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MusicNL

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Musician-in-Residence Program

Photo by Teresa Earle

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The MusicNL Musician-in-Residence program connects artists with Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural heritage to inspire new creative work, strengthen community bonds, and provide dedicated time for artistic development. Each resident contributes to the local cultural landscape through community engagement, creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences while celebrating our shared musical heritage.

Since 2021, this proud partnership between MusicNL and Landfall Trust of Brigus has supported award-winning artists whose residencies have given rise to albums and recordings that continue to resonate:

  • 2021 Genoa residency: Rube & Rake – Good Time After Bad (released 2025)
  • 2022 Genoa residency: Nico Paulo – Nico Paulo (released 2023)
  • 2023 residency: Ana Luisa Ramos – Solaris (released 2024)
  • 2024 residency: Ian Foster – Travelogue (released 2025)
  • 2025 residency: Katie Baggs – TBD

THE EXPERIENCE

Each August, one MusicNL member is invited to spend two weeks at the historic Kent Cottage; a 200-year-old Landfall Preserve and Provincial Heritage Site perched on a cliff overlooking Brigus Bay, surrounded by 11 acres of untamed coastline and pristine, undeveloped natural lands. The rustic, off-the-grid cottage offers a quiet and secluded setting that makes it an ideal songwriting retreat, though other creative projects are warmly welcomed.

The selected Musician-in-Residence receives a place to live and create, along with a stipend for food and supplies.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As part of the residency, the selected musician is invited to lead a community outreach project. This often is a performance at the iconic Brigus Blueberry Festival (August 7th to 9th, 2026); though it may also be a workshop, presentation, artist talk, drop-in session, or any other activity you envision.

ELIGIBILITY

The Musician-in-Residence program is open to MusicNL members who are 19 years of age or older with an active music practice at any stage of their career. Equal consideration is given to all genres, and eligibility is not limited to lyric-based songwriting. 

Bands are welcome to apply. The cottage has two bedrooms — one with a double bed and one with two singles — and the stipend remains fixed regardless of the number of people attending.

Applications are encouraged from musicians of all backgrounds. Artists with children or dependents, or artists requiring a support person are welcome to apply. Children, dependents, spouses, partners and support persons may join you if required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be submitted through Good Grants using the application button below. Applications will only be considered if received through the online application form. If MusicNL requires further information, clarification, or links to support your application, you will be contacted directly.

If you have any issues with the form, require accommodations during the application process, or have any questions, please contact the MusicNL Programs Manager at programs@musicnl.ca.

ASSESSMENT 

Applications are evaluated by a jury of past Musician-in-Residence alumni using the following criteria, each scored out of 5:

  • Alignment to Program Goals: Does your proposed project reflect the spirit of the residency? We are looking for artists whose work connects with Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural and cultural heritage and who are committed to meaningful community engagement.
  • Strength and Clarity: Is your project clearly and compellingly described? A strong application communicates your vision, your process, and what you hope to accomplish during your two weeks at Kent Cottage.
  • Artistic Merit: Does your body of work demonstrate a strong and distinct artistic voice? Jurors will review your biography and previous work to assess the quality and depth of your practice.

Feasibility: Is your project realistic given the conditions of the residency? The cottage is off the grid, so projects requiring significant electricity will not be possible unless you have access to an alternative power source.

DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:59 PM NDT

APPLY NOW:

Apply

PROVISIONS

MusicNL, Landfall Trust and Genoa Design provides the following during the residency:

  • Comfortable living & studio space at Kent Cottage in Brigus, NL (see Facilities section for details)
  • A weekly stipend of $1,000 for living expenses (total $2,000)
  • Assistance in arranging and promoting a community outreach project

EXPECTATIONS

The artist is expected to:

  • Arrange their own transportation to and from Brigus
  • Arrive prepared with any instruments or musical equipment they require
  • Be ready for 2 weeks of reflection, inspiration, and creation! 
  • Lead one community outreach project (e.g. a performance at the iconic Brigus Blueberry Festival, a workshop, or a presentation)
  • Structure their time based on their goals, with consideration for the required community outreach activity
  • Be approachable and considerate of the community they are visiting
  • Abide by MusicNL’s Code of Conduct

FACILITIES & IMPORTANT RELATED NOTES

The program is hosted in Kent Cottage, operated by Landfall Trust. This two-story furnished cottage features:

  • An open kitchen/living room area and a small studio 
  • Two bedrooms (one with a queen-size bed and one with two twin beds), a small reading room, and a bathroom with an on-demand propane water heater
  • Bed linens, towels, and kitchenware 
  • Water is from a hillside reservoir and is untreated. It must be boiled before consumption. It is recommended that residents supply their own bottled drinking water and practice water conservation.
  • The heat source is an oil space heater, and the fridge and stove run on propane
  • The studio is not equipped with musical equipment or instruments. Artists will need to come prepared with anything they require to complete their work.
  • Solar panels provide enough power for lights and low-energy-draw electronic devices only. Please factor this into your residency plans.
  • Cellphone coverage is moderate. Wi-Fi is available in downtown Brigus.
  • Pets are not permitted (service animals are an exception) 
  • Smoking is not permitted

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to providing clear information about the cottage to help you determine if it will meet your needs.

Access and Approach

  • Road Access: Single-track dirt road requiring cautious driving
  • Walking Path: Approximately 100 meters from parking gate to cottage entrance along a mixed-surface path including grass, boardwalk sections, and gravel
  • Cottage Entry: Low steps leading up to the main entrance with a narrow front door

Interior

  • Ground Floor: open concept kitchen, living room and studio
  • Upper Level: two bedrooms, one bathroom, one reading room
  • Stair Access: Narrow staircase connects ground floor to upper level
  • Stair Safety: Stairs do not have visibility markers or contrast strips
  • Bathroom Location: Full bathroom and toilet facilities located on upper level only. Clawfoot bathtub.
  • Bedroom Access: Master bedroom on upper level; second bedroom has a small step-up threshold

Important Considerations

This cottage requires:

  • Navigation of uneven outdoor surfaces
  • Stair climbing for bathroom and bedroom access
  • Maneuvering through narrow doorways and stairs

We encourage you to contact us directly if you have specific accessibility questions or requirements. We are happy to work with Landfall Trust to provide additional details to help you make an informed decision about your stay.  

For pictures of the cottage interior, please visit https://landfalltrustnl.org/an-artists-retreat/