Community Creative Program

The Bloedel Reserve Community Creative Program was established in 2023 to offer local members of the community the opportunity to utilize Bloedel Reserve as a place of inspiration for their work over a period of several months. The program offers the community new ways of interacting with the Reserve and the program participants time to develop a relationship with nature.

Each Community Creative is expected to offer at least one community engagement opportunity for the public. There is no housing associated with this program.

2026 Community Creative Application

Applications for 2026 are accessible between July 15th and September 1st.

If you’d like to apply for the Creative Residency, click here.

About the Jury Process

Community Creatives are selected by a committee made up of rotating Bloedel Reserve staff members. An online scoring system is used for an initial screening, followed by a discussion where the group reaches consensus about whom to invite. Considerations will be centered around alignment with the Reserve’s vision and values, possibilities for community engagement, and the ability of staff to interact with and support the Community Creative’s work.

Strolling through the woods
There through winter’s bare branches
Birdsong fills the air

– Pamela Wachtler, 2023 Community Creative

Questions About the Program?

For more information about the program or the application process, please contact Creative Residency Manager Amy King here.