WMF Creative Project Residency
Applications are now CLOSED for our 2026 season. Read about our 2026 residents!
The WMF Residency fosters artistic development and community building through innovative music programming, sustainable co-op living, and partnerships with local venues, public spaces, and farm producers in Airdrie, AB.
Resident artists will receive guidance in successfully planning and executing performance projects from start to finish, while workshopping ideas to create more inclusive and accessible experiences for audiences and performers. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, this program provides all musicians with accommodations and meals, $1,000 CAD in artist compensation, and up to $300 CAD travel reimbursement.
Living, breathing, and rediscovering sound in the Rockies.
The WMF Residency will invite 5 performing artists (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 piano) to present their respective creative projects in addition to performing in the Mainstage Chamber Music Series concerts at outdoor and indoor venues across the local Airdrie community.
Participants will integrate their artistic vision with the land and people, engaging with the local community, and creating, designing, and implementing projects that align with the values and mission of the WMF.
Residency Schedule *subject to change
Week I
August 23 Residents arrive
The closest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Transport to and from the airport will be arranged by WMF.
Daily practice and rehearsals
Project development through seminars and workshops by guest speakers (see About page)
Week II
Daily practice and rehearsals
September 1-3 Resident creative projects (see Archive page for examples)
September 4-6 MainStage Concert Series
September 7 Residents depart
This residency involves a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. At Windwood, we stress the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking breaks as needed. Community and team building during free evenings is highly encouraged (potential activities: farmers market outing, evening neighborhood walks, improvisation and sight-reading sessions, board game/movie nights).
Application Guidelines
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March 15, 2026: Application deadline
March 23, 2026: Acceptances sent out
April 1, 2026: Registration
August 23, 2026: Residents arrive
September 7, 2026: Residents depart
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Complete all required (*) fields in the application form
Short video clip introducing yourself and your interest in the Windwood Music Festival
Video recordings of two contrasting solo works and one chamber work uploaded online
Project proposal* (see below for details)
CV or Resume
Biography
Repertoire list (solo and chamber works)
Headshot
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Accepting violin, viola, cello, and piano. Performing artists with a strong interest in creative concert programming, community engagement, and art as activism are encouraged to apply.
This program is geared towards early-career professional musicians.
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All participants receive free room and board, $1,000 CAD artist compensation, and travel reimbursement up to $300 CAD.
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Submit a 50-60 minute program you would like to perform. Solo, collaborative, or chamber (strings/piano) that involves andcollaborates with a specific venue and audience in Airdrie.
Questions to consider:
-why and how have you selected the repertoire? (Is there a particular theme, message, unique element?)
-what is your venue? (outdoor, indoor, traditional concert hall, church, school, unconventional spaces e.g. breweries, cafes, library, museum)
-who is your audience?
-how would you like them to feel?
-will you/can you engage the community in some way? (collaborate with local farmers, artists, schools, small business owners)
-how is your project different from a traditional concert hall recital?
-what resources do you need? (technical, personnel, budget)
During the residency, we will workshop and fine-tune your proposals, so whether you have just the beginnings of a broad idea or a program you already solidified and performed, feel free to submit projects in any stage of development.
Click here for selected projects from previous years.
Questions? For further information, please contact windwoodmusicfestival@gmail.com.
“Windwood was an inspiring two weeks that truly showcased how musicians can connect with communities in unique and engaging ways. I’ll always cherish the relationships we built with each other and with Airdrie, and Windwood definitely opened my perspectives towards bringing classical music to everyone in a fun way!”
– William Chiang, 2023 Piano
“Windwood Music Festival is a place where musicians can go to hone an important skill that is far too often overlooked: how to meaningfully connect with audiences and other musicians. Attending Windwood was a welcome relief from the often overwhelming competitiveness of this field, and it left me feeling inspired to bring a deeper sense of purpose and connection to all of my performances.”
– David Dietz, 2023 Cello
“What I remember the most and hope to keep with me the longest are the people, and how wonderful and kind and brilliant everyone was. I'm so grateful that Windwood gave me the opportunity to connect deeply with friends new and old, through music, food, and companionship. Not everyone has the courage to aim as high as Windwood does, and I felt like it always pushed me to do more while also providing comfort and healing; a paradox I haven't experienced before.”
– Teresa Wang, 2023 Violin
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
We are an equal opportunity collective. All applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status. WMF encourages applicants from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the field of classical music to apply.