The City of Victoria has announced its new artist in residence: Kemi Craig.
The dancer, multimedia creator and performance artist, who has her master’s degree in fine arts from Emily Carr University, was chosen from 39 applicants for the position, which runs October 2022 through November 2024. Funded by the City’s Art in Public Places reserve fund, the position gives professional artists in the fields of music, literary arts, visual media, and performance and an opportunity to work collaboratively with the community and city staff. Craig succeeds previous appointees Luke Ramsay (2016-2018) and Kathryn Calder (2019-2021).
During her career in Victoria, Craig has worked in various capacities with Dance Victoria, Open Space Arts Society, and the Art Gallery of Victoria, among others. “I am excited about the process of making art and working collaboratively to create performances that share agency with other artists, as well as create opportunities for audiences to participate by becoming activators and storytellers,” Craig said in a statement.
“The opportunity to serve as the artist in residence for the City of Victoria will assist me in bringing art to public spaces where people are every day. I look forward to creating alongside you all.”
Craig will meet the public at 6 p.m. on Nov. 22, for an artist talk and demonstration held at City Hall. For more information, visit victoria.ca/artistinresidence.
