Canada and Australia might be on opposite sides of the planet, but that’s not stopping the Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency from creating collaboration between two Indigenous artists. 

The Blue Cabin, which has launched in the unceded lands and waters of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and was originally built in 1927 as the float home of a Norwegian carpenter, now acts as an artist residency at Imperial Landing in Steveston Village. 

The organization recently unveiled plans for its next residency, which will bring Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artist Tarryn Love from Australia’s Wadawurrung Country out to Canada’s West Coast. According to a release, Love’s work “represents the distinctiveness of Gunditjmara ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing that is not one way but constantly happening and changing. She aims to explore identity in the here and now while centering language and carrying on the work of remembering, reclamation, regeneration, and revitalisation.”

Love will land in Steveston on September 5 for a residency at the Blue Cabin until October 17, during which time she will stay at the Branscombe House and both host and facilitate free events for local audiences—including workshops, talks, and studio tours.

Athena Picha, a Salish artist from the Kwantlen First Nation, will then be jetting off to Mebourne, Australia on October 18 to start a residency hosted by Footscray Community Arts until November 29. She will also be hosting events during her residency, sharing her knowledge of Salish wool weaving, silver engraving, wood carving, and tool making. 

“Atheana’s practice is grounded in learning more about Salish design through studying the old pieces, observing nature, and learning from her elders and teachers,” states the release.

Those hoping to participate in upcoming workshops and events can head over to the Blue Cabin’s website to find a list of upcoming programs.