The CIR program is a six‑month residency with Art Windsor‑Essex (AWE) where a community collective leads the creation of a community display, a series of community conversations, and other civic‑engagement activities. The goal is to spark social inclusion and strengthen civic engagement in Windsor‑Essex, especially around issues relevant to the 2026 municipal elections.
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ROLE DESCRIPTION, 2025/26 CITIZEN-IN-RESIDENCE
- Term: 6-month residency
- Honorarium: $5,000
- Location: Windsor-Essex region
Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) invites applications for its Citizens-in-Residence (CIRs) program, a unique opportunity for community members to lead the creation of a community display, a series of community conversations, and other civic engagement activities.
The CIRs will collaborate with AWE staff, a commissioned lead artist, and key community partners to develop a project that fosters social inclusion and enhances civic engagement in Windsor-Essex.
Key Responsibilities
- Co-lead community conversations and workshops that inform the themes and content of the community display.
- Identify key community partners for the project.
- Engage other community organizations, impacted individuals, and policy makers in the development of the exhibition and related programming.
- Work with a commissioned artist to shape the visual and conceptual elements of the display.
- Coordinate logistics and timelines for meetings, retreats, and public-facing activities.
- Oversee the installation and launch of the community display and associated programs.
- Contribute to the planning and promotion of the next CIR cycle.
- Work with AWE staff to understand and respect institutional resources and community engagement practices.
Eligibility
- Must be 19 years or older at the time of application.
- Must reside in Windsor-Essex during the project period.
Support Provided
- $5,000 honorarium for time invested
- Funding TBD for other project expenses (e.g., materials, capacity building, honorariums).
Ideal Candidate
- Has a clear vision for a change they wish to see in Windsor-Essex.
- Demonstrates a strong connection to a specific community, issue, or neighborhood.
- Has experience or interest in community organizing, civic engagement, or social inclusion.
- Is comfortable working collaboratively with artists, institutions, and community stakeholders
The 2026 Citizens in Residence Program is generously supported by The O’Neil Foundation.
Call For Submissions
The CIR program is a six‑month residency with Art Windsor‑Essex (AWE) where a community collective leads the creation of a community display, a series of community conversations, and other civic‑engagement activities. The goal is to spark social inclusion and strengthen civic engagement in Windsor‑Essex, especially around issues relevant to the 2026 municipal elections.
Applicants must:
- Be 19 years or older at the time of application.
- Live in Windsor‑Essex during the entire project period (Spring–Fall 2026).
- Apply as a collective, grassroots group, or non‑profit organization.
Projects should:
- Identify a specific change the applicants want to see in Windsor‑Essex.
- Connect that change to issues influenced by municipal government decisions.
- Enhance civic engagement and/or social inclusion.
- Make meaningful use of AWE’s resources, potential partnerships, and public‑facing programming.
CIRs will:
- Organize 3 community conversations on May 21, July 18, August 20
- Activate a community gathering space set-up in AWE/ host public events on 13 additional Thursday evenings between 5-9pm from May-October.
- Attend Pitch Night on April 23rd from 6-730pm. Prepare a 10-minute pitch.
- Work with a commissioned artist to shape the community gathering space.
- Coordinate logistics for meetings, retreats, and public events.
- Oversee installation and launch of the community gathering space.
- Nominate members to be the point of contact for projects, and AWE will do the same.
- Follow AWE policies for providing accessible, engaging and respectful public events.
The Selected CIR will receive:
- A $5,000 honorarium for their time. A $5,000 micro‑grant to support project activities. This is the total that is provided to the group as a whole.
- Access to AWE staff, space, institutional resources, and commissioned artists.
Eligible expenses include:
- Project materials, printing, visual aids, building materials, technology; capacity building such as case studies, site visits, etc;
- Honorariums for facilitators, presenters, and speakers
Ineligible expenses include:
- Materials or equipment for personal business that are not directly related to the project.
A jury of AWE staff will review submissions and shortlist candidates based on:
- Clarity of the desired change, and how this project can move that change forward.
- Strength of community connection.
- Feasibility and impact of the proposed activities.
- Alignment with civic engagement and social inclusion goals.
- Budget notes.
Short‑listed applicants will be presented at a public event in April 2026, where a panel will select candidates.
Experience is helpful but not required. Ideal applicants:
- Have a clear vision for community change.
- Are connected to a specific neighbourhood, issue, or community.
- Are comfortable collaborating with artists, institutions, and community partners.
- Are interested in civic engagement and social inclusion.
Applications must come from collectives, grassroots groups, or non‑profit organizations. Individuals may participate as part of a collective but cannot apply alone.
Questions? Please contact Sophie Hinch, Education and Public Programs Coordinator at [email protected].