Saint John Community Arts Board announces new artists-in-residence

The Saint John Community Arts Board has announced its selection for the City’s winter/spring 2024 artists-in-residence. Dan Xu, David Adams, and Caroline Bell began their residency in December.

Chinese-Canadian visual artist Dan Xu creates ink-wash paintings inspired by her culture. Xu passionately crafts a fusion of ancient Chinese techniques with Canadian landscapes and will take inspiration from Saint John’s historic architecture while in residency.

Violinist David Adams project, “River’s Melody” is centered around the Wolastoq (St. John River). Adams project includes open workshops on song writing and music composition led by guest composers. Adams will draw inspiration from the Wolastoq (St. John River) history, incorporating First Nations folklore, and hosting educational engagements and community showcases, contributing to the rich cultural exploration.

Saint John-native Caroline Bell is an actor, creator, and playwright. Bell has toured internationally with the Atlantic Repertory Company, provincially with Theatre New Brunswick, and locally as an ARC Artistic Resident. Recent projects include bilingual devised creation with Satellite Théâtre, reading new work at PARC’s Playwright Cabaret, and her feature film debut as Olive in Strike Picture’s “Do I Know You From Somewhere.”

The public will have the opportunity to visit Xu, Adams, and Bell on site, actively participate in their creative processes and take part in public events this spring. More details on these events will be shared once they are available. 

The Artist in Residence is funded by the Saint John Community Arts Board through the City of Saint John. For more information about the program, visit: https://saintjohn.ca/en/arts-and-culture/community-arts-funding-and-artist-residence-programs