-first science: Bio, Neuro, Nano

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Space for Life: Artist Residency Grant Program supports professional visual artists and collectives in Montréal in creating original artwork inspired by space exploration, the Voyager space probes, and their iconic Golden Record. Selected artists can receive up to $15,000 toward residency and creation expenses, along with access to studios, scientific specialists, specialized equipment, temporary workspace, and professional guidance, with the completed work presented publicly at an upcoming Planetarium exhibition. The Space for Life Artist Residency Grant Program creates opportunities for collaboration between artistic practices and scientific knowledge. The residency invites professional visual artists to explore space and humanity’s relationship with the universe through original artistic work. The Voyager probes and their Golden Record provide the central inspiration for the residency. Artists may explore ideas related to: The residency culminates in a public presentation of the completed work at the Planetarium’s upcoming exhibition. Selected artists or collectives can receive up to: The grant is intended to cover eligible residency and artwork creation expenses. In addition to the financial award, participants receive access to facilities, equipment, specialists, and other professional resources. The program supports the development of an original visual arts project inspired by the Voyager probes and their Golden Record.

Projects can explore themes such as:

The proposed project should establish a meaningful connection between the artist’s practice and the program’s space-exploration theme. Selected artists benefit from a combination of financial and non-monetary support.

The residency provides:

These resources allow artists to incorporate scientific knowledge, research, and technical experimentation into their creative process. The residency is designed to culminate in a public presentation of the completed artwork. The selected project will be presented at the Planetarium’s upcoming exhibition, providing an opportunity for the artist or collective to share the work with a public audience. The presentation also connects the artistic project with the broader cultural and scientific environment of the Planetarium. The program is open to professional visual artists and eligible visual arts collectives.

Individual applicants must:

Applicants must also meet all other program requirements. Collectives can apply if they satisfy the specific composition requirements.

A collective must:

The collective must also meet the program’s requirements for professional visual arts practice. Attendance at one of the mandatory information sessions is required to apply. Applicants should attend an eligible information session before submitting their application and ensure that they meet any requirements associated with participation. Applicants who have not attended the required information session are not eligible. The program excludes several categories of applicants.

Ineligible applicants include:

Applicants should verify their eligibility before developing and submitting a proposal.

Projects may be ineligible if they:

The program is intended to support original artistic creation rather than projects primarily designed for promotion or education. Applicants should present a clear artistic concept and demonstrate how the proposed work connects with space exploration and the Voyager probes.

Important preparation areas include:

Applicants should avoid:

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by: It is a residency and grant program supporting professional visual artists and collectives in Montréal to develop original visual artwork inspired by space exploration and the Voyager probes. Selected artists or collectives can receive up to $15,000. The grant is paid in two instalments: $10,000 at the start of the residency and $5,000 after submission of the final report. The residency focuses on original visual arts projects inspired by the Voyager space probes and their Golden Record. Participants can receive studio time, expert consultations, temporary workspace, access to telescopes and a 3D printer, Planetarium activities, professional guidance, and support for promoting the completed work. Professional visual artists who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have lived on the Island of Montréal for at least one year can apply, subject to the other program requirements. Yes. Collectives must have at least two artists, a majority of members residing in Montréal, and at least two-thirds of members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Yes. Applicants must attend one of the mandatory information sessions to apply. Individuals who have participated in an Espace pour la vie residency within the previous five years are ineligible. No. Applicants must be physically present in Montréal for the majority of the residency. Projects that are primarily educational or promotional are ineligible. The program focuses on original visual arts creation. Yes. The residency culminates in a public presentation of the completed project at the Planetarium’s upcoming exhibition. The Space for Life Artist Residency Grant Program offers up to $15,000 in financial support alongside studio access, scientific expertise, specialized equipment, and professional guidance for eligible Montréal visual artists and collectives. By connecting visual arts with space exploration and the Voyager probes, the residency provides an opportunity to develop original work exploring communication, memory, identity, and humanity’s relationship with the universe. For more information, visit Foresight Institute.